Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s unannounced visit to Beijing has stirred speculation about discussions on the rollout of Full Self-Driving (FSD) software and data transfer permissions, according to sources familiar with the matter. Chinese state media reported his meeting with Premier Li Qiang, who praised Tesla’s development in China as a successful example of US-China economic cooperation.
Musk, in response to queries on social media, indicated that Tesla may soon offer FSD to customers in China. This move comes as Chinese competitors like Xpeng aim to launch similar autonomous driving features. Musk is seeking approval to transfer data collected in China overseas to enhance autonomous driving technologies.
The visit, undisclosed publicly, involved meetings with government officials and discussions on the automotive industry’s advancements. Musk’s trip coincided with China’s auto show, where he acknowledged the progress of electric vehicles (EVs) in China, expressing optimism about their future. However, Tesla faces challenges, including an investigation by US auto safety regulators and a recent workforce reduction announcement.
Musk’s jet, registered to Falcon Landing, a company linked to SpaceX and Tesla, landed in Beijing, signifying the significance of his visit. Tesla’s presence in China, marked by its Shanghai factory, underscores its strategic importance in Tesla’s global operations.
Despite Tesla’s absence from the Beijing auto show, Musk’s discussions and engagements in China reflect the company’s ongoing efforts to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities in the world’s largest auto market.