Key Points:
- Elon Musk mandates installing and demonstrating Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system before vehicle deliveries in North America.
- FSD version 12.3.1 must be installed and activated, and customers must take a test ride to experience the system’s capabilities.
- The Tesla FSD system does not transform cars into fully autonomous vehicles. Drivers are required to remain attentive and prepared to intervene at any time.
- The company urges employees to sign up for additional shifts to facilitate end-of-quarter deliveries, aiming to avoid declining year-over-year delivery figures.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has implemented a new requirement for employees in North America: they must install and demonstrate the latest version of the company’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system before completing vehicle deliveries. In an email to staffers on Monday, Musk emphasized the importance of showcasing FSD’s capabilities to customers despite acknowledging potential delays in the delivery process.
Under the new directive, all Tesla vehicles delivered in North America must have FSD version 12.3.1 installed and activated. Customers will take a brief test ride to experience the system firsthand. Musk expressed confidence in FSD’s supervised functionality, noting that many underestimate its effectiveness.
While Tesla’s vehicles come equipped with a standard driver assistance system known as Autopilot, the FSD option offers advanced features for an additional $199 per month. However, it’s crucial to clarify that the Tesla FSD system does not transform cars into fully autonomous vehicles. Drivers are required to remain attentive and prepared to intervene at any time while using FSD or FSD Beta, as outlined in the Tesla owners’ manuals.
FSD Beta allows owners to test and provide feedback on newer driver assistance features, contributing to ongoing improvements in Tesla’s autonomous technology. In recent years, in response to safety concerns raised by regulatory authorities such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Tesla has implemented voluntary recalls to enhance the safety of its Autopilot, FSD, and FSD Beta systems.
In addition to the FSD mandate, Tesla is urging salaried and hourly workers to sign up for additional shifts to facilitate vehicle deliveries in the final days of the first quarter. While salaried employees do not receive extra compensation for delivery shifts, hourly workers are eligible for additional pay, typically billed to a sales and delivery cost center.
The pressure to maintain year-over-year delivery figures for the first quarter is evident, with independent researchers forecasting a potential decline in Tesla’s deliveries compared to the previous year. Amidst these challenges, Tesla’s shares have experienced a significant decline year-to-date, reflecting investor concerns about the company’s performance and market dynamics.
