Timing of the much-anticipated robotaxi release
Postponed from August to October
Controversy over past remarks was highlighted again
Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced on July 15 that he would postpone unveiling the robotaxi, a self-driving taxi, due to design changes. Significant modifications to the front design have pushed the public event to October 2024. Following this announcement, Tesla’s stock price dropped by about 6% but later recovered.
Musk previously teased the robotaxi in April 2024, garnering positive responses for its fully autonomous driving capability. The release date was initially set for August 8, 2024. However, with the unveiling now delayed by about two months, past instances where consumers were disappointed by Musk’s somewhat impromptu remarks are being highlighted again.
Confidence in the Cybertruck that can withstand even river water
The result was sinking into the water
He spoke highly of the Cybertruck, which became a hot topic for its future-oriented design. “Cybertruck will be waterproof enough to serve briefly as a boat, so it can cross rivers, lakes & even seas that aren’t too choppy,” he states on his X, confident in the Wade Mode that protects the Cybertruck from water.
However, there have been cases where people who believed in this and tested the Cybertruck by driving it on the river suffered a great failure. Performance may vary depending on the environment, but the general consensus is that it is exaggerated. The U.S. government warned through social media not to use Cybertruck as a boat.
Consumers Initially Excited About Affordable Electric Cars Now Say, “What Are You Talking About?”
In 2020, Elon Musk announced plans to develop the Model 2, an electric vehicle (EV) priced at an unprecedented $25,000. Consumers were enthusiastic about the prospect of an affordable EV. However, his remarks in 2022 came as a shock to many.
In January 2022, when asked about Model 2 at Tesla’s business performance announcement, Musk said, “There is currently no progress in developing a $25,000 electric vehicle.” That means there isn’t even a development schedule. Of course, stock prices plummeted. At the time, Wall Street warned that Musk’s remarks could lead to a continued decline in Tesla’s stock price.
Despite the CEO’s various controversies
Expectations for robotaxi remain
Elon Musk has been in the spotlight for various controversies, including remarks about the unveiling schedule of new vehicles and technologies and political remarks. This soon caused Tesla’s corporate reputation and stock price to fluctuate. Although the robotaxi was designed excitingly, some point out that it may be postponed again, and people’s expectations may fade.
However, Tesla is indeed serious about robotaxi. It was also reported that they were trying to do everything they could, such as applying for a patent for an automatic disinfection system or paying attention to detailed design. It is curious what efforts Musk will make to enter the self-driving taxi market, which is expected to reach close to $100 billion in size by 2030.
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