Tesla CEO Elon Musk revealed plans to phase out the Model S and Model X electric vehicles this year during a call with investors. This shift is part of a larger company strategy to focus on robotaxis and humanoid robots, coinciding with the retooling of a California factory for Optimus robot production. While the Model S and Model X played a crucial role in the early adoption of electric vehicles and Tesla’s growth, sales have recently slowed due to increased competition and other factors. Musk also noted that despite the change in production, Tesla would continue to support existing vehicles.
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KitKat, a cherished cat known for his friendly demeanor at Randa’s Market in San Francisco’s Mission District, tragically died after being struck by a Waymo robotaxi on October 27th. Witnesses reported that the cat was sitting near the stationary vehicle before it pulled away, resulting in the fatal incident. The community has expressed deep sadness, with Waymo offering condolences and a donation to an animal rights organization. This event highlights previous encounters of autonomous vehicles with animals, raising further safety concerns.
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The UK’s Department for Transport has significantly delayed the European rollout of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, imposing restrictions that limit its functionality. These restrictions, stemming from safety concerns, primarily curtail automated maneuvers beyond highway driving and mandate driver hand-on-wheel operation. This decision contrasts with Tesla’s plans and projections, impacting the company’s sales and potentially delaying the launch of its robotaxi service. The UK’s approach reflects a phased implementation strategy prioritizing safety, while Tesla contends that the regulatory hurdles hinder European competitiveness.
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John Q. Hosedrinker