🚗 What Just Happened?
- Robotaxi delay: Tesla didn’t launch its autonomous ride-hailing service in Austin this week. Elon Musk cited safety concerns, cautioning that the June 22 tentative launch date could shift further—emphasizing they’re “super paranoid about safety” .
- Public sightings: Model Y vehicles, bearing a “Robotaxi” logo and without drivers, have been spotted driving unsupervised in Austin. Surveillance footage captures them navigating intersections, suggesting final-stage testing in geofenced zones .
🆕 Surprise Launch: Refreshed Model S & Model X
Tesla quietly rolled out updated versions of its luxury sedans:
| Model | New Price (Long Range / Plaid) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Model S | $84,990 / $99,990 | Added front bumper cameras, active noise cancellation |
| Model X | $89,990 / $104,990 | Same upgrades + optional third‑row seating |
These “refreshed” vehicles showcase Tesla’s evolving tech—especially sensor hardware upgrades—while the robotaxi remains in the wings investors.com.
🔜 What’s Next?
- Robotaxi launch scheduled for June 22, pending final tests and regulatory sign-off .
- First unsupervised delivery: Musk says the first FSD-enabled car will drive itself from factory to a customer’s home on June 28.
- Why Austin? Tesla chose the city for its lower regulations and controlled environments—a springboard into other metro areas soon businessinsider.com.
🤔 Why It Matters
- Tech milestone vs. safety caution: Tesla edges closer to driverless autonomy—but remains transparent that safety is top priority.
- Data advantage: Real-world testing feeds enormous volumes of driving data into Tesla’s FSD AI, critical for rapid improvement .
- Regulatory momentum: The NHTSA is tightening its clearance path for driverless cars, and Tesla’s cautious staging aligns with broader industry trends .
- Investor reaction: Mixed—Tesla’s stock dipped slightly from the delay, yet remains supported by optimism around AI and robotaxi ambitions .
🧭 Bottom Line
Tesla’s robotaxi rollout is on the brink—but not here yet. The company is:
- Allocating a tentative June 22 launch in Austin—geofence-limited, monitored, and safety-first.
- Rolling out upgraded luxury models that incorporate new sensor tech.
- Aiming for autonomous factory-to-home deliveries by June 28.
- Carefully extending testing while regulators and investors watch closely.
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