Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, has recently made a significant change to the company’s vehicle delivery process in North America. Musk is now requiring employees to install and demonstrate the latest version of Tesla’s premium driver assistance system, known as “FSD,” before handing over new cars to customers. This new requirement aims to ensure that customers are familiar with and understand how to use the advanced features of the FSD system.
In an email to Tesla staff, Musk stated that it is mandatory to install and activate FSD V12.3.1 and take customers on a short test ride before completing the vehicle delivery process. While this change may slow down the delivery process, Musk emphasized the importance of showcasing the capabilities of the FSD system to customers. The FSD option, which costs $199 per month for most customers in North America, is an advanced driver assistance system that does not turn Tesla cars into fully autonomous vehicles.
Owners with FSD can also access the FSD Beta system, which allows them to test and provide feedback on new driver assistance features. However, it’s important to note that Tesla’s FSD system still requires drivers to remain attentive and be ready to take control of the vehicle at any time.
Additionally, Tesla is under pressure to avoid a decline in year-over-year deliveries for the first quarter. The company is asking salaried and hourly workers to sign up for additional shifts to help with vehicle deliveries in the last days of the quarter. While salaried employees do not receive extra pay for working delivery shifts, hourly employees are eligible for additional compensation.
In a memo to staff, Tesla encouraged employees to support the delivery process and help ensure a positive customer experience. The company is focused on meeting delivery targets and maintaining customer satisfaction as it faces challenges in the competitive electric vehicle market.
Overall, Elon Musk’s decision to require employees to demonstrate the FSD system to customers before vehicle delivery shows Tesla’s commitment to safety and customer experience. By ensuring that customers are familiar with the advanced features of the FSD system, Tesla aims to improve driver awareness and promote responsible use of its driver assistance technology.
Opinion:
In my opinion, Elon Musk’s decision to mandate the installation and demonstration of the FSD system before vehicle delivery is a positive step towards promoting safety and driver education. By requiring customers to experience the capabilities of the FSD system firsthand, Tesla can help enhance understanding and awareness of the technology’s limitations. This proactive approach to customer education can ultimately contribute to safer driving practices and improved user satisfaction. As Tesla continues to innovate in the electric vehicle market, initiatives like this demonstrate the company’s commitment to advancing technology responsibly.