Tesla has officially launched its "Actually Smart Summon" feature in China, expanding its suite of autonomous driving capabilities. This feature allows Tesla vehicles equipped with Enhanced Autopilot (EAP) and Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology to autonomously navigate from parking areas to a designated spot within the driver’s line of sight. The announcement was made on Weibo, where Tesla emphasized that the feature would be available through over-the-air software updates. The launch follows the successful introduction of the feature in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, marking a significant step in Tesla's global rollout of its advanced driving technologies.

The Actually Smart Summon feature is designed to enhance convenience for Tesla owners by enabling their vehicles to autonomously drive out of parking spaces and navigate to a specified location nearby. Unlike previous iterations, this feature relies solely on Tesla Vision technology and does not utilize radar sensors. This approach aligns with Tesla's ongoing commitment to refining its autonomous driving capabilities while addressing safety concerns. In China, the FSD option is priced at approximately RMB 64,000 ($8,790), while EAP costs around RMB 32,000, making these advanced features accessible to a broader range of consumers.

In conjunction with the launch of Actually Smart Summon, Tesla is offering an enticing promotion for new customers. Those purchasing a Tesla vehicle through trade-ins will receive 90 days of free access to the Enhanced Autopilot package. This promotional strategy aims to incentivize potential buyers while enhancing their experience with Tesla's cutting-edge technology. The company has also been actively engaging with customers by providing opportunities to visit its Shanghai factory for those who purchased vehicles during a specified promotional period, further solidifying its presence in the Chinese market.

Despite facing stiff competition from local electric vehicle manufacturers that already offer similar smart summon features, Tesla continues to maintain strong sales figures in China. In November alone, the company sold 73,490 vehicles, marking its highest monthly sales this year. Throughout the first eleven months of 2024, Tesla's retail sales reached 574,175 units, reflecting an 8.77% year-on-year increase. This success indicates that consumers are still drawn to Tesla's brand and innovative technologies despite criticisms regarding its autonomous driving capabilities compared to local competitors. As the company continues to expand its offerings in China, it remains focused on enhancing user experience and addressing safety concerns associated with autonomous driving technologies.