Summary
– Boris Johnson calls driverless cars the future after testing Tesla’s Full Self-Driving in LA
– Johnson’s column in Daily Mail recounts 45-minute FSD test drive with his family and a Tesla employee
– Concerns about potential issues at complex intersections led to mild confusion but overall the drive was smooth
– Tesla employee assures that the technology is continuing to improve and become more sophisticated
– This news comes ahead of Tesla’s robotaxi platform unveiling in August and expanding FSD software internationally
Article
Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson recently had a test drive of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system in Los Angeles, California, with his family. Johnson described the experience in a column for the Daily Mail, expressing his belief that driverless cars are the future, a view he did not hold previously. During the test drive, Johnson marveled at the car’s abilities to navigate busy city streets without any human intervention, highlighting the smoothness and precision of the steering.
Johnson also shared details about the test drive, including his concerns about the car’s performance at complex intersections. Despite a moment of confusion when the vehicle did not understand a pedestrian’s hand gesture, the overall experience was impressive to Johnson and his family. The Tesla employee accompanying them reassured them that the car’s capabilities will continue to improve over time, describing it as “incredible” and getting better with each update.
The test drive occurred as Tesla was preparing to unveil a robotaxi platform in August and expand its Full Self-Driving software beyond the U.S. market. The company recently received tentative approval for FSD in China and has been gaining traction in other markets as well. Johnson envisions a future where driverless vehicles are the norm, allowing passengers to engage in leisure activities or rest while the vehicle autonomously navigates the roads, promising a faster, quieter, and safer transportation experience.
The implementation of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving technology is a significant step towards realizing Johnson’s vision of driverless cars becoming the norm. With the potential for greater efficiency, reduced pollution, and improved safety, autonomous vehicles represent a transformative shift in transportation. Johnson’s positive experience with FSD reflects the growing acceptance and optimism surrounding self-driving technology, suggesting that it is not just a novelty but an essential component of future mobility solutions.
As Tesla continues to refine its Full Self-Driving system and expand its availability globally, more individuals and governments are likely to embrace autonomous vehicles as a viable mode of transportation. The endorsement of prominent figures like Boris Johnson further validates the potential of this technology to revolutionize the way we travel. With ongoing developments in autonomous driving technology, the future of transportation appears to be increasingly automated, paving the way for a new era of mobility and convenience.
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