When Tesla unveiled its latest product strategy, it spoke a lot about the importance of self-driving systems and AI-based smart car solutions. That may sound like marketing speak, but with the Netherlands now formally recognizing the company’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system as street-legal, things appear to be looking up for the struggling EV maker.
In a conclusion quoted by Reuters, the Dutch authorities point out that all Tesla vehicles equipped with the FSD(S) can now be driven in semi-autonomous mode both in cities and on highways. Since the feature is not yet complete, drivers are still obligated to stay aware at all times and be ready to intercept the controls if things go wrong.
RDW, the country’s regulatory body for light passenger transports, adds that Tesla did a good job with its autonomous tech. It even goes as far as to say that FSD(S) is capable of improving traffic safety when used properly, rather than the other way around. According to RDW, other EU countries would do well to greenlight the technology themselves in the near future.
The news bears at least two positive implications for Tesla. First, the company may be able to recover some sales in Europe after its recent plunge. The sales were down almost 90% in Norway last year, with other countries showing less extreme decline but a decline nonetheless. Second, Tesla’s next big product is supposed to take the shape of an AI-steered taxi cab known as the Cybercab. Having an advanced and mature enough autopilot system should help that one take off.
