First Tesla to drive itself from factory to customer has parking error

The driverless Model Y, which left Tesla ’s Gigafactory in Austin, Texas, successfully crossed highways and city roads to its new owner’s apartment building. However, the vehicle was seen parked in a place where the sign “Fire lane – no parking” was posted. Although it is thought that Tesla may have received special permission for this parking area, if this did not happen, the autonomous vehicle violating traffic rules could create a serious image problem for the company.

SECURITY CONCERNS

The demonstration symbolized the fulfillment of one of Elon Musk’s big promises ahead of the launch of his robotaxi service, but it has raised concerns among the public and institutions. “Elon Musk has once again put showmanship ahead of public safety,” said Dan O’Dowd, CEO of the Dawn Project, an independent group working on automotive safety.

PUBLIC SUSPICIONS INCREASED

Public skepticism about Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving” system, which already requires the driver to remain alert, has grown even more after a limited number of robotaxis began operating in Austin. Videos shared by users have shown vehicles braking for no reason, nearly hitting trucks or dropping off passengers in the middle of busy intersections. Footage of some robotaxis clearly violating traffic laws has included vehicles going 27 mph in a 15 mph zone or Teslas breaking lanes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has begun talks with Tesla following these developments. While no formal investigation has been opened yet, such contacts are usually the preliminary stages of an investigation.

IS IT REALLY A "FIRST IN HISTORY"?

Elon Musk described driverless delivery as “the first fully autonomous driving without anyone inside or remotely present.” However, CNBC disputes this claim. Rival company Waymo has been conducting fully autonomous tests on highways in Arizona since 2024, albeit only for company employees. Tesla has been known to “edit” promotional videos in the past. A 2016 promotional video showing the vehicle driving itself was later revealed to have been shot on a pre-mapped route and that the vehicle had an accident during the shoot.