Tesla is aggressively pursuing market expansion by reducing the price of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software to $8,000 in the U.S. and decreasing model prices by $2,000 in China amidst escalating competition.
Musk's Bold Move: FSD Price Cut to Capture More US Consumers
Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, is pushing the company's FSD driver assistant software harder, slashing the price from $12,000 to $8,000 in the U.S.
As per US News, Musk is betting on technology to turn the most valuable car company in the world into a cash cow. However, he has been unable to accomplish the aim of self-driving capabilities for years, and the technology is coming under increasing regulatory and legal scrutiny.
When Reuters revealed that Tesla had abandoned its low-cost, mass-market automobile in favor of robotaxis, Musk claimed that the company would reveal its robotaxis on August 8.
According to the Tesla website, customers can now pay $8,000 for the FSD feature or subscribe to use it for $99 a month.
Tesla's recent strategy in the U.S. to enhance customer engagement involves offering every Tesla owner a month of complimentary software subscription alongside a monthly fee reduction from $199. This move reflects the company's effort to boost value for its consumers amidst increasing market competition and a shifting focus towards service-oriented revenue.
Tesla Responds to Competitive Pressure with Strategic Price Reductions in China
In a parallel move indicative of its global market strategy, Tesla adjusted its pricing strategy in China. According to Reuters, the company has reduced prices by approximately $2,000 across all models.
This price adjustment comes as Tesla faces declining sales in the region and intense competition from more cost-effective Chinese electric vehicles, signaling a strategic shift to maintain its market presence in a highly competitive environment.
According to the official website of Elon Musk's electric vehicle manufacturer, the beginning price of the updated Model 3 in China has been lowered by 14,000 yuan ($1,930) to 231,900 yuan ($32,000).
Tesla lowered the starting price of the Model Y to 249,900 yuan, the Model S standard version to 684,900 yuan, and the Model S Plaid to 814,900 yuan. The price of the standard Model X is now 724,900 yuan, while the plaid model costs 824,900 yuan.
Photo: ün LIU/Unsplash