Tesla Disables Autopilot in Hong Kong; Musk Announces Ramping Up of Autopilot Software Team

According to recent reports, Hong Kong’s Transportation Department has demanded Tesla Motors Inc. to disable the autopilot features. Local traffic officials expressed their concern saying that it would distract the drivers in the city’s extremely congested traffic conditions.

In an email sent to owners of Model S, Tesla Motors said that to ensure compliance with Hong Kong’s regulations, the Autosteer and Auto Lane Change functions are being temporarily turned off as the functions (in the recent 7.0 software update) are still pending approval from the Hong Kong’s Transport Department.

“We are working with the Transport Department to obtain approval as quickly as possible. While the outcome of regulatory reviews cannot be guaranteed, we are optimistic and expect to receive final approvals soon”, the email read.

CEO Elon Musk today tweeted that the company will be “ramping up” the Autopilot software team for enabling generalized full autonomy. He also said they are looking for hardcore software engineers and that he will be interviewing people personally.

The company last month rolled out its new software version 7.0 that enables autopilot feature. However, Musk warned that the software is young and urged drivers to exercise caution with the self-driving features.