Chongqing- The electric-car giant Tesla presented its new products, Model X Plaid and Tesla Bot, in Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality on December 8, as a leg of Tesla X Plaid's nationwide tour following its debut at the fifth China International Import Expo. 

"Though the combination display of car and robot, we would like to let more people know that beyond a vehicle brand, Tesla is an artificial intelligence and energy company," said Sun Jiaze, regional general manager of Tesla. "We hope to show our latest achievements in electric vehicles, automatic assisted driving technology, and artificial intelligence applications."

Surprising interior and intelligent interaction

Launched in 2015 and delivered in China one year later, Model X is the first electric seven-seat SUV in the world and a leading sci-fi vehicle of the era. The Model X Plaid, as an update to Model X, represents the new technology and ultimate experience in manufacturing electric intelligent vehicles.

One of the features highlights the interior and intelligent interaction, allowing the new Model X to automatically close the driver's door by gently stepping on the brake. The vehicle's shift can be operated by sliding the screen, and the Autopilot sensor can change the gearshift independently.

In addition to the new model car, Tesla showcased its robotic product, Tesla Bot, which can accurately perceive the surrounding environment and submit it to system analysis for action decision-making and communication.

Tesla Bot can take the place of human beings to complete repetitive work, freeing them to do more creative actions. In the future, the vision of Tesla Bot is to enter households and complete more advanced tasks, including cooking, lawn building, and elderly care. 

Optimistic about NEVs in Chongqing

"Chongqing's strengths in the automotive industry are evident to all," said Sun.

Sun continued Chongqing's car ownership is at the forefront of the country, and the public's awareness and enthusiasm for new energy vehicles (NEVs) has increased in recent years, especially since the NEVs are excluded in Chongqing's driving restriction policy.

Sun predicted an optimistic prospect of the NEVs' development in Chongqing as its sales penetration rate has already exceeded the expected growth rate. 

This year, Chongqing announced new plans to build a world-class industrial cluster for intelligent connected vehicles (ICV) and NEVs, aiming that Chongqing's ICV and NEV output will account for more than 10% of China's total in three years. In 2030, Chongqing expects to nurture one to two globally renowned ICV and NEV brands.

With a host of industry-leading enterprises gathered, Chongqing has served as one of China's critical auto manufacturing bases. In the field of NEVs, more companies will set up their third factories in Chongqing, including Seres AITO, Ford Mustang, Geely Polestar, and Li Auto.

(Tan Jingyue, as an intern, also contributed to this report.)