Chongqing - Tesla, a global technology giant renowned for its intelligent electric vehicles (EVs), has captured attention with its intelligent driving assistance system, Full Self-Driving (FSD). A Bridging News reporter had the opportunity to test the system in Chongqing, known for its complex topography and dubbed the '8D Magic City' due to its intricate, multi-layered urban landscape.
The reporter drove a Model Y through various road conditions, including urban streets, highways, and mountain roads. The performance of the FSD exceeded expectations, showing smooth and steady handling when navigating tight turns, lane changes, and sudden obstacles.
However, the complexity of Chongqing roads poses challenges, with the system struggling to handle issues such as lane changes over solid lines and crossing road dividers. Despite these limitations, no current driver assistance system can fully address all such challenges.
On September 5, World Smart Industry Expo 2025 (WSIE 2025) opened in Chongqing with AI and related applications as the central theme. Tesla’s participation aligned perfectly with the event’s focus.
With WSIE 2025 providing an opportunity to showcase their products and engage with industry peers in China, Tesla presented a range of AI-powered products, including the humanoid robot Tesla Bot, the latest EV Model Y L, the unique electric pickup Cybertruck, and several other models.
The Tesla Bot garnered attention, with visitors lining up for photos and information from staff. According to the introduction, the humanoid robot integrates AI technology, enabling it to learn and perform tasks through simulated training, eliminating the need for real-world data adjustments.
Tesla’s third-generation humanoid robot is expected to be launched this year, with mass production slated for next year, aiming to produce 1 million units annually within five years.
Tesla’s EVs also attracted large crowds. The Y L, a six-seat version designed to accommodate multi-generational families, received considerable interest. Meanwhile, the Cybertruck, with its design, drew attention, although visitors could only view it from the outside as it has not yet been officially launched in China.
Traditionally, Tesla has prioritized product development over marketing, but its presence at WSIE 2025, an international exhibition in China, may highlight a growing focus on the Chinese market and local public relations.
Despite facing challenges in the Chinese market, where sales dropped by 13.6% during January to July 2025, totaling 432,000 vehicles, Tesla remains optimistic about its future prospects. Xiao Yao, representative of Tesla Chongqing, emphasized the company’s commitment to growth. “We are optimistic and eager to continue expanding, despite the market challenges,” he said.
In response to the evolving needs of Chinese consumers, Tesla has launched the six-seater Y L, tailored to fit the preferences of Chinese families. The vehicle’s market performance has surpassed expectations, with customer feedback proving positive. Xiao said that it took six days to increase the production capacity of Tesla’s Shanghai factory in the next one and a half months.
Tesla is also exploring opportunities in smaller cities and rural areas of China. Xiao highlighted that many consumers in lower-tier markets still lack understanding of EVs and the new energy sector. “There is still a lot of misunderstanding, with some customers concerned about the safety of EVs,” Xiao noted.
Many customers in these markets are not familiar with intelligent driving assistance. Xiao said that Tesla can offer an opportunity for hands-on experience of these technologies, helping to reshape public perceptions of consumption.