Tesla Introduces ASS Feature in China as Monthly Sales Hit a Record High
US automaker Tesla has introduced the Actually Smart Summon (ASS) feature in China. According to CNEVPost, China’s Tesla ASS feature comes after the automaker had introduced the feature in the US, the Middle East, and Europe.
The full self-driving feature allows vehicles to drive autonomously from parking lots to locations within the driver’s vicinity. Tesla’s ASS feature comes with full self-driving and improved autopilot in the automobile maker.
Software Updates
In a message posted on Weibo, the US electric vehicle manufacturer said the new Tesla Summon feature will be pushed to car owners through software updates. Tesla’s Actually Smart Summon feature in China is part of its Enhanced Autopilot (EAP) and Full Self-Driving software.
This means the feature is not available to people who own the Basic Autopilot (BAP) software, which is free. In China, vehicle owners pay $8,790 to access Tesla’s Full-Self Driving software and about $4,395 for the Enhanced Autopilot software.
Expanding Access
Tesla launched the Actually Smart Summon feature in the US in September 2024. The company expanded its use in Europe and Middle East in November 2024. The company CEO Elon Musk first proposed the feature about two years ago.
Currently, the self-driving software is only available in the Tesla Vision model and does not rely on sensors. In China, most EV models from local car manufacturers are fitted with the Actually Smart Summon feature.
Enticing Buyers
Tesla vehicles are seen to lag behind in their smart cockpit and smart driving technology compared to local Chinese automobile manufacturers. However, this has not affected the popularity of Tesla vehicles in the company.
Tesla has been deliberate in enticing Chinese buyers into getting its self-driving software. The company has offered consumers who buy Tesla cars through trade-in a 90 day free access to the Enhanced Autopilot software.
On November 5, 2023, the electric vehicle manufacturer offered customers who purchase a Tesla vehicle before December 3, 2024 a chance to win visits to its Shanghai factory. To qualify, customers must have made the purchase through trade-ins. Tesla produces Model 3 sedans and Model Y crossover in its Shanghai factory. The factory serves as the company’s export hub, allowing it to deliver orders for both local and international customers.
In November alone, the company sold about 73,490 vehicles in the Chinese market. The China Passenger Car Association reported this as the highest monthly sale for the company in 2024. Tesla’s retail sales for the January – November 2024 period stood at 574,175 vehicles. This was an 8.77% increase from the previous year.
