Tesla's latest move has sparked controversy among its fans and critics alike. The electric vehicle giant has removed Autosteer from its Model 3 and Model Y trims, leaving customers with a stripped-down version of its Autopilot system.
But here's the twist: this change isn't just about removing a feature; it's part of a strategic shift in Tesla's business model. The company is pushing buyers towards its Full Self-Driving (FSD) subscription, which costs a hefty $99 per month. This subscription model is a significant departure from Tesla's previous approach, where the Autopilot suite was included in the vehicle's tech stack.
The change was first introduced with the 'affordable' Standard trim in October, and now it's being rolled out to all new Model 3 and Model Y trims. When ordering these vehicles, customers will notice that Autosteer, the lane-centering feature, is no longer part of the package. Instead, they'll have Traffic Aware Cruise Control (TACC), which controls acceleration and braking, but not the steering.
And this is where it gets confusing. Tesla's website still lists Autosteer as included with all trims except for the Standard versions of Model 3 and Model Y. However, when configuring a new vehicle, Autosteer is noticeably absent from the final order page, regardless of the trim level. This inconsistency has left many customers scratching their heads.
CEO Elon Musk has hinted at the reason behind this move, stating that the cost of FSD will increase as its capabilities improve. This suggests that Tesla is not only changing its packaging structure but also planning to raise the price of the FSD subscription. But is this a fair move, especially when other car manufacturers offer similar features as standard?
Online reactions have been mixed. Some users feel that Tesla is taking a step backward, while others speculate that this is a strategy to boost FSD subscriptions. With Musk's $1 trillion CEO Performance Award on the line, which is tied to FSD subscription targets, it's no surprise that Tesla is exploring new ways to increase demand. But is it at the expense of customer satisfaction?
This move raises questions about the future of Tesla's driver-assistance features and the company's commitment to providing cutting-edge technology. Will Tesla continue to innovate, or will it prioritize profitability over customer expectations? The debate is sure to spark passionate discussions among automotive enthusiasts and Tesla fans alike.
