Here's Why Elon Musk Chose August 8 As Tesla Robotaxi's Launch Date

After a follower on X, formerly Twitter, suggested that Tesla would host a robotaxi event on August 8, a date considered lucky in China, the tech billionaire confirmed the choice.

To recall, back in 2019, the company had hinted at operating robotaxis by 2020, but the plan didn't come to fruition.

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Tech billionaire Elon Musk, fresh from his trip to China, announced on Tuesday that he selected August 8 as the launch date for Tesla robotaxi service because number 8 is considered lucky in Chinese culture. Tesla's shares soared after news broke that Musk secured approval to roll out the company's Full Self-Driving (FSD) software in China, propelling the electric vehicle (EV) company's stock by over 15 per cent.

Musk Chooses Chinese Lucky Number To Host Robotaxi Event

After a follower on X, formerly Twitter, suggested that Tesla would host a robotaxi event on August 8, a date considered lucky in China, the tech billionaire confirmed the choice. "I did partly pick it because 8/8 is a lucky number in China! Also, it's the birthday of my triplets, who are now 17," posted the X owner.

Reports suggest that securing approval for Full Self-Driving (FSD) and finalising a significant data agreement with Chinese Internet giant Baidu represent major victories for the tech billionaire. Earlier this month, the Tesla CEO revealed that his electric car company will introduce its robotaxi service on August 8.

The announcement sparked excitement among his millions of followers. To recall, back in 2019, the company had hinted at operating robotaxis by 2020, but the plan didn't come to fruition.

It should be noted that Baidu, the Internet search giant in China, has struck a deal with Musk-owned EV maker Tesla, granting the car manufacturer access to its mapping license for gathering data on public roads in Chi

Musk Intends To Activate Full Self Driving In China

Musk aims to activate the Full Self Driving (FSD) feature in China, a market second only to the United States for the electric carmaker, according to a BBC report from April 28. Musk is currently in Beijing to discuss implementing autonomous driving mode on Tesla vehicles in China. He deferred his India visit and landed in China yesterday (April 28).

Xpeng and other automakers have been striving to rival Tesla by introducing comparable self-driving features in their vehicles. Musk has labeled Chinese car manufacturers as "the most competitive car companies in the world."

Meanwhile, Chinese Premier Li Qiang told Musk that China's huge market will always be open to foreign-funded enterprises.

na, according to two individuals familiar with the situation, news agency Reuters reported yesterday. This agreement marks the resolution of a regulatory obstacle for Tesla's driver assistance system, referred to as Full Self Driving (FSD), to be introduced in China, as per the sources.