Tesla is actively engaging European customers by providing free demonstration rides of its 'Full Self-Driving (Supervised)' system. This customer outreach program is unfolding across several key European nations, including Germany, France, and Italy, in anticipation of the technology's broader market release. The company is laying the groundwork for its FSD system's official debut in the region, which is slated for February 2026, pending regulatory clearances.
Tesla's European FSD Initiative and Market Dynamics
Throughout the remainder of the year, Tesla is hosting events in numerous German cities, such as Hannover, Berlin, and Frankfurt, alongside French hubs like Lyon and Paris, and Italian centers including Rome and Milan. These events are designed to showcase the FSD system's capabilities under real-world driving conditions, with a Tesla representative in the driver's seat and the customer observing from the passenger side. This direct engagement aims to build confidence and familiarity with the autonomous driving technology.
Simultaneously, the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW) has confirmed its collaboration with Tesla to evaluate and approve the FSD technology for European roads. While the RDW acknowledged Tesla's target deployment timeline of February 2026, specific details remain confidential due to their sensitive commercial nature.
Prominent Tesla investor Ross Gerber, co-founder of Gerber Kawasaki, has voiced his positive impressions regarding the advancements in FSD version 14.2, acknowledging its marked improvements over prior iterations. Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, has also hinted at the potential for unsupervised autonomy with the forthcoming FSD version 14.3, describing it as the pivotal element for achieving full self-driving capabilities.
Despite these technological strides and promotional efforts, Tesla's sales performance in Europe has encountered challenges. The company recorded 6,964 new vehicle registrations in October, marking a significant year-over-year decline of 48.5% compared to October 2024. Furthermore, year-to-date registrations from January to October totaled 180,688 units, representing a 29.6% decrease from the previous year's equivalent period.
On the financial front, Tesla exhibits strong momentum, satisfactory quality, and growth indicators, though its valuation is perceived as less favorable. The company's stock has demonstrated a positive price trajectory in both the medium and long term. As of the market close, TSLA shares saw an increase of 1.71%, reaching $426.58.
This strategic rollout of FSD demonstrations in Europe reflects Tesla's commitment to advancing autonomous driving, even as it navigates fluctuating market demand and regulatory complexities. The initiative is a crucial step in preparing European consumers and authorities for the widespread adoption of self-driving electric vehicles, underscoring the ongoing evolution of automotive technology and the future of mobility.