Tesla's getting ready to release an improved Smart Summon

Tesla will soon release an improved version of Smart Summon

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Tesla's Smart Summon is nearing a significant upgrade. According to Elon Musk, Actually Smart Summon, yes, with the acronym ASS, is nearing completion. The CEO was asked if Full Self Driving (FSD) Version 11 would include the feature; Musk tweeted: Going without saying that we all want ASS (Actually Smart Summon) ASAP!!

Enhancing Smart Summon

He's right. ASS would change how many Tesla owners interact with their vehicles daily and move the brand further ahead of the competition. ASS would be an enhanced version of the Smart Summon that is currently available. By pressing the Summon button on the Tesla app, the vehicle will use the smartphone's GPS coordinates to find its driver. This feature has the potential to be a game changer for people who have to walk through cold, deserted parking lots late at night. It will help increase convenience as well as safety, however, it has a long way to go from its current implementation.

Smart Summon in Action

Is Park Seek Included?

It's unclear if the improved version of Smart Summon will just be an enhancement to what's available or if it will include Park Seek. It's been referred to as Reverse Summon for years, but now named Park Seek enables a Tesla to drop off its occupants, including the driver, and then go park all by itself. While the driver doesn't need to be in the vehicle while it finds a parking spot, they can pick preferred spaces. There will be three modes in Park Seek: closest to the entrance, near a cart return, and at the end of the parking lot.

Autopilot Team Believes its Program is Ready

Tesla's Autopilot team spoke in detail during A.I. Day 2022 about advancements in Full Self Driving, including navigating parking lots. A lot of the improvements came through developing a single stack, or one code base, to operate the car on highways, city streets and parking lots.

Tesla's director of the Autopilot program, Ashok Elluswamy, said, "FSD beta software is quite capable of driving the car. It should be able to navigate from parking lot to parking lot, city street driving, stopping for traffic lights and stops signs, negotiating with objects at intersections, making turns and so on."

Paril Jain, the Manager of Autopilot Motion Planning, added timelines to the program "we do expect to also include the parking lot stack as a part of the FSD stack before the end of this year. So, that will basically bring us to you sitting in the car in the parking lot and drive till the end of the parking lot, at a parking spot, before the end of this year."

FSD Version 11, with a single stack, started to roll out on November 11 at 11:11. Musk said it would take a few weeks before it goes to Beta and then a few more weeks before it goes for a wide release to the United States and Canada. If and when that happens, there will be more than 1 million FSD users. Those users will also be able to have their Tesla pick them up and drop them off.

Tesla to Reveal Master Plan Part 3 at Investor Day

Tesla's Investor Day will take place on March 1, 2023

Tesla

Tesla's upcoming Investor Day event is attracting attention as the electric vehicle maker gears up for the event. Elon Musk has confirmed he will release the Master Plan Part 3 during the event, scheduled to take place at Giga Texas, on March 1, 2023.

True to Tesla's tradition of incorporating Easter eggs into high-profile events and products, the Investor Day invitation features a textured background in both the invitation and the event's graphic shared by Elon Musk on Twitter. Upon close examination, the textured background appears to be composed of vehicle bodies used for manufacturing, aligning with Elon Musk's comments about scaling as a critical component of Master Plan Part 3.

What to Expect from Tesla's Upcoming Event

Elon Musk has not disclosed specific details about Master Plan Part 3. Still, he has previously hinted that it will focus on scaling Tesla's operations to an extreme size and incorporating Artificial Intelligence into the company's operations. The CEO has also stated that the plan will encompass his other ventures, such as SpaceX and The Boring Company.

In March 2022, Elon Musk announced that he was working on Master Plan Part 3, which would outline Tesla's future strategy and how the company plans to scale its operations to a global level and incorporate AI. The CEO has also confirmed that Master Plan Part 3 will include sections related to his other companies, such as SpaceX and The Boring Company.

The Future of Tesla and Beyond

The first Master Plan, released by Elon Musk in 2006, outlined Tesla's strategy to become a mainstream EV automaker that produces more than just Roadsters, but vehicles more like the Model S. The plan also touched on the potential for electric vehicle owners to use renewable energy sources, such as solar power, to charge their cars.

Ten years later, in 2016, Elon Musk released Master Plan, Part 2, which focused on expanding Tesla's vehicle offerings into heavy-duty trucks, pickups, and urban transportation. The plan also highlighted Autopilot, the development of a Robotaxi Network, Tesla Energy and solar products.

Musk's focus on scaling Tesla's operations to an extreme size led many to believe the Master Plan Part 3 will include reasons why the company may launch a much cheaper model, expected to be around $25,000. Tesla's Q4 and FY 2022 updates confirmed that the next-generation vehicle platform is under development, and the company will provide further details about the car at Investor Day.

Tesla Gears Up for European Launch of Tesla Insurance As Expansion Continues

You can manage Tesla Insurance payments, coverage and claims directly in Tesla app

Tesla

Tesla has continued its expansion into the insurance market, with its sights set on Europe. The automaker, known for its electric vehicles, established its European insurance branch in Malta in December 2020 but has yet to offer specific insurance services to European drivers. But that is about to change.

Tesla's Job Posting Indicates Progress Towards European Launch

Recently, Tesla advertised for a Legal Counsel position specializing in insurance for the European market, with the work based at the company's London headquarters. The individual will be tasked with building and leading the in-house legal function of the insurance company as it operates cross-border in Europe, navigating the complex legal and regulatory landscape of insurance in Europe.

In March 2022, Tesla registered its European insurance operations at its London headquarters at 109 Devonshire Road. In addition, the company has utilized other insurance programs in the UK and Europe to provide driver coverage through partnering insurance companies. Still, it has also launched its in-house insurance program in the United States and continued expanding its offering. Tesla uses real-time data on driving behavior to determine rates. It is now available in 12 states, excluding California.

Tesla's Focus on Europe After US Expansion

Tesla Insurance reported an annual premium run rate of $300 million as of the end of 2022 and growth of 20 percent a quarter. During the fourth quarter earnings call in 2021, the company revealed that Tesla's next target would be Europe after focusing on expansion in the United States.

Although the company has not yet announced a specific launch date for its insurance services in Europe, the recent job posting and the registration of the European insurance operations in London indicate that Tesla is making progress toward offering the service to European customers. In early 2022, Tesla's CFO, Zachary Kirkhorn, suggested that the company might launch insurance in Europe by the end of the year, dependent on the progress of the insurance launch in the United States.

Launch of Tesla Insurance in Europe by 2023

It's no secret that CEO Elon Musk has been optimistic with some of his previous timelines. Still, recent statements indicate that the launch of Tesla Insurance in Europe could happen as early as 2023. A successful Legal Counsel candidate will play a key role in ensuring that the company can navigate the unique challenges and opportunities of the European insurance market and deliver on its promise of rethinking the insurance customer experience.