Tesla targets June 12 launch for robotaxi service in Austin
Tesla is poised to begin its long-awaited robotaxi service in Austin on June 12, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing a person familiar with the matter.
The date has been discussed internally and could still change, the report added.
Tesla did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
Earlier this month, CEO
Elon Musk
said the EV maker is set to begin a test of its long-promised robotaxi service on schedule in Austin, Texas, by the end of June.
A successful
robotaxi trial
is crucial for Tesla as Musk has shifted the company's focus away from building a new, cheaper EV platform to launching the robotaxi service and its
Optimus humanoid robots
. Much of Tesla's valuation hangs on that bet.
Tesla sales have fallen worldwide with rising competition and as Musk faces a backlash for his political views and his role as an adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump.
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