Tesla Partners With Baidu for Lane-Level Navigation Upgrade in China

By Thea Felicity

Jun 07, 2024 12:17 PM EDT

Investigation Continues Into Tesla Driver's Death While In Autopilot Mode
NEW YORK, NY - JULY 05: The inside of a Tesla vehicle is viewed as it sits parked in a new Tesla showroom and service center in Red Hook, Brooklyn on July 5, 2016 in New York City. The electric car company and its CEO and founder Elon Musk have come under increasing scrutiny following a crash of one of its electric cars while using the controversial autopilot service. Joshua Brown crashed and died in Florida on May 7 in a Tesla car that was operating on autopilot, which means that Brown's hands were not on the steering wheel.
(Photo : Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Tesla has rolled out a software update for its in-car navigation system in China, enhancing its functionality with lane-level guidance, according to Reuters. 

The update announced on Tesla's official WeChat account aims to reduce reliance on smartphone applications while driving. Although Tesla did not specify the provider of the lane-related mapping service, it's reported by Shanghai Securities News that Baidu is the map supplier. 

The Baidu Maps V20 update, introduced as part of the software update, is expected to significantly enhance driving safety and experience. With its lane-level navigation, the update provides detailed road information and lane recommendations, making driving in China a more informed and safer experience. 

While several Chinese users complain about the detail of the in-car navigation map compared to smartphone maps, Tesla has not yet responded. Instead, Baidu will offer its services to improve customer experience. 

At the moment, Tesla is working on introducing its 'Full Self-Driving' (FSD) software system in China, acknowledging the importance of accurate navigation maps, which are currently being widely used in China to provide traffic information to human drivers.

READ MORE: Tesla Senior Executive To Be Relocated to China Following More Declining Sales

Tesla in China

Despite some reservations about Tesla's collaboration with a Chinese company like Baidu, such partnerships could also be advantageous for Tesla's market dominance in China. 

Using Baidu's expertise and infrastructure, Tesla can enhance its navigation system to better cater to Chinese consumers, potentially improving its competitiveness against local electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, given that Tesla has faced challenges in the Chinese market, including sales decline amidst growing competition.

READ NEXT: China's Nio Unveils First Car of New Brand 'Onvo' That'll Be About $4,000 Cheaper Than Tesla's Best-Selling Model Y

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