Tesla Starts Rolling Out Autopilot Features
- CEO Musk says electrification, autonomy profound innovations
- Newer sedans add lane-keep assist, side-collision warning
Tesla Motors Inc. will begin rolling out the first version of its highly anticipated Autopilot features to some owners of its all-electric Model S sedan Thursday. Autopilot is a step toward the vision of autonomous or self-driving cars, and includes features like automatic lane changing, auto steering and the ability to parallel park itself.
When equipped with version 7.0 of Tesla’s software, a Model S can change lanes with the flick of a turn signal, parallel park on its own or help drivers steer in basic highway use. It also includes side-collision warning and a new look to the screens and digital gauges. Model S cars made in the last year will have their software updated over the air during the next several days, Chief Executive Officer ElonMusk told journalists Wednesday.