Tesla faces protests in Austin over Musk's robotaxi plans

Core Viewpoint - Tesla is facing significant public opposition regarding its upcoming robotaxi service launch in Austin, Texas, scheduled for June 22, 2025, primarily due to safety concerns related to its automated driving systems [1][2]. Group 1: Public Opposition - Public safety advocates and political protesters have united in Austin to express their concerns about Tesla's robotaxi service, criticizing Musk's collaboration with the Trump administration and the safety of Tesla's driving systems [2]. - The Dawn Project, Tesla Takedown, and Resist Austin are among the groups voicing their discontent, highlighting safety issues with Tesla's partially automated driving systems [2]. Group 2: Safety Concerns - Tesla's vehicles come with a standard Autopilot package and a premium Full Self-Driving (FSD) option, which have been involved in numerous collisions, including fatal incidents, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [3]. - Critics demonstrated the FSD technology by showcasing a Model Y vehicle that failed to stop for a school bus with a stop sign, running over a child-sized mannequin [4][5]. Group 3: Transparency Issues - Protesters have raised concerns about Tesla's lack of transparency regarding safety testing results and the operational details of its robotaxi service [6][7]. - Attendees of the demonstration expressed distrust in Tesla's safety standards and criticized Musk's political involvement, emphasizing that safety remains the primary concern [6].