Tesla's Robotaxi Dream Hits Wall Of Distrust—Waymo Cruises Ahead

Core Viewpoint - Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology is facing significant consumer skepticism, with many viewing it as a liability rather than an asset, contrasting sharply with the public perception of competitors like Waymo [1][2]. Consumer Sentiment - Nearly half of U.S. consumers believe FSD should be illegal, and buyers are more than twice as likely to avoid Tesla due to this feature [1] - A significant 70% of Americans prefer autonomous vehicles to utilize both LiDAR and cameras, as opposed to Tesla's cameras-only approach, which only has 3% support [2] - 71% of respondents want the government to mandate a dual-system setup for autonomous vehicles [2] Trust and Brand Perception - Tesla's brand trust has declined, with consumers now ranking it as less safe and family-friendly compared to competitors like Toyota and Honda [3] - Two-thirds of survey participants believe Tesla should be held legally responsible for accidents related to FSD or Autopilot [4] Consumer Expectations - Nearly 80% of consumers want advertisements to demonstrate proper usage of FSD, emphasizing the need for hands on the wheel [4] - Only 4% of buyers feel that FSD significantly increases their likelihood of purchasing a Tesla, while almost 30% feel it decreases their likelihood [4] - Consumers are prioritizing accountability, affordability, and reliability over the allure of innovation [5]