Tesla FSD turns off more U.S. consumers than its attracts, survey finds

Core Insights - Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology is perceived negatively by potential buyers, with more consumers indicating it would deter them from purchasing a Tesla rather than attract them [1][2]. Consumer Sentiment - A survey conducted by Slingshot Strategies, involving 8,000 Americans, revealed that only 14% believe FSD would increase their likelihood of buying a Tesla, while 35% feel it would decrease their likelihood [2]. - Additionally, 51% of respondents stated that FSD's availability would not influence their car buying decisions, and nearly half of the surveyed consumers think FSD technology should be illegal [2]. Sales Performance - Tesla is experiencing a sales slump attributed to an aging vehicle lineup and heightened competition, with European sales dropping by 40% in July compared to the previous year, marking the seventh consecutive month of decline [3]. Market Position - In the robotaxi sector, Tesla is trailing behind competitors such as Waymo and Baidu's Apollo Go, and is currently in the early testing phases of a ride-hailing service in Austin, Texas, and the San Francisco Bay Area [4]. Future Outlook - Elon Musk has emphasized that Tesla's future relies on its ability to deliver autonomous vehicles and related services, noting that a new variant of the Model Y launched in China may not begin production in the U.S. until late next year, and its future production is uncertain due to the self-driving developments in America [5].