Tesla offers Full Self-Driving ride-alongs in Europe as it inches closer to regulatory approval

Core Insights - Tesla is intensifying efforts to launch its Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology in Europe, with ride-alongs scheduled in Germany, Italy, and France next month [1] - The company has faced challenges in rolling out FSD internationally, with expectations for regulatory approval from the Dutch regulator RDW by February 2026, although the timeline remains uncertain [2][3] - Tesla's sales in Europe have significantly declined, nearly 50% year-over-year in October, amid competition from BYD and backlash over CEO Elon Musk's political affiliations [5][6] Group 1: FSD Rollout Efforts - Tesla is offering FSD ride-alongs in select European countries to promote its self-driving technology [1] - The company has been testing FSD on European roads, showcasing its capabilities in cities like Rome and Paris [3] - Tesla employees have expressed frustration over the lengthy approval process required by Dutch regulators, emphasizing the critical nature of FSD approval for the company's leadership [4] Group 2: Regulatory Challenges - The Dutch regulator RDW has indicated a potential approval timeline for FSD by February 2026, but has cautioned that this schedule may not be met [2] - Tesla has encouraged European owners to contact the regulator to express their enthusiasm for FSD, prompting the RDW to request that fans refrain from contacting them [3] Group 3: Sales Performance - Tesla's sales in Europe have dropped significantly, with a nearly 50% decrease reported in October compared to the previous year [6] - The company faces stiff competition from BYD, which has seen its sales increase by over 200% in the same period [6] - CEO Elon Musk has criticized European regulatory processes, describing them as a "Kafkaesque" labyrinth that hinders Tesla's growth in the region [5]