Tesla adding Grok AI chatbot to its cars in the UK, Europe amid regulatory probes

Core Viewpoint - Tesla is integrating xAI's Grok, an AI chatbot, into its vehicle infotainment systems across Europe, aiming to boost interest in its electric vehicles amidst declining sales [1] Group 1: Sales Performance - Tesla's electric vehicle sales in Europe have declined by 27%, despite a strong overall market for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), which accounted for 17.4% of the market in 2025 [2] - Competitor BYD has gained market share in Europe with more affordable EV models [2] Group 2: Brand Perception - The decline in Tesla's appeal is attributed to a lack of affordable new models and negative consumer sentiment linked to Elon Musk's political rhetoric and endorsements of controversial figures [3] Group 3: Technology Integration - Tesla is not alone in adding chatbot features; Volvo is also integrating a Google Gemini-based AI assistant into its vehicles [4] - Tesla invested $2 billion into xAI, which was later acquired by SpaceX, valuing the combined entity at $1.25 trillion [4] Group 4: Regulatory Concerns - Grok has faced regulatory scrutiny in multiple regions due to its ability to generate harmful content, including deepfake images and hate speech [5][6] - Concerns have been raised about Grok's safety features, particularly regarding access for minors and the potential for driver distraction [7][8] Group 5: Industry Standards - There is a lack of industry benchmarks and standards for chatbot technology in vehicles, raising questions about their effectiveness and impact on driving behavior [9]