Apu Gomes/Getty Images News
Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) CEO Elon Musk had proposed testing the automaker's Full Self-Driving software in China through robotaxis during his surprise visit to the country last month, a state-owned newspaper reported, citing sources close to the matter.
The Chinese government is said to have offered partial support for the proposal. While FSD's rollout has not yet been approved, Chinese officials told Musk that Tesla (TSLA) is welcome to conduct some robotaxi tests in the country and hopes it can "set a good example."
Recall that Tesla (TSLA) plans to unveil its robotaxi on August 8, although analysts expect it will take years before the fleet becomes a major disruptor.
Tesla (TSLA) would still need approval to collect and transfer data in China to train its advanced driver assistance system, a hurdle that was not discussed in detail during Musk's China visit, according to China Daily.
According to a recent media report, Tesla (TSLA) reached a deal with Baidu (BIDU) to access its mapping license for data collection on Chinese roads. But a source close to Baidu told China Daily that he didn't see "any new deal related to FSD" between the companies.
Top deputy returns to China
Meanwhile, Musk is sending one of his trusted lieutenants back to China to lead operations there, Electrek reported. Tesla's (TSLA) former China head Tom Zhu, who's known internally as the "fireman" because of his troubleshooting prowess, has been credited with turning its Shanghai factory into one of its top performing plants.
Following his success in Shanghai, Zhu was promoted to head North American sales last year, making him second in command to Musk. The CEO took over North America sales in recent months, according to sources.
Zhu's planned move to China follows back-to-back layoffs and multiple executive exits, with Musk seen as isolating himself at the top.