Elon Musk Admits Lack of Interest from Automakers in Tesla’s Self-Driving Tech

Elon Musk recently acknowledged that no other vehicle manufacturers are looking to license Tesla’s “fully self-driving” (FSD) technology. This comes despite his earlier claims that discussions were happening and a deal was imminent. Meanwhile, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating Tesla’s FSD for its risky behavior, including instances of running red lights. Some Tesla owners are also reporting that their cars fail to recognize trains at railroad crossings.

In a recent post on X, Musk expressed his frustration over stalled discussions with traditional automakers, attributing the deadlock to “unachievable requirements.” He noted that despite his attempts to offer Tesla’s FSD for licensing, these companies are uninterested. He wrote, “It’s crazy… When Legacy Auto occasionally reaches out, they coldly discuss bringing FSD in five years to a small program with requirements that are impossible for Tesla; it feels pointless.”

This situation illustrates a significant divergence in how Tesla and other automakers approach self-driving technology. Tesla has opted for an aggressive deployment strategy, releasing “beta” software for customer validation, while traditional manufacturers generally prefer a more thorough validation process, focusing on safety and accountability.

The difference in strategies was evident earlier this year when Ford CEO Jim Farley dismissed the idea of using Tesla’s FSD, stating “Waymo is better.” Farley’s remarks seem linked to Musk’s earlier mention of negotiations with “major automakers.”

The hesitation among other automakers to adopt Tesla’s FSD might stem from multiple federal investigations and lawsuits related to Tesla’s self-driving systems. Reports have surfaced of Tesla vehicles operating in FSD mode failing to detect trains at crossings.

Italo Frigoli, a Tesla owner in north Texas, recounted a near-collision incident where his Tesla, operating in FSD, failed to recognize an oncoming train at a railroad crossing. “It felt like it was running into my arms,” Frigoli recalled. He had to slam on the brakes to avoid disaster. Video evidence supports his claims, and similar tests at the same location showed the software’s inability to detect trains.

Frigoli’s experience is not isolated. At least six Tesla drivers using FSD have reported similar issues at railroad crossings, with four providing video proof. Online discussions across Tesla forums and social media also reveal similar incidents, some dating back to mid-2023.

In October, Breitbart News reported that the NHTSA had initiated an investigation into Tesla’s FSD concerning hazardous driving practices.

NHTSA filings indicate reports of Tesla vehicles running red lights and driving in the wrong direction. While some cases led to collisions and injuries, no deaths have been reported so far. The agency noted multiple incidents where Tesla vehicles with FSD “entered intersections with red lights” and collided with other vehicles, particularly at a specific intersection in Maryland, prompting Tesla to take corrective measures.