California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his belief that autonomous driving is the future while visiting a Tesla car factory in Shanghai. He predicted that in 20 to 30 years, people will question why human drivers were allowed on the roads when self-driving technology could save lives.
Newsom’s remarks come in the wake of autonomous car company Cruise being suspended due to accusations of withholding information about a pedestrian accident. The governor voiced his support for the Department of Motor Vehicles’ decision to revoke Cruise’s ability to operate robotaxis in San Francisco, emphasizing the importance of keeping people safe.
The issue of autonomous vehicles has placed Newsom in the middle of a clash between technology companies and labor unions, with the governor siding with the former in September by vetoing a bill that aimed to ban autonomous trucks.
While Tesla’s cars have some self-driving capabilities, their claims about full self-driving capabilities have faced scrutiny from the DMV. Last year, Newsom signed a law preventing Tesla from advertising their vehicles as Full Self-Driving.
During his visit to the Tesla factory, Newsom observed the car assembly process and witnessed workers connect the bodies to the chassis, install windows, doors, and wheels, and drive the completed cars off the assembly line. The factory is known for its efficiency and is regarded as one of the most productive electric vehicle factories globally.
Electric vehicles play a significant role in Newsom’s clean energy plans. He signed an executive order in 2020 that will ban the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035, accelerating the shift toward electric vehicles in California. The governor’s trip to China also emphasized efforts to combat climate change, with a particular focus on electric vehicles.
While Newsom faced criticism for not fully addressing human rights issues during his trip to China, he stated that he did raise concerns during his meetings with top Chinese officials. When questioned about Tesla sourcing materials from a region in China with reports of forced labor, he admitted he was not well-versed enough to form an opinion on the matter.
As part of his visit, Newsom test-drove an updated version of Tesla’s Model 3 car. This experience marked the second time during his trip that he had the opportunity to try out a new vehicle. The governor showcased his enthusiasm as he drove the Tesla past the cameras documenting his visit.
In conclusion, Governor Newsom’s visit to the Tesla car factory in Shanghai solidified his belief in autonomous driving as the future. While facing regulatory challenges and controversies surrounding self-driving technology, Newsom remains committed to prioritizing safety while also promoting clean energy initiatives such as the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
