Key Takeaways
- Tesla (TSLA) is initiating its Robotaxi service in California's Bay Area with a "chauffeur-style" approach, requiring human safety drivers due to current regulatory limitations, while autonomous operations will proceed outside California.
- A high-level delegation from the US-China Business Council (USCBC), led by FedEx (FDX) CEO Rajesh Subramaniam and including Boeing (BA) executives, is visiting Beijing amidst ongoing US-China trade negotiations, aiming to revive business discussions and improve bilateral relations.
- Russia claims to have downed 291 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones in a single operation, alongside two guided aircraft bombs and three Czech-made Vampire multiple rocket launch system projectiles, as the conflict continues with intensified aerial attacks.
Tesla's Robotaxi Service Launches in California with Chauffeur Oversight
Tesla (TSLA) has begun its highly anticipated Robotaxi service in the San Francisco Bay Area, though initial operations in California will include human safety drivers. This "chauffeur-style" service is being conducted under the authority of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), utilizing a variant of Tesla's supervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. Rides taken outside of California are expected to be conducted autonomously.
The company informed Robotaxi users of the new terms of service, detailing the launch in the Bay Area. While Tesla (TSLA) CEO Elon Musk indicated the company was obtaining regulatory permission for Robotaxi launches in several markets, including the Bay Area, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) confirmed that Tesla (TSLA) does not yet have the necessary permits for fully autonomous operations without a safety driver. The current permit allows Tesla (TSLA) to offer transportation services to "friends and family of employees" and "select members of the public" with a human driver in a "traditional vehicle" for "charter services." This approach allows Tesla (TSLA) to expedite the rollout while working towards full regulatory approval for driverless services.
US-China Business Council Delegation Visits Beijing Amid Trade Talks
A significant delegation from the US-China Business Council (USCBC) is currently in Beijing, engaging with senior Chinese officials. The delegation, led by FedEx (FDX) CEO Rajesh Subramaniam, who also chairs the USCBC board, includes executives from Boeing (BA) and USCBC President Sean Stein. This visit coincides with the latest round of US-China trade negotiations taking place in Sweden, where Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng is meeting with US officials.
The purpose of the visit is to promote commercial exchanges, address market barriers, and advance economic and policy priorities aimed at further opening and reforming China's market. It also seeks to support ongoing US-China dialogues and potentially revive broader business discussions between the two economic powers. Both Washington and Beijing are reportedly working towards securing a visit to China by US President Donald Trump in 2025.
Russia Claims Downing of 291 Ukrainian Drones
In the ongoing conflict, Russia's Defence Ministry has reported a substantial interception of Ukrainian aerial assets. According to the ministry, Russian air defense units successfully downed 291 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones in a single operation. Additionally, the ministry stated that two guided aircraft bombs and three projectiles from Czech-made Vampire multiple rocket launch systems were also intercepted.
The Russian Defence Ministry further claimed that Russian warplanes and drones conducted strikes on drone production facilities and control centers within Ukraine. This report highlights the continued intensity of aerial warfare in the region, with both sides employing drone technology extensively.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.