In a significant development in the tech industry, Tesla’s stock price surged 8.23% to $348.68 after the company announced its Robotaxi debut in Austin, Texas. The electric vehicle maker has launched a limited rollout of its self-driving “Robotaxi” fleet, with customers paying a flat fee of $4.20 per ride.
Tesla’s Robotaxi Launch
The Robotaxi service, which has been in development for years, marks a significant milestone for Tesla’s autonomous driving ambitions. Despite facing skepticism and regulatory scrutiny, Tesla’s stock price has responded positively to the news, with Elon Musk’s net worth increasing by $15 billion. Analysts have expressed mixed views on the launch, with some praising the event while others are waiting for more data on the service’s performance.
Regulatory Scrutiny
However, the launch hasn’t been without controversy. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reached out to Tesla after online videos showed incidents of Tesla’s robotaxis violating traffic laws. Tesla has argued that its answers to questions on the safety of its robotaxi deployment in Texas are confidential business information and should not be made public.
Apple’s Potential Acquisition of Perplexity
Meanwhile, tech giant Apple is reportedly in talks to acquire artificial intelligence startup Perplexity. This potential deal could strengthen Apple’s AI capabilities, which have been lagging behind its competitors. While details of the acquisition remain scarce, it would mark a significant move by Apple to bolster its AI portfolio.
Market Impact
Tesla’s stock surge has been notable, with the company’s market capitalization standing at $1.04 trillion. Apple’s stock price, on the other hand, has seen a modest increase of 0.25% to $201.50, with a market capitalization of $3 trillion.
As the tech industry continues to evolve, these developments will be closely watched by investors and analysts alike. Will Tesla’s Robotaxi service prove to be a game-changer in the autonomous driving space? Can Apple successfully integrate Perplexity’s AI capabilities into its products? Only time will tell.
