Tesla Inc will display its Cybercab robotaxi at the Paris Motor Show that kicks off on Oct 12, according to the event’s organiser.
Visitors will be able to test drive six other Tesla vehicles featuring the US carmaker’s suite of driver-assist systems it markets as Full Self-Driving, Serge Gachot, director of the Paris show, said in a phone interview on Oct 6.
Although attendees won’t be able to ride in Cybercab, which has no steering wheel or foot pedals, it’s the first time the vehicle will be shown in Europe.
The Cybercab is seen as a key piece of Tesla’s plan to evolve beyond a maker of EVs into a leader of artificial intelligence products, including humanoid robots. Chief executive officer Elon Musk has pitched the vehicle as the eventual backbone of a vast robotaxi business reaching most of the US, vowing to eventually deploy thousands of the cars.
Other participants at the Paris auto show include Peugeot and Citroën owner Stellantis NV, which plans to showcase more than 60 vehicles from eight brands to highlight its comeback push being led by chief executive officer Antonio Filosa.
Rival Renault SA is expected to show about 50 vehicles and concept cars, including the overhauled electric Dacia Spring, which will be assembled in Europe to qualify for incentives favouring local production.
China’s BYD Co and Xpeng Inc as well as Germany’s Volkswagen AG are among the other manufacturers participating at the show.
BMW AG said earlier this year it would pull out of this year’s Paris car show as new CEO Milan Nedeljkovic cuts costs following a major profit warning. – Bloomberg
