Tesla to exhibit Cybercab robotaxi in China: can it spark buzz amid slow sales?

Tesla is facing weaker sales in China this year, but the American electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer is looking to generate a buzz in its second-largest market by exhibiting its new self-driving vehicle, the Cybercab.

The robotaxi – which operates entirely without a steering wheel, pedals or rear-view mirrors – would debut in major Chinese cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, starting mid-September in a showcase of product design and technological sophistication, according to Tesla China.

However, the company clarified that the Cybercab exhibition did not indicate the cars would be sold in China, nor that Tesla’s robotaxi business would operate there any time soon.

Still, industry observers and automotive dealers noted that the promotional tour could strengthen Tesla’s brand visibility in the world’s largest EV market, bringing potential longer-term benefits.

“It will convince thousands of visitors at Tesla showrooms that the company remains a global leader in autonomous driving,” said Steve Shi, a manager at Juchen Auto Trade, a China-based car service firm. “Despite facing stiff competition here, Tesla still has a large fan base in China who want to buy its cars.”

The Cybercab entered mass production at Tesla’s Texas Gigafactory in April. The two-seat model relies entirely on a self-driving system to navigate public streets without traditional manual controls.