Tesla’s launch of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) package in China has hit a regulatory hurdle just days after its release, as Chinese authorities introduced new restrictions on the use of autonomous driving terminology.
In February, Tesla rolled out the first version of its FSD package in China for owners of vehicles equipped with the latest Hardware 4.0 (HW4). Until now, Tesla had prioritized the North American market for FSD deployment, making the China launch a notable move in the company’s global expansion strategy.
However, shortly after Tesla introduced FSD in China, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) issued updated guidelines that effectively halted the rollout. On Sunday, MIIT held a meeting with automotive industry stakeholders and presented new standards for the launch and communication of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features.
According to Chinese EV media outlet cnEVpost, MIIT requested that automakers refrain from using terms like autonomous driving, self-driving, smart driving, or advanced intelligent driving. Instead, manufacturers were instructed to use the term composite assisted driving. In response, Tesla rebranded its FSD function in China from Full Self-Driving to Intelligent Assisted Driving.
MIIT further emphasized that manufacturers must clearly explain the limitations of their systems and associated safety measures. The ministry banned exaggerated or misleading advertising and demanded strict adherence to production consistency and quality assurance responsibilities. Automakers were also instructed to improve transparency in information disclosure and to enhance the safety standards of intelligent connected vehicle products.
China’s ADAS market has recently become increasingly competitive, with companies like Tesla, BYD, Xiaomi, and Huawei all launching similar systems. Concerns over safety and misleading marketing have grown, especially following reports of serious accidents involving Xiaomi’s ADAS system and driver error incidents with Tesla vehicles.
