We have still got a long way to go with autonomous vehicles. Tesla’s latest option struggles in simple, slow speed environments as David Brown reports
The non-profit organisation Consumer Reports has tested Tesla’s recently launched Smart Summon feature on their Model 3, and found that at times it worked intermittently, without a lot of obvious benefits for consumers.
Using a smartphone, owners can summon their vehicles to come pick them up, to help in everyday situations, such as to avoid walking across a parking lot in the rain or with an armful of groceries.
The Model 3 owner’s manual contains numerous warnings of Smart Summon’s limitations, including that it can’t be used on public roads and can’t detect all traffic or kerbs. Some owners have reported minor fender benders while using the feature in parking lots and at low speeds.
David’s boyhood passion for motor cars did not immediately lead to a professional role in the motor industry. A qualified Civil Engineer he specialised in traffic engineering and transport planning.
What followed were various positions including being seconded to a government think-tank for the planning of transport firstly in Sydney and then for the whole of NSW. After working with the NRMA and as a consultant he moved to being an independent writer and commentator on the broader areas of transport and the more specific areas of the cars we drive.
His half hour motoring program “Overdrive” has been described as an “informed, humorous and irreverent look at motoring and transport from Australia and overseas”. It is heard on 22 stations across Australia. He does weekly interviews with several ABC radio stations and is also heard on commercial radio in Sydney.
David has written for metropolitan and regional newspapers and has presented regular segments on metropolitan and regional television stations. David is also a contributor for AnyAuto
We have still got a long way to go with autonomous vehicles. Tesla’s latest option struggles in simple, slow speed environments as David Brown reports