Musk says Tesla is expanding Austin robotaxi service and adding Grok 'next week at the latest'

In a recent announcement, Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, revealed plans to broaden the company's robotaxi service area while integrating the latest version of xAI's Grok chatbot into Tesla vehicles. Following the news, Tesla's stock saw a modest increase of approximately 3%. Musk shared on his social media platform, X, that Grok—his artificial intelligence chatbot, which has faced significant controversy for its past inflammatory comments—will be available in Tesla cars as early as next week. The update for Grok, known as version 4, was officially launched by xAI amid ongoing criticism regarding the chatbot's previous remarks. Additionally, Musk confirmed the expansion of the robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, set to take place this weekend. The CEO also mentioned that Tesla is anticipating regulatory approval for a new service launch in the Bay Area, expected within the next couple of months. This announcement comes during a tumultuous period for Musk and Tesla, as the company prepares for its annual shareholder meeting scheduled for November 6. Recently, a coalition of investors urged Tesla to arrange this important meeting after a hiatus since June 2024. Musk’s involvement in politics has become increasingly public, as he has emerged as a significant supporter of former President Donald Trump's reelection efforts. After resigning from the Department of Government Efficiency—known as DOGE—Musk has engaged in a public dispute with Trump regarding a controversial tax bill, with the former president suggesting a review of government contracts with Musk's companies. Concerns over Musk's political affiliations and the ongoing competition in the electric vehicle market have impacted Tesla's stock, which has declined significantly since its post-election peak. The company recently lost $68 billion in market value, exacerbated by Musk's criticism of Trump's policies and his announcement of a new political party, the 'America Party.' The situation worsened further when Linda Yaccarino stepped down as CEO of X after a challenging tenure, adding to the uncertainty surrounding Musk's ventures.