New York, Jan 24, 2026, 09:58 EST — The market has closed.
- Tesla shares closed Friday marginally lower, slipping 0.07% to $449.06.
- Tesla is nudging new buyers in North America toward its $99-per-month Full Self-Driving subscription by removing certain bundled driver-assist features.
- CEO Elon Musk said he expects regulatory approval for Tesla’s driver-supervised FSD system in Europe as soon as next month, with China following a similar schedule.
Tesla shares ended Friday mostly flat, setting the stage for a headline-packed weekend ahead of the company’s quarterly earnings next week.
Why it matters now: Tesla is doubling down on software and autonomy-related income just as investors seek evidence the company can boost margins without relying on a new surge in car sales.
Timing is another factor. Tesla’s update on Jan. 28 comes during a packed week for major tech earnings and heightened macro risks, which can cause sharp moves in high-valuation stocks.
On Thursday, Tesla removed certain driver-assistance features from new vehicles sold in the U.S. and Canada. Buyers seeking self-steering will now need to subscribe to the $99-per-month Full Self-Driving (Supervised) package.
FSD (Supervised) is Tesla’s term for an advanced driver-assistance system: it can steer and manage certain driving tasks, but the driver must stay alert and the system keeps tabs on them. Autosteer — which helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane on highways — is no longer standard, though Traffic Aware Cruise Control still comes included.
Musk informed customers that the subscription price will increase as features get better, sparking complaints from some owners on social media, Reuters reported.
In Davos, Musk expressed optimism that Tesla might secure regulatory approval in Europe “hopefully next month,” adding that China could see a similar timeline. According to Reuters, a Dutch vehicle authority expects to make a decision on FSD by February. Reuters
According to the same Reuters report, Tesla has kicked off robotaxi rides in Austin, Texas, operating without safety monitors onboard. Shares surged 4.2% on Thursday following social media buzz about the driverless trips, but ended flat on Friday.
The shift toward autonomy also brings significant risks. Regulators have been keeping a close eye on driver-assistance systems, and any delays in approvals—or fresh restrictions following incidents—could slow Tesla’s efforts to ramp up software sales. On top of that, consumer backlash remains a wildcard if key features start disappearing behind a paywall.
Ken Mahoney of Mahoney Asset Management, a Tesla shareholder, emphasized that investors want “credible evidence” on the manufacturing scale and regulatory approval path for Tesla’s Optimus robot plans. His comments highlight how investor focus can pivot swiftly from cars to futuristic promises. Reuters
Tesla is set to release its fourth-quarter results on Jan. 28, followed by a Q&A session. Investors will be digging for news on FSD adoption, changes to North America features, and any new timelines for growth in Europe and China.
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