NEW YORK: Electric vehicle-maker Tesla is teasing the upcoming debut of its self-driving robotaxi, dubbed "Cybercab," to compete with the likes of Uber and Waymo.
The Elon Musk-founded company shared a promotional image on social media late Friday promising "exclusive access" to Cybercabs at a September 3 event in Austin, Texas, where Tesla is headquartered.
"We're celebrating the launch of our Cybercab robotaxi with an exclusive event in Austin -- and you could be there," the company said on its website, promoting a sweepstakes to win a chance to attend the event.
First unveiled in October 2024, the gold-colored vehicle can carry two passengers and marks the first Tesla car with no steering wheel or pedals.
At the time, Musk said the company was planning to begin production of the self-driving cars before 2027 and sell them to private buyers for under $30,000.
US tech industry publication The Information reported this week that Tesla staffers have been told the rollout will begin with Cybercab rides for employees on public roads, followed by the vehicle being incorporated into the ranks of its Robotaxi service in Austin.
Tesla enthusiasts have in recent weeks reported seeing parking lots filled with Cybercabs, sparking rumors of an impending launch.
Last year Tesla debuted its self-driving cars in Austin using its Model Y SUV vehicles, with the "Robotaxi" service gradually expanding to several other cities in Texas, Florida and California.
However, state laws require many of the vehicles to have a human supervisor or driver ready to take over control if necessary.
Waymo, the self-driving vehicle subsidiary of Google parent company Alphabet, offers its services in 11 US cities.