Watch CBS News

"Come Here Car!" Tesla Software Update Features 'Summon' Autopilot Feature

PALO ALTO (CBS SF) -- "Car... come!"

That may be what Tesla owners will be saying after they download the latest software update to its Autopilot system.

CEO Elon Musk announced version 7.1 has the "Summon" feature which allows owners to call their cars, almost like they call their pets.

Ford Begins Testing Self-Driving Car In The Snow

With a click of the key fob, Summon will open the garage door, back out the car, close the garage door and bring the car -- without the driver behind the wheel. It also works with a Smartphone.

Tesla AutoPark V7.1 - Summon Feature by Ricco831 on YouTube

Right now, Summon is in the experimental Beta stage, but Tesla urges owners to try out the self-driving feature on private property.

"Eventually, your Tesla will be able to drive anywhere across the country to meet you, charging itself along the way. It will sync with your calendar to know exactly when to arrive," says the automaker on its blog site.

The new 7.1 autopilot update also features parallel and perpendicular self-parking.

Musk says Summon will be out of the experimental phase in a few years.


CBSSF.com writer, producer Jan Mabry is also executive producer and host of The Bronze Report. She lives in Northern California. Follow her on Twitter @janmabr.

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.