Waymo Ditches "Self-Driving" Label in Clear Swipe at Tesla
Waymo announces it will now use "fully autonomous" instead of "self-driving" to differentiate its technology from driver-assist systems, taking a clear shot at Tesla's naming conventions.
Waymo announces in a blog post that it will no longer use the term "self-driving" to describe its vehicles, opting instead for the phrase "fully autonomous." The company describes this as a small but important change that aims to bring more deliberate and precise language to the industry.
Although Waymo does not mention Tesla by name, the explanation for the change serves as a clear critique of how other automakers market their technology. Waymo argues that using the term "self-driving" for driver-assist features gives consumers a false impression of the capabilities, which leads drivers to take dangerous risks like removing their hands from the steering wheel.
This terminology shift highlights the ongoing scrutiny Tesla faces over its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving branding, despite the company's warnings that drivers must remain attentive. Waymo notes that precision in language matters and could save lives, while simultaneously renaming its public education campaign to "Let's Talk About Autonomous Driving."