Tesla’s preparing to make what it calls its “most significant announcement for right-hand drive markets in years” on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 12:01 AM. The electric car company sent invitations to media outlets with strict secrecy agreements. They’ve described this as a “major reveal” and “significant step forward” for their presence in Australia and New Zealand.
Recent testing footage suggests Tesla might announce Full Self-Driving technology for Australian roads. Journalists filmed Tesla vehicles maneuvering through Brisbane streets without driver input. The cars handled lane changes, traffic signals, and intersections on their own. Man of Many posted teaser footage that went viral after News.com.au shared it. Reporters said they were impressed by how human-like the driving looked.
Tesla vehicles spotted navigating Brisbane streets autonomously, handling lane changes and intersections without driver input during recent testing.
The FSD system uses 360-degree cameras to watch for blind spots and nearby vehicles. If Tesla launches this technology, it would be the first time it’s available in right-hand drive markets outside existing regions. The technology operates at Level 2 autonomy, requiring drivers to stay alert and ready to take control at any time. The system complies with SAE J3016 standards for assisted driving technology. Every modern Tesla in Australia could instantly upgrade from basic Autopilot to advanced city guidance. Current Autopilot already demonstrates superior safety performance, with crashes occurring every 7.44 million miles compared to human drivers who crash approximately every 702,000 miles.
Tesla’s Country Director said there are “no blockers in Australia” for supervised FSD release. The company finished working with authorities in both Australia and New Zealand. Tesla says no regulatory obstacles remain. They’re in the final validation stages before getting public release authorization.
The announcement couldn’t come at a better time for Tesla. Australian deliveries dropped 41 percent this year through 2025. The company needs something big to recover its regional performance. FSD has been the most requested feature from Australian Tesla owners who don’t have it yet.
There’s still a chance Tesla might announce something else. The company could introduce the Model Y L, a six-seat long-wheelbase version. The Cybertruck remains another possibility, though it would take longer to arrive. Tesla’s Country Director previously said he’d like vehicles that compete with the Ranger and HiLux.
Whatever Tesla announces will happen right after midnight on Friday. The timing matches up with their recent testing activities on Australian roads. This announcement shows Tesla’s commitment to expanding in right-hand drive markets after years of waiting.