Tesla launches very clever feature with very silly name

After lengthy delays, Tesla has finally rolled out an automated driver assist feature called Actually Smart Summon – or ASS for short.

Smart Summon is a Tesla function that allows its cars to navigate carparks autonomously with no one behind the wheel, though it was one of several systems lost when the brand shifted to a camera-only setup.

The introduction of what Tesla CEO Elon Musk called “(actually smart) summon/autopark” was initially slated for the end of September 2022, according to a post on X (formerly Twitter) by the executive.

That initial deadline was missed, and Mr Musk subsequently said it would come in April 2024 before its arrival was eventually hinted at last month.

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ASS has now been launched with Tesla’s most recent software update, alongside another similar feature called Dumb Summon.

According to the release notes for update 2024.27.20, owners can now visit the Summon tab on their Tesla app to access ASS, after which they’ll have the option to either ask their car to “Come to Me” or “Go to Target”.

The Come to Me function operates by having owners press and hold a button to have their Tesla come to their location, while the Go to Target allows users to set a target location for their Tesla and then press and hold a button to “send it on its merry way”.

Dumb Summon was launched at the same time, though it only allows owners to move their car forward or back with “simple controls” via the Tesla app.

Users are also able to stop the journey at any time by releasing the button, though Tesla advised that owners should only use ASS and Dumb Summon in carparks and driveways and should remain aware of the car and its surroundings.

It’s expected ASS will form part of Tesla’s eventual rollout of Full Self-Driving (FSD), though it’s unclear whether it’ll be available in Australia as FSD is yet to be approved for use on local roads.

Tesla is reportedly testing the latest version of its FSD semi-autonomous driving technology on Australian roads, after it first launched in the US late last year and saw its ‘beta’ tag dropped.

Though the system has yet to be rolled out here, where only Autopilot – another less comprehensive Level 2 autonomous driving feature – is offered.

The naming of ASS falls into line with Tesla’s tongue-in-cheek acronyms, as the Model S, Model 3, Model X and Model Y are intended to spell ‘S3XY’.

Tesla originally attempted to name the Model 3 as Model E to complete the gag, though it was blocked by Ford from doing so.

MORE: Everything Tesla MORE: Elon Musk says Tesla’s FSD is graduating from beta MORE: Tesla testing its Full Self-Driving tech in Australia – report