#sales enablement software

[expeditecommerce]

https://www.expeditecommerce.com/digital-sales-room

Engage buyers early with a digital sales room for both marketing and sales enablement. Accelerate deal conversion with real-time insights. Click here!

[johnmya]

b2b lead generation and appointment setting services

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an established concept that has gained significant traction in various areas of business management, marketing, and sales. One particular area where AI has made notable advancements is lead generation for B2B marketing. Many online lead-generation software options leverage AI technology to enhance and streamline the lead-generation process.

Artificial intelligence, in combination with lead generation software, harnesses the power of advanced platforms and algorithms. This powerful combination enables businesses to gather and analyze relevant data, leveraging past sales, marketing strategies, and market conditions. By doing so, it enhances customer relationship management, provides valuable insights for decision-making, and helps identify profitable investments, ultimately maximizing return on investment 

Best Practices For B2B Appointment Setting List

Generating leads is imperative for a B2B company’s growth. One of the most effective ways to convert them is through appointment setting services. But just because it’s practical doesn’t mean it’s easy.

Creating and booking an appointment is a struggle in itself. Therefore, we will discuss the best practices for B2B appointment setting to be more productive, efficient, and thriving. So stay tuned and start reading!

Getting the data

Getting the data means prospecting. First, gather information about your prospects. Then, the salesperson will procure the prospect’s background information, industry sector, departments & personnel information, and contact information. Getting the information is directly linked to verifying the data.

Verifying the data

After gathering the data, you should verify the information. You can ascertain whether the prospect is qualified based on the collected information. This verification helps you prioritize and categorize the prospects.

Nowadays, various information about a person, like bio-data, social media accounts, and other account details, are collected online. This information can be natural or fake. Hence, verification of information is crucial. This verification process is done using prospecting and sales intelligence tools. Also, the gathering of prospects’ information is done using CRM tools and lead generation tools.

Research your prospect

You can schedule an appointment in advance. However, you need to understand your prospect before making an appointment. Prospects tend to ignore or hang up sale calls, and salespeople are least pleasant with cold calling. The salesperson communicates with different types of prospects and has to face objections and rejections.

Also Read: Proven Tips for Your Prospects Research 

So, the salesperson must do homework about the prospect’s business and background. First, you must find their problem and whether your product/service solves it. Then, based on your imagined scenarios, the question-and-answer session assists the salesperson during appointments.

Understanding the pain points

Knowing your prospects’ pain points is essential for a successful sales meeting. Understanding what’s frustrating and keeping them up at night can tailor your pitch to address their needs. To determine your prospect’s pain points, you must research beforehand. 

Talk to your customer service team, read reviews online, and ask your current customers about their experience with your product or service. Armed with this information, you’ll be ready to have a meaningful conversation with your prospects and show them that you’re invested in helping them solve their problem.

Do an outreach

In this step, you will try connecting with your prospect via different channels. These channels include mobile, email, and social media, also known as communication platforms. They are crucial for B2B appointment settings. You can use cadence or sequence to reach your prospect. Don’t try to follow templates or copy-paste the content for cadence or sequence. 

You can develop innovative and engaging content to grab the attention of prospects. Two-way communication is vital because you can listen attentively, engage actively, and identify your prospect’s concern. Finally, create a lasting impression that makes your prospect look forward to the next appointment. 

Make an online presence

Developing an impactful online presence is more critical than the prospecting process and creating network strategies. Salespersons can engage with prospects by following, commenting on, and liking their social media and other online accounts. This strategy helps them build a presence before their prospects and create a relationship with them.

The online presence helps you smooth out your work more than the first time you connect with them as a stranger. It is like a small but powerful action that allows you to lay the groundwork for booking an appointment with them. 

[markthomas]

AI-Enabled Restaurant Management Solutions: Unleashing the Power of Data-Driven Decision Making

Over the last couple of years, AI-enabled Restaurant Management solutions have proved to be truly transformational in changing how restaurants operate and deliver their services. Such systems use artificial intelligence to empower the restaurateur with data-driven insights in smoothing restaurant operations and improving customer experiences for better efficiency. One of the recent innovations is voice AI ordering systems, drastically changing how order-and-pay happens in this space. How these technologies are taking the future of dining is discussed hereafter.

if you want to know more about Ai-enable restaurant management solution click the

[sanjanii]

Sales enablement is a strategic, ongoing process that empowers sales teams with the content, guidance, and training they need to successfully engage buyers. It is a collaborative effort between sales, marketing, and other departments to ensure that sales teams have the tools and knowledge they need to sell effectively.

For more info: https://www.intandemly.com/sales-enablement-tools/

[darrylhudson86]

Elements of a Successful Sales Funnel

Want to boost your sales? Let's talk about the essential elements of a successful sales funnel page! 🛒💰

1. Awareness: The first step is to attract potential customers to your brand. Utilize social media, content marketing, and advertising to increase visibility and reach a wider audience. 📢

2. Interest: Once you have their attention, it's time to pique their interest. Provide valuable content, free resources, and engaging experiences to keep them engaged and wanting more. 💡

3. Desire: Now that they're interested, it's time to create a desire for your product or service. Highlight the benefits, solve their pain points, and show them why they need what you're offering. 💫

4. Action: The final step is to convert that desire into action. Make it easy for them to make a purchase or take the next step in the customer journey. Clear calls-to-action and a seamless purchasing process are crucial. 🛍️

Remember, a successful sales funnel is all about guiding potential customers through each stage of the buying process and ultimately converting them into loyal customers. 💸

Ready to learn more about creating your own sales funnel? Check out my ultimate sales funnel guide for beginners! 📈💼

[eatos-blog]

Culinary Commerce: The Role of AI-Enabled Restaurants in Sales

Technology is playing a more and larger role in the constantly changing fabric of the culinary world, profoundly influencing our culinary adventures. The rise of culinary establishments with AI integration represents a ground-breaking and paradigm-shifting development in this field. These eating establishments use artificial intelligence's ability to advance both financial feats and the culinary the journey. In this essay, we set out on a fascinating journey into the universe of AI Enabled Restaurant and try to understand their enormous impact on the food industry. 

Enhanced Cooking Skills in the Kitchen 

The conduits in the kitchen are being carefully optimized by AI while being hidden from customers' sight. It ensures the most cost-effective use of the ingredients, avoiding waste. AI-driven kitchen automata manage the production of food with an unparalleled level of accuracy, consistency, and speed, hence reducing the length of time that customers must wait. This promptness not only results in cost-efficiency for the restaurant but also in the happiness of the customers. 

Restaurants with AI-Enhanced Business Models 

Revenue Maximization Using Data-Driven Cognition 

Data is king in the world of food commerce. The power of data analytics can be utilized by restaurants with AI to gain profound understanding into customer behavior. They are more equipped to make intelligent decisions about pricing, menu changes, and marketing strategies since they can recognize the apex of dining traffic, beloved menu items, and seasonal vogues. This data-driven strategy helps restaurants increase sales and financial benefits since they are adept at making adjustments that are laser-focused on successfully meeting the needs of their customers. 

Enhancing Patron Adherence 

The ability to cultivate strong customer loyalty is one of the restaurants using AI as their main asset. Customers are more likely to return to the restaurant because of its cozy atmosphere of personalized menus and sleek service. AI also has the ability to provide specific customers personalized promos and incentives based on their preferences, thereby strengthening the relationship between the business and its customers. AI-assisted restaurants increase brand loyalty and contribute to the steady increase in financial entrance by creating an environment of exclusivity and attending to the unique needs of each customer 

The Human Dimension 

While AI is a crucial part of these organizations' successes, the importance of human interaction should not be underestimated. Staff who are friendly and attentive continue to be the foundation of any successful restaurant. AI just supports their efforts by optimizing processes and improving the eating experience. 

The Future Route 

AI-infused dining establishments are expected to spread further as the landscape of culinary commerce continues its continuous evolution. Customers are becoming more interested in dining experiences that offer them not only delicious meals but also a streamlined, tailored experience that meets their needs. It is projected that this development will increase AI's involvement in the restaurant industry. 

In conclusion 

AI-enhanced dining experiences with quick service POS system and represent a seismic shift in the culinary industry, redefining the eating experience while increasing efficiency and financial gain. These businesses are without a doubt ready to meet the constantly changing needs of the smart modern diner thanks to their use of artificial intelligence.

[todo-sales]

TODO Sales CRM: Powering Your Business Success with Customer Relationship Management

In the dynamic world of business, where customers are at the center of every strategy, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) has become indispensable. TodoSales CRM stands out as a premier CRM solution, driving businesses towards success by building and nurturing customer relationships.

Understanding TodoSales CRM:

TodoSales CRM is a versatile and user-friendly software designed to empower businesses of all sizes to manage customer interactions effectively. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools and features that help streamline processes, enhance communication, and boost revenue.

Key Features of TodoSales CRM:

1. Effortless Data Management: TodoSales CRM simplifies the task of collecting, organizing, and accessing customer information. With a centralized database, it ensures that critical customer data is readily available for analysis and action.

2. Personalized Customer Engagement: The CRM system allows businesses to create personalized customer experiences. Leveraging data analytics, TodoSales CRM tailors marketing campaigns, product recommendations, and communication channels to cater to each customer's specific preferences and needs.

3. Seamless Communication: TodoSales CRM enables businesses to maintain timely and efficient communication with their customers. Whether it's sending targeted emails, automating follow-ups, or integrating with social media, it facilitates engaging with the audience effectively.

4. Sales Optimization: TodoSales CRM empowers sales teams with features for lead tracking, opportunity management, and visualizing the sales pipeline. This ensures that no sales opportunity is missed and that the sales process remains highly efficient.

5. Actionable Insights: The CRM system's data-driven approach provides actionable insights and reporting, helping businesses understand customer behavior, track performance, and fine-tune their strategies.

The TodoSales CRM Advantage:

- Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: TodoSales CRM allows businesses to deliver personalized solutions, resulting in improved customer satisfaction, loyalty, and retention.

- Revenue Growth: Personalized marketing and efficient sales processes lead to higher conversion rates and increased revenue.

- Operational Efficiency:** By automating repetitive tasks and streamlining operations, TodoSales CRM lets employees focus on building meaningful relationships with customers.

- Informed Decision-Making:** Data-driven insights empower businesses to make informed decisions, driving profitability and growth.

- Competitive Edge: Businesses utilizing TodoSales CRM gain a competitive advantage by staying ahead of competitors and adapting to evolving market conditions.

TodoSales CRM is more than just software; it's a strategic partner for businesses aiming to excel in today's customer-centric market. With its powerful features and commitment to helping businesses build strong customer relationships, TodoSales CRM is leading the way in enabling organizations to unlock their full potential and thrive in the digital age

[clikycrmsoftware]

Sales CRM Software for Small Business, Manufacturing Industry - Cliky

Enhance customer interactions and boost sales with Cliky's powerful Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software. Best CRM and Automation for Small Business.

[miclient]

MiCLIENT can help sales teams increase their sales productivity by automating many of the tasks involved in the sales process. This can lead to improved bottom line results.

#sales#goingglobal#salesautomation#cpq#software#salesenablement

[markthomas]

Transform Your Restaurant with Voice AI Food Ordering

As technology continues to shape the dining experience, voice AI food ordering is revolutionizing how customers interact with restaurants. With eatOS’s AI-enabled ordering automation, restaurants can now offer a seamless, efficient, and innovative way for guests to place orders using voice commands.

This cutting-edge system allows customers to speak directly to an AI-powered assistant, simplifying the ordering process. Whether guests are dining in or ordering for delivery, voice AI food ordering ensures quicker, more accurate order placements. It eliminates the need for waitstaff to take orders manually, reducing human error and speeding up service.

For restaurants, this technology not only improves customer satisfaction but also enhances operational efficiency. The AI-enabled system integrates directly with your POS and kitchen systems, ensuring that orders are sent directly to the kitchen without delay. By automating routine tasks like order-taking, your staff can focus more on delivering an exceptional dining experience.

With eatOS’s voice AI food ordering solution, restaurants can stay ahead of the curve and meet the growing demand for modern, contactless service. Discover how this innovative technology can elevate your restaurant by visiting eatOS AI-Enabled Ordering Automation.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

An open copyright casebook, featuring AI, Warhol and more

I'm coming to DEFCON! On Aug 9, I'm emceeing the EFF POKER TOURNAMENT (noon at the Horseshoe Poker Room), and appearing on the BRICKED AND ABANDONED panel (5PM, LVCC - L1 - HW1–11–01). On Aug 10, I'm giving a keynote called "DISENSHITTIFY OR DIE! How hackers can seize the means of computation and build a new, good internet that is hardened against our asshole bosses' insatiable horniness for enshittification" (noon, LVCC - L1 - HW1–11–01).

Few debates invite more uninformed commentary than "IP" – a loosely defined grab bag that regulates an ever-expaning sphere of our daily activities, despite the fact that almost no one, including senior executives in the entertainment industry, understands how it works.

Take reading a book. If the book arrives between two covers in the form of ink sprayed on compressed vegetable pulp, you don't need to understand the first thing about copyright to read it. But if that book arrives as a stream of bits in an app, those bits are just the thinnest scrim of scum atop a terminally polluted ocean of legalese.

At the bottom layer: the license "agreement" for your device itself – thousands of words of nonsense that bind you not to replace its software with another vendor's code, to use the company's own service depots, etc etc. This garbage novella of legalese implicates trademark law, copyright, patent, and "paracopyrights" like the anticircumvention rule defined by Section 1201 of the DMCA:

https://www.eff.org/press/releases/eff-lawsuit-takes-dmca-section-1201-research-and-technology-restrictions-violate

Then there's the store that sold you the ebook: it has its own soporific, cod-legalese nonsense that you must parse; this can be longer than the book itself, and it has been exquisitely designed by the world's best-paid, best-trained lawyer to liquefy the brains of anyone who attempts to read it. Nothing will save you once your brains start leaking out of the corners of your eyes, your nostrils and your ears – not even converting the text to a brilliant graphic novel:

https://memex.craphound.com/2017/03/03/terms-and-conditions-the-bloviating-cruft-of-the-itunes-eula-combined-with-extraordinary-comic-book-mashups/

Even having Bob Dylan sing these terms will not help you grasp them:

https://pluralistic.net/2020/10/25/musical-chairs/#subterranean-termsick-blues

The copyright nonsense that accompanies an ebook transcends mere Newtonian physics – it exists in a state of quantum superposition. For you, the buyer, the copyright nonsense appears as a license, which allows the seller to add terms and conditions that would be invalidated if the transaction were a conventional sale. But for the author who wrote that book, the copyright nonsense insists that what has taken place is a sale (which pays a 25% royalty) and not a license (a 50% revenue-share). Truly, only a being capable of surviving after being smeared across the multiverse can hope to embody these two states of being simultaneously:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/06/21/early-adopters/#heads-i-win

But the challenge isn't over yet. Once you have grasped the permissions and restrictions placed upon you by your device and the app that sold you the ebook, you still must brave the publisher's license terms for the ebook – the final boss that you must overcome with your last hit point and after you've burned all your magical items.

This is by no means unique to reading a book. This bites us on the job, too, at every level. The McDonald's employee who uses a third-party tool to diagnose the problems with the McFlurry machine is using a gadget whose mere existence constitutes a jailable felony:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/04/20/euthanize-rentier-enablers/#cold-war

Meanwhile, every single biotech researcher is secretly violating the patents that cover the entire suite of basic biotech procedures and techniques. Biotechnicians have a folk-belief in "patent fair use," a thing that doesn't exist, because they can't imagine that patent law would be so obnoxious as to make basic science into a legal minefield.

IP is a perfect storm: it touches everything we do, and no one understands it.

Or rather, almost no one understands it. A small coterie of lawyers have a perfectly fine grasp of IP law, but most of those lawyers are (very well!) paid to figure out how to use IP law to screw you over. But not every skilled IP lawyer is the enemy: a handful of brave freedom fighters, mostly working for nonprofits and universities, constitute a resistance against the creep of IP into every corner of our lives.

Two of my favorite IP freedom fighters are Jennifer Jenkins and James Boyle, who run the Duke Center for the Public Domain. They are a dynamic duo, world leading demystifiers of copyright and other esoterica. They are the creators of a pair of stunningly good, belly-achingly funny, and extremely informative graphic novels on the subject, starting with the 2008 Bound By Law, about fair use and film-making:

https://www.dukeupress.edu/Bound-by-Law/

And then the followup, THEFT! A History of Music:

https://web.law.duke.edu/musiccomic/

Both of which are open access – that is to say, free to download and share (you can also get handsome bound print editions made of real ink sprayed on real vegetable pulp!).

Beyond these books, Jenkins and Boyle publish the annual public domain roundups, cataloging the materials entering the public domain each January 1 (during the long interregnum when nothing entered the public domain, thanks to the Sonny Bono Copyright Extension Act, they published annual roundups of all the material that should be entering the public domain):

https://pluralistic.net/2023/12/20/em-oh-you-ess-ee/#sexytimes

This year saw Mickey Mouse entering the public domain, and Jenkins used that happy occasion as a springboard for a masterclass in copyright and trademark:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/12/15/mouse-liberation-front/#free-mickey

But for all that Jenkins and Boyle are law explainers, they are also law professors and as such, they are deeply engaged with minting of new lawyers. This is a hard job: it takes a lot of work to become a lawyer.

It also takes a lot of money to become a lawyer. Not only do law-schools charge nosebleed tuition, but the standard texts set by law-schools are eye-wateringly expensive. Boyle and Jenkins have no say over tuitions, but they have made a serious dent in the cost of those textbooks. A decade ago, the pair launched the first open IP law casebook: a free, superior alternative to the $160 standard text used to train every IP lawyer:

https://web.archive.org/web/20140923104648/https://web.law.duke.edu/cspd/openip/

But IP law is a moving target: it is devouring the world. Accordingly, the pair have produced new editions every couple of years, guaranteeing that their free IP law casebook isn't just the best text on the subject, it's also the most up-to-date. This week, they published the sixth edition:

https://web.law.duke.edu/cspd/openip/

The sixth edition of Intellectual Property: Law & the Information Society – Cases & Materials; An Open Casebook adds sections on the current legal controversies about AI, and analyzes blockbuster (and batshit) recent Supreme Court rulings like Vidal v Elster, Warhol v Goldsmith, and Jack Daniels v VIP Products. I'm also delighted that they chose to incorporate some of my essays on enshittification (did you know that my Pluralistic.net newsletter is licensed CC Attribution, meaning that you can reprint and even sell it without asking me?).

(On the subject of Creative Commons: Boyle helped found Creative Commons!)

Ten years ago, the Boyle/Jenkins open casebook kicked off a revolution in legal education, inspiring many legals scholars to create their own open legal resources. Today, many of the best legal texts are free (as in speech) and free (as in beer). Whether you want to learn about trademark, copyright, patents, information law or more, there's an open casebook for you:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/08/14/angels-and-demons/#owning-culture

The open access textbook movement is a stark contrast with the world of traditional textbooks, where a cartel of academic publishers are subjecting students to the scammiest gambits imaginable, like "inclusive access," which has raised the price of textbooks by 1,000%:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/10/07/markets-in-everything/#textbook-abuses

Meanwhile, Jenkins and Boyle keep working on this essential reference. The next time you're tempted to make a definitive statement about what IP permits – or prohibits – do yourself (and the world) a favor, and look it up. It won't cost you a cent, and I promise you you'll learn something.

Support me this summer on the Clarion Write-A-Thon and help raise money for the Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers' Workshop!

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/07/30/open-and-shut-casebook/#stop-confusing-the-issue-with-relevant-facts

Image: Cryteria (modified) Jenkins and Boyle https://web.law.duke.edu/musiccomic/

CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/

[treason-and-plot]

At the other end of the table Helene gives a gentle laugh and spears a glistening piece of steak with her fork. Tom takes a long drink from his beer glass, as if toasting his own wit. Connor sets his fork down on his plate. Saffron tries to make eye contact with him but he is staring at the wooden salt and pepper shakers, his jaw clenched.

“That's not true at all,” Saffron says to Tom. "Why would you even say that?"

“Saff, it's okay," says Connor. “Dad just thinks he's being funny. Don't worry about it."

“All I'm trying to say is that Helene and I are exceedingly grateful to you for all you've done for Connor this term," says Tom. He bestows his shark-like smile upon her once again, but she doesn't smile back. “I meant academically, but I’m sure you’ve helped him in myriad other ways as well. We’ve noticed a lot of positive changes, haven’t we Helene?"

“Oh, definitely,” says Helene.

“What are you talking about? You wouldn't notice if I grew two heads,” says Connor.

“Watch the attitude, son,” says Tom. His tone is pleasant, and sends a small shiver down Saffron's spine.  

“I'm glad to hear that you think I'm a positive influence, because I was paranoid you'd think I was a bad influence after I made Connor skip school with me the other day," says Saffron. Tom looks at her blankly, his eyebrows raised.

“I didn’t hear anything about this,” says Tom. “Did you, Hel?”

“I think I may have received a voicemail or an email from the school, now that you mention it,” Helene says. “I probably just assumed it was a message asking me to donate to the second-hand uniform sale or something.”

“Wow," says Saffron. “My mother went off her head.”  

“Saffron’s mother is a police officer,” Helene tells Tom, as if this is the sole explanation for her reaction.

“Ah,” says Tom. “And what does your father do, Saffron?”

“Here we go,” mutters Connor.

“He operates a chain of childcare centres,” says Saffron.

“Really,” says Helene. “What's the name of his business?”

“Little Sprouts,” says Saffron. Both Helene and Tom make noises signifying their recognition and approval. 

“Oh, I’ve heard they’re doing very well!” Helene says. “Didn’t he just open several more centres?”

“Yeah, he’s got five now,” says Saffron.

“Does he use an accountancy firm?” says Tom. Connor mutters something under his breath.

“I think Mireille- his girlfriend- does all the accounting,” says Saffron.

“There’s a wise saying that I like to tell my clients, Saffron,” says Tom. “And that saying is: 'It’s not the money that matters, it’s how you use it that determines its true value'.”

He pauses for effect.

“Woah. Interesting,” Saffron deadpans while Connor stifles a loud yawn. Helene narrows her eyes at him.

“Now, I’m sure your Dad’s girlfriend is more than competent in the area of bookkeeping and handling the payroll and the rest of the basics, but how up to date is she with the latest tax laws?” says Tom. “Does she know how to forecast cash flow? Does she realise the importance of accurate record keeping? Does she have access to the most up-to-date accounting software, which will enable she and your father to maximise business efficiency and productivity?” 

"I have no idea," says Saffron sweetly. "But I'm guessing you do, right?"

[mariacallous]

Elon Musk will be pleased that his surprise jaunt to China on Sunday garnered many glowing headlines. The trip was undoubtedly equally a surprise to Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, who had been scheduled to offer Musk the red carpet on a long-arranged visit.

The billionaire blew off India at the last minute, citing “very heavy Tesla obligations.” Indeed, Tesla has had a tumultuous couple of weeks, with federal regulator slap-downs, halved profits, and price-cut rollouts. Yet, in a very public snub that Modi won’t quickly forget, the company CEO made time for Chinese premier Li Qiang. And well Musk might. Tesla needs China more than China needs Tesla. After the US, China is Tesla’s second biggest market. And ominously, in the first quarter of the year, Tesla’s sales in China slipped by 4 percent in a domestic EV market that has expanded by more than 15 percent. That’s enough of a hit for any CEO to jump in a Gulfstream and fly across the Pacific for an impromptu meeting with a Chinese premier. Globally, Tesla has lost nearly a third of its value since January, and earlier this month, Tesla’s worldwide vehicle deliveries in the first quarter fell for the first time in almost four years. As they are wont to do, Tesla investors continue to complain over repeated delays to the company’s rollout of cars with genuine driverless capabilities.

One of Tesla’s stop-gap technologies—a now heavily-discounted $8,000 add-on—is marketed as Full Self-Driving, or FSD. But, like the similarly confusingly named Autopilot feature, it still requires driver attention, and may yet still prove to be risky. Among the deals said to have been unveiled at Sunday’s meeting with Li Qiang was a partnership granting Tesla access to a mapping license for data collection on China’s public roads by web search company Baidu. This was a “watershed moment,” Wedbush Securities senior analyst Dan Ives said in an interview with Bloomberg Television. However, Tesla has been using Baidu for in-car mapping and navigation in China since 2020. The revised deal, in which Baidu will now also provide Tesla with its lane-level navigation system, clears one more regulatory hurdle for Tesla’s FSD in China. It does not enable Tesla to introduce driverless cars in China or anywhere else, as some media outlets have reported. Press reports have also claimed that Musk has secured permission to transfer data collected by Tesla cars in China out of China. This is improbable, noted JL Warren Capital CEO and head of research Junheng Li, who wrote on X: “[Baidu] owns all data, and shares filtered data with Tesla. Just imagine if [Tesla] has access to real-time road data such as who went to which country’s embassy at what time for how long.” That, she stressed, would be “super national security!” According to Reuters, Musk is still seeking final approval for the FSD software rollout in China, and Tesla still needs permission to transfer data overseas. Li added that a rollout of even a “supervised,” data-lite version of FSD in China is “extremely unlikely.” She pointed to challenges for Tesla to support local operation of the software. Tesla still “has no [direct] access to map data in China as a foreign entity,” she wrote. Instead, Tesla is likely using the deal extension with Baidu as an FSD workaround, with the data collected in China very much staying in China. Despite this, Tesla shares have jumped following news of the expanded Baidu collaboration. Furthermore, Li said there’s “no strategic value” for Beijing to favor FSD when there are several more advanced Chinese alternatives. (We’ve tested them.)

“Chinese EVs are simply evolving at a far faster pace than Tesla,” agrees Shanghai-based automotive journalist and WIRED contributor Mark Andrews, who tested the driver assistance tech available on the roads in China. The US-listed trio of Xpeng, Nio, and Li Auto offer better-than-Tesla “driving assistance features” that rely heavily on lidar sensors, a technology that Musk previously dismissed, but which Tesla is now said to be testing. Although dated in shape and lacking in the latest tech, a Tesla car is nevertheless more expensive in China than most of its rivals. Tesla recently slashed prices in China to arrest falling sales. Musk’s flying visit to China smacked of “desperation,” says Mark Rainford, owner of the Inside China Auto channel. “[Tesla] sales are down in China—the competition has weathered the price cuts so far and [the Tesla competitors have] a seemingly endless conveyor belt of talented and beautiful products.” Rainford further warns that the “golden period for Tesla in China” is “at great risk of collapsing.” Tesla opened its first gigafactory in Shanghai five years ago, and it is now the firm’s largest—but the automaker has been playing tech catchup in China for some time. In addition to Xpeng, Nio, and Li, there are other Chinese car companies competing with Tesla on autonomous driving, as Musk will see if he visits the Beijing Motor Show, which runs through this week.

Beijing is now arguably the world’s preeminent automotive expo, but Tesla is not exhibiting—a sign that it has little new to offer famously tech-hungry Chinese autobuyers. Pointedly, the Cybertruck is not road-legal in China, although that hasn’t stopped Tesla from displaying the rust-prone electric pickup in some of its Chinese showrooms. Likewise, Tesla has just announced plans for a European Cybertruck tour. But, just like in China, the EV pickup cannot be sold in the EU, either—and according to Tesla's lead on vehicle engineering, it likely never will be.

Speaking on tighter pedestrian safety regulations in the EU compared to the US, Tesla’s vice president of vehicle engineering, Lars Moravy, told Top Gear that “European regulations call for a 3.2-mm external radius on external projections. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to make a 3.2-mm radius on a 1.4-mm sheet of stainless steel.”

The “Cybertruck Odyssey” tour—as Tesla’s European X account calls it—may titillate Tesla fans, but it could prove to be about as useful as shooting a Roadster into space.