After launching its improved "Actually Smart Summon" capability in China, Tesla Inc. (TSLA, Financials) shares climbed around 2% on Friday. Delivered via an over-the-air software update, the function lets cars fitted with Enhanced Autopilot or Full Self-Driving packages negotiate parking lots independently and recover the car to a point inside the driver's line of sight. With the deployment, Tesla's drive toward complete autonomya pillar of CEO Elon Musk's visionmarks a turning point.

Improved obstacle detection and navigation logic included in the "Actually Smart Summon" function helps cars to better manage typical parking lot issues like people and other vehicles. First outside the United States, China, Tesla's biggest foreign market, gets this upgrade. With awaiting regulatory permission, Tesla intends to provide the capability to Europe.

Although Tesla's shares have been erratic lately, software developments like Smart Summon are considered as a major differentiation in the cutthroat electric car industry. Analysts see the function as a means of boosting consumer loyalty and raising acceptance of Tesla's subscription-based Full Self-Driving package, which still generates a sizable income stream.

Local companies like BYD Co. (BYDDF, Financials) and Nio (NIO, Financials) are acquiring market share in China's ever more competitive EV sector. Tesla's emphasis on cutting-edge software capabilities may help it stay in front. The corporation keeps depending on its Shanghai Gigafactory to satisfy expanding regional demand and modify its products to fit local tastes.

Introduced in the United States in 2019, Tesla's previous version of Smart Summon has been progressively refined over time. The introduction of " Actually Smart Summon" in China emphasizes Tesla's approach of using over-the-air upgrades to maintain technical competitiveness of its cars. As Tesla grows the function to additional markets, investors will monitor how it affects adoption rates, subscription income, and stock performance.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.