Tesla's new autopilot system is an industry first

An industry first will be wheeled out by electric car company Tesla Motors following the announcement of a new autopilot system that lets cars change lanes by themselves.

The system will automatically keep the car within its lane, while maintaining a certain distance from the car in front, something which other semi-autonomous systems from other companies including Mercedes, Audi and Volvo do not feature.

On top of that, the new Tesla models will be able to find a parking spot and parallel park, as well as use cameras and sensors to warn drivers about potential side impacts.

                                                                                                                                         Tesla Model X

Tesla's chief executive, Elon Musk, says the system would constantly collect data from the driver, such as how quickly they can safely navigate a particular bend.

"I think this is going to be quite a profound experience for people," Musk said. "It will change people's perception of the future quite drastically."

Although Musk is championing the implementation of the new autopilot system, he is also sending out a warning that drivers still need to keep their hands on the wheel, while also adding that the system will be quick to remind them.

"We're being especially cautious at this early stage, so we're advising drivers to keep their hands on the wheel just in case," he added. "The software is very new."

Tesla fans can expect to see the autopilot update added to about 60,000 vehicles worldwide, including the Model S sedans which were made after September 2014 and Model X SUVs.

Though fully autonomous, hands-free driving is at least three years away, according to Musk, who suggests it may take longer for regulators to allow them.