In a notable statement during a recent earnings conference, Tesla's CEO urged skeptics of the company's autonomous vehicle technology to reconsider their investment in Tesla's stock. This bold statement underscores the significant role that vehicle autonomy is expected to play in Tesla's future business strategy and stock performance.

Autonomous driving technology is a key pillar in Tesla’s portfolio, which includes not only electric vehicles but also scalable energy storage and generation products. The company has been at the forefront of advancing autonomous technology with its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) systems. Tesla's approach to achieving full autonomy, which relies heavily on machine learning and real-world data collected from its fleet of consumer-owned vehicles, sets it apart from competitors that often use predefined maps and simulated data.

Tesla’s stock has been notably volatile, often reflecting the public and investor sentiments around its technological advancements and market disruptions. The CEO's recent comments highlight the confidence Tesla has in their FSD technology and its eventual viability. He emphasizes the transformative potential of autonomous driving, projecting that it will significantly reduce costs and improve safety in transportation.

Investors in Tesla's stock have historically needed to weigh the technical and regulatory challenges that come with the aggressive pursuit of full autonomy. While Tesla has made considerable advancements, the path to full regulatory approval and societal acceptance remains fraught with challenges and uncertainties.

Moreover, Tesla’s business model incorporating software upgrades and potential recurring revenue from FSD features could change the traditional metrics by which automotive stocks are judged. As full vehicle autonomy takes center stage, the financial implication extends beyond just hardware sales to software and subscription services, potentially reshaping the revenue framework for the electric vehicle giant.

Tesla's trajectory and the realization of its autonomous driving ambitions will likely remain a critical watch point for investors. The company's success or failure in this arena could not only influence its stock valuation but also significantly impact the broader automotive and tech industries. The forthrightness of Tesla's CEO in linking the company's future with the success of its autonomous driving technology is a clear signal to investors about where the company is headed and what it anticipates in terms of growth and challenges. Those holding or considering Tesla stock must thus closely monitor the advancements and market reception of Tesla's autonomous driving technologies, keeping in mind the larger implications for the growth and stability of their investment.