May 28 (Reuters) - Tesla is poised to begin its

long-awaited robotaxi service in Austin on June 12, Bloomberg

News reported on Wednesday, citing a person familiar with the

matter.

The date has been discussed internally and could still

change, the report added.

Tesla did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for

comment.

Earlier this month, CEO Elon Musk said the EV maker is set

to begin a test of its long-promised robotaxi service on

schedule in Austin, Texas, by the end of June.

A successful robotaxi trial is crucial for Tesla as Musk has

shifted the company's focus away from building a new, cheaper EV

platform to launching the robotaxi service and its Optimus

humanoid robots. Much of Tesla's valuation hangs on that bet.

Tesla sales have fallen worldwide with rising competition

and as Musk faces a backlash for his political views and his

role as an adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump.