Tesla cars will find a parking space by themselves in 2019, said CEO Elon Musk on Wednesday.

Musk has described the technology as a "slightly smarter version" of the automaker's Autopark feature, which currently allows a Tesla to park in parallel or to stand perpendicular once the car is in close proximity to a car. clear space clearly indicated.

"Next year, a Tesla should be able to bypass a parking lot, find an empty space, read signs confirming its validity and park," Musk said on Twitter.

It is not clear if the builder will require a person instead of the driver. At the present time, it is forbidden to drive a car on most American roads without anyone inside, but many car parks are located on private property.

Tesla representatives were not immediately available to provide more details on Autopark's progress.

The Tesla autopilot system already uses software and hardware to enable automatic steering, braking, acceleration and lane change under certain conditions. The company was criticized for calling it autopilot, drivers being supposed to keep their hands behind the wheel.

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Critics say Musk sets too ambitious deadlines for new systems that inevitably end up late. And he acknowledged the promises too quickly in the past.

His supporters point out that he has kept his promise to build an electric vehicle company and a rocket company, SpaceX, despite significant skepticism.

His tweet about the Autopark feature also comes after Tesla recently signed an agreement with the Securities and Exchange Commission, pledging to strengthen monitoring of Musk's presence on social media. He must obtain prior approval for any important message for the company's prospects. But this measure will only take effect later this year.

Musk has also agreed to relinquish his presidency of the company for at least three years.

Follow USA TODAY reporter Nathan Bomey on Twitter @NathanBomey.

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