Tesla has falsely suggested in social media posts that its cars are autonomous, which a warning from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says is potentially misleading and dangerous for drivers.
“Tesla's e-mail in May, which was published on Friday. “Tesla’s contributions contradict the stated message that the driver should remain in control of the dynamic driving task.”
Magno, division chief in the agency's Office of Defects Investigations, warned that viewers of Tesla's online communications, including posts on a robotaxi, even though they require human supervision, meaning a driver ready to steer or brake at a moment's notice.
Tesla has until December 18 to respond to NHTSA's letter, which also included requests for detailed information about the company's cars and FSD-related technology. Failure to respond could result in a maximum penalty of $135.8 million. The company can also request an extension.
The NHTSA is investigating possible safety defects in Tesla's FSD option, a semi-automated driving system. The latest investigation followed a series of Tesla collisions in which FSD deployed within 30 seconds of impact. In one case, a Tesla driver using FSD fatally struck a pedestrian.
Magno pointed to a series of posts shared by Tesla on X, Tesla CEO Elon Musk's social network. One post showed a driver using FSD to drive to a hospital while potentially suffering a heart attack. Another showed a driver saying he used FSD for a 50-minute drive from one home Sporting event.
In the posts, Tesla pointed out that there are “advantages to using FSD while drunk” or while tired, Magno wrote. NHTSA required Tesla to design its online communications “consistent” with user instructions and “appropriate to the level of performance used on public roads.”
Musk, who emerged as a key supporter of President-elect Donald Trump's campaign, is seeking to cut federal spending and regulations when the new administration takes office. He also seeks to create a federal automobile safety standard for autonomous vehicles.
Tesla shares have risen 28% in the three trading days since Tuesday's election and surpassed a market capitalization of $1 trillion on Friday.
Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Read the NHTSA Letter to Tesla here.
REGARD: Elon Musk's big bet on Trump
image credit : www.cnbc.com