Consumer Groups Ask Feds to Launch Probe into Tesla’s Autopilot

Consumer Groups Ask Feds to Launch Probe into Tesla’s Autopilot

The Center for Auto Safety and Consumer Watchdog are calling on the Federal Trade Commission “to investigate dangerously misleading and deceptive advertising and marketing practices and representations made by Tesla Motors Inc. regarding the safety and capabilities of its Autopilot feature.”

The National Transportation Safety Board determined that a truck driver’s failure to yield the right of way and a car driver’s inattention due to overreliance on vehicle automation are the probable cause of the fatal May 7, 2016, crash near Williston, Fla.

The Center for Auto Safety and Consumer Watchdog are calling on the Federal Trade Commission “to investigate dangerously misleading and deceptive advertising and marketing practices and representations made by Tesla Motors Inc. regarding the safety and capabilities of its Autopilot feature.”

“Two Americans are dead and one is injured as a result of Tesla deceiving and misleading consumers into believing that the Autopilot feature of its vehicles is safer and more capable than it actually is,” the groups said in a letter to FTC Chairman Joseph Simons. “The marketing and advertising practices of Tesla, combined with CEO Elon Musk’s public statements, have made it reasonable for Tesla owners to believe, and act on that belief, that a Tesla with Autopilot is an autonomous vehicle capable of ‘self-driving.’”

Tesla’s claims likely violate FTC regulations, the groups assert.

“Tesla has repeatedly exaggerated the autonomous capabilities of its Autopilot technology, boosting sales at the expense of consumer safety,” said Center for Auto Safety Executive Director Jason Levine. “The FTC must step in and expose this charade before more Americans are injured or killed.”

The burden now falls on the FTC to investigate “Tesla’s unfair and deceptive practices so that consumers have accurate information, understand the limitations of Autopilot and operate their vehicle safely and without endangering themselves or other drivers, passengers or pedestrians on the road,” the groups asserted in a news release.

“Starting with the very name Autopilot, Tesla has consistently and deceptively hyped its technology,” said John Simpson, Consumer Watchdog’s Privacy and Technology Project Director. “Described and marketed responsibly so drivers understood it, Tesla’s technology could enhance safety. Instead it’s killing people.”

You May Also Like

Crash Champions Expands to Great Falls, Montana

Crash Champions has announced the successful acquisition of Mitchells’ Crash Repair, Flawless Auto Body and 3 Way Auto Body.

Crash Champions has announced the successful acquisition of three local repair centers in Great Falls, Mont.: Mitchells’ Crash Repair, Flawless Auto Body and 3 Way Auto Body. The three local repair centers transitioned operations to Crash Champions effective April 22. 

“We are certainly proud to continue expanding the Crash Champions footprint across Montana,” said Matt Ebert, founder and CEO of Crash Champions. “Beginning service to the Great Falls community is another strategic step in that momentum. Each of these local teams have earned a reputation for high-quality repairs and an attention to best-in-class customer service. We’re proud to welcome them to the team and look forward to serving Great Falls, now under the Crash Champions brand.”

Car ADAS Solutions Announces New Licensee in California

Car ADAS Solutions has announced ADAS Vision as a new licensee in Imperial, Calif.

GM Customer Care and Aftersales Celebrates National Skilled Trades Day

General Motors CCA celebrates the more than 43,500 skilled auto technicians across its dealerships as well as the more than 1,100 students currently on the path to joining the industry through its various programs.

Fix Network World Apprenticeship Program Celebrates First Graduate

The Fix Network Apprenticeship Program is the first automotive glass apprenticeship in the U.S., and Duran is the first graduate.

Car ADAS Solutions Announces New Licensee in Michigan

Car ADAS Solutions has welcomed Lakestate Calibrations as a new licensee in Gaylord, Mich.

Other Posts

CIF Offers Assistance After Recent Devastating Storms

The Collision Industry Foundation is here to assist collision repair professionals who have suffered a significant loss.

ALI Announces Lifting Points Guide Now Available in Digital and Print

Easily find OEM-recommended lifting points to properly lift cars, trucks and SUVs.

NTSB Chair Praises NHTSA Action on AEB Final Rule

Jennifer Homendy lauded the new standard requiring all new passenger cars and light trucks to have automatic emergency braking and pedestrian AEB systems.

Lucid Group Debuts New EV with 516-mile Range

Lucid claims the 2024 Air Grand Touring starting at $109,900 is the longest-range EV available today.