It appears that Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) might finally be in hot water for its AutoPilot system, which has been in perpetual beta mode for consumers. It was revealed this morning that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, has formally opened an investigation into the program.
Specifically, the agency is examining the use of both AutoPilot and Traffic Aware Cruise Control by consumers in thirteen accidents that have occurred with first responders since January 2018. The use of such tech is confirmed by the agency to have been involved in collisions whereby the vehicles have crashed into first responder scenes by striking one or more vehicles involved in the prior collisions.
The investigation is centered on all Model 3’s produced between 2017 and 2021, all Model S’ produced between 2014 and 2021, and Model X’s produced between 2015 and 2021, and all Model Y’s produced between 2019 and 2021 – effectively, any vehicle produced by the firm since 2014.
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The NHTSA has indicated that the investigation is currently a “preliminary evaluation” focused on what it defines as a “Level 2 ADAS system.” The focus of the investigation is to be the tech itself and the methods it employs, with an emphasis on what the system does to enforce the drivers engagement with driving while such systems are implemented.
Tesla has fallen $12.92 in pre-market trading to $704.25 following the announcement.
Information for this briefing was found via the NHTSA. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
