Tesla ordered to stop advertising 'autopilot' function
Feature faces increased scrutiny after two fatal crashes
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Tesla has reportedly been told to stop advertising an “autopilot” function on its cars after the term was deemed to be misleading.
German transport regulator KBA wrote to the company after the feature came under scrutiny following two fatal crashes.
Questions have been raised over the system after fatal crashes in northern China and Florida. There was also an incident in Germany in which a Tesla electric car crashed into a tourist bus while on autopilot.
"In order to prevent misunderstandings and false expectations from clients, we are asking that the misleading term 'Autopilot' no longer be used in advertisements for the system," KBA said, according to the Local.
The autopilot function, which has been available with its Model S series since October 2015, is not supposed replace drivers entirely. Instead it is designed to help the car steer and stay in a lane.
A Tesla spokesman told AFP: "We have always been clear with our customers that Autopilot is a driver's assistance system that requires the driver to pay attention at all times."
Since its launch last year, Tesla modified the feature in an attempt to prevent its misuse. It restricted at what speeds and for how long drivers could remove their hands from the wheel.
Tesla had previously admitted the upgraded version of its autopilot feature may have prevented the fatal crash in Florida,
The incident occured when a driver ran into a semi-tractor trailer which was turning in front of him, according to The Street.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments