PANORA

Home About Us Contact Us Blog News

US auto safety agency investigates Tesla's Autopilot recall

Published: 26 April 2024 at 11:09

Business

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating Tesla's December recall of over 2 million vehicles for Autopilot issues, concerned about drivers not paying enough attention. The agency found evidence of post-recall crashes and updates not included in the fix. Tesla reported 20 crashes post-recall. NHTSA will assess the recall's effectiveness in addressing driver misuse and confusion. Tesla allows owners to opt in or reverse parts of the remedy.

DEEP DIVE


Tesla in Autopilot Mode Kills Motorcyclist Near Seattle


A Tesla using Autopilot mode hit and killed a motorcyclist near Seattle, leading to the arrest of the 56-year-old driver for vehicular homicide. The driver admitted to using his cellphone while the Tesla was in motion, relying on the machine to drive. The crash occurred in Maltby, Washington, resulting in the death of 28-year-old motorcyclist Jeffrey Nissen. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had pressured Tesla to recall over 2 million vehicles for improved Autopilot warnings following previous accidents involving the system.

Tesla Autopilot (Wikipedia)


Tesla Autopilot is an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) developed by Tesla that amounts to partial vehicle automation (Level 2 automation, as defined by SAE International). Tesla provides "Base Autopilot" on all vehicles, which includes lane centering and traffic-aware cruise control. Owners may purchase an upgrade to "Enhanced Autopilot" (EA) which adds semi-autonomous navigation on limited access roadways, self-parking, and the ability to summon the car from a garage or parking spot. The company claims the features reduce accidents caused by driver negligence and fatigue from long-term driving. Collisions and deaths involving Tesla cars with Autopilot engaged have drawn the attention of the press and government agencies.Full Self-Driving (FSD) is Tesla's branding for its beta testing program to achieve fully autonomous driving (SAE Level 5). The naming is controversial, because vehicles operating under FSD remain at Level 2 automation and are therefore not "fully self-driving" and require active driver supervision. FSD adds semi-autonomous navigation on city streets and the ability to respond to visible traffic lights or stop sign. As of February 2023, Tesla has about 360,000 participants in the FSD program. Industry observers and academics have criticized Tesla's decision to use untrained consumers to validate beta features as dangerous and irresponsible.The company's stated intent is to offer fully autonomous driving at a future time, acknowledging that technical and regulatory hurdles must be overcome to achieve this goal. Since 2013, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made repeated inaccurate predictions for Tesla to achieve Level 5 autonomy, most recently predicting the end of 2023.

Tesla Recalls Cybertrucks Over Accelerator Pedal Issue


Tesla is recalling 3,878 Cybertrucks made between Nov 13 and April 4 due to concerns that their accelerator pedal pads may dislodge and become stuck, potentially causing crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced the recall, with Tesla to replace or repair the affected parts free of charge. No injuries or accidents have been reported due to the issue. This recall follows a previous one for warning light size discrepancies in Teslas U.S.-sold vehicles.

Tesla Settles Lawsuit Over Autopilot Crash Death of Engineer


Tesla settled a lawsuit brought by the family of engineer Walter Huang, who died in a crash while using the company's semi-autonomous driving software. The amount paid was not disclosed, with the settlement made to end years of litigation. Huang activated Autopilot on his Model X before crashing into a highway barrier, with evidence showing he was playing a video game on his phone. The incident occurred in 2018 in Mountain View, California, resulting in Huang's tragic death at the age of 38. The case highlighted concerns over Tesla's promotion of its self-driving technology.

Elon Musk Mandates Test Rides for Tesla's Full Self-Driving Feature


Elon Musk has ordered Tesla employees to install and activate the latest Full Self-Driving software in North America and take customers on a demonstration ride before delivering the car. The $12,000 FSD upgrade aims to showcase the capabilities of autonomous driving, although the system has not reached full autonomy levels as promised. Musk's move, aimed at increasing FSD sales, comes amidst previous regulatory scrutiny and investigations into Tesla's Autopilot and FSD technologies.

Tesla is headed to trial over deadly 2018 Autopilot crash


Apple engineer Walter Huang was killed in a fiery wreck more than six years ago when his Tesla Model X SUV smashed into a concrete barrier on a California highway as the vehicle was in Autopilot mode. Huang's family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Tesla in the aftermath of the crash and now they're headed to a civil trial that could cast a negative spotlight on Elon Musk's electric car company if a jury finds it liable for the collision. The trial is set to kick off Monday in California's Santa Clara County Superior Court. Bryant Walker Smith, a University of South Carolina law professor and expert in automotive technologies, told Business Insider that the case likely won't have any real consequences for Tesla, but if it loses it would almost certainly "bolster regulatory scrutiny" around its Autopilot driver-assist software. "This is one case and Tesla will be able to absorb whatever final damages it ends up with, if any," in the event that the company lost, said Smith.

2009–2011 Toyota vehicle recalls (Wikipedia)


The 2009–11 Toyota vehicle recalls involved three separate but related recalls of automobiles by the Japanese manufacturer Toyota Motor Corporation, which occurred at the end of 2009 and the start of 2010. Toyota initiated the recalls, the first two with the assistance of the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), after reports that several vehicles experienced unintended acceleration. The first recall, on November 2, 2009, was to correct a possible incursion of an incorrect or out-of-place front driver's side floor mat into the foot pedal well, which can cause pedal entrapment. The second recall, on January 21, 2010, was begun after some crashes were shown not to have been caused by floor mat incursion. This latter defect was identified as a possible mechanical sticking of the accelerator pedal causing unintended acceleration, referred to as Sticking Accelerator Pedal by Toyota. The original action was initiated by Toyota in their Defect Information Report, dated October 5, 2009, amended January 27, 2010. Following the floor mat and accelerator pedal recalls, Toyota also issued a separate recall for hybrid anti-lock brake software in February 2010.As of January 28, 2010, Toyota had announced recalls of approximately 5.2 million vehicles for the pedal entrapment/floor mat problem, and an additional 2.3 million vehicles for the accelerator pedal problem. Approximately 1.7 million vehicles are subject to both. Certain related Lexus models and the Pontiac Vibe (the latter being based on the Corolla) were also affected. The next day, Toyota widened the recall to include 1.8 million vehicles in Europe and 75,000 in China. By then, the worldwide total number of cars recalled by Toyota stood at 9 million. Sales of multiple recalled models were suspended for several weeks as a result of the accelerator pedal recall, with the vehicles awaiting replacement parts. As of January 2010, 21 deaths were alleged due to the pedal problem since 2000, but following the January 28 recall, additional NHTSA complaints brought the alleged total to 37. The number of alleged victims and reported problems sharply increased following the recall announcements, which were heavily covered by U.S. media, although the causes of individual reports were difficult to verify. Government officials, automotive experts, Toyota, and members of the general public contested the scope of the sudden acceleration issue and the veracity of victim and problem reports. Various parties attributed sudden unintended acceleration reports to mechanical, electric, and driver error causes. Some US owners that had their recalled vehicles repaired still reported accelerator pedal issues, leading to investigations and the finding of improper repairs. The recalls further led to additional NHTSA and Toyota investigations, along with multiple lawsuits.On February 8, 2011, the NHTSA, in collaboration with NASA, released its findings into the investigation on the Toyota drive-by-wire throttle system. After a 10-month search, NASA and NHTSA scientists found no electronic defect in Toyota vehicles. Driver error or pedal misapplication was found responsible for most of the incidents. The report ended by stating, "Our conclusion is Toyota's problems were mechanical, not electrical." This included sticking accelerator pedals, and pedals caught under floor mats.However, on October 24, 2013, a jury ruled against Toyota and found that unintended acceleration could have been caused due to deficiencies in the drive-by-wire throttle system or Electronic Throttle Control System (ETCS). Michael Barr of the Barr Group testified that NASA had not been able to complete its examination of Toyota's ETCS and that Toyota did not follow best practices for real time life-critical software, and that a single bit flip which can be caused by cosmic rays could cause unintended acceleration. As well, the run-time stack of the real-time operating system was not large enough and that it was possible for the stack to grow large enough to overwrite data that could cause unintended acceleration. As a result, Toyota has entered into settlement talks with its plaintiffs.

Tesla recalls over 3,800 Cybertruck models due to accelerator pedal issue


Tesla has recalled 3,878 Cybertruck models as the accelerator pedal is at risk of getting stuck, following a viral video showing a loose rubber cover pinning the pedal down. Sales were temporarily halted after contact from the NHTSA. The EV maker will replace or repair the assembly for affected owners.

Elon Musk Stresses Tesla's Focus on Technology over Automaking in Earnings Call


Elon Musk emphasized Tesla's identity as a tech company rather than solely an automaker during the first quarter earnings call. Amid concerns about future plans and declining sales, Tesla accelerated the production schedule for new models while highlighting the importance of investing in autonomous technology. Musk asserted that belief in Tesla's autonomous solutions is essential for investors, even stating confidence in achieving self-driving cars without his presence. Despite poor performance expectations, Tesla aims to prioritize tech endeavors alongside car production.

U.S. Government Investigation Into Honda's Automatic Braking Moves Closer to Recall


The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has upgraded its probe on nearly 3 million Honda vehicles experiencing unexpected automatic braking to an engineering analysis after receiving 1,294 complaints. The investigation covers the CR-V small SUV and Accord midsize car from 2017 to 2022. Despite some customers' misunderstanding of the system, complaints highlight instances where vehicles braked with no obstacles, leading to 47 crashes and 112 injuries. Honda is cooperating with the probe on the Collision Mitigation Braking System, while NHTSA evaluates the frequency and safety implications. NHTSA aims to regulate automatic braking systems for new vehicles to enhance safety.

Tesla Suffers Biggest Revenue Drop in Over a Decade and Announces 6,000 Job Cuts


Tesla experienced a 9% drop in revenue, the largest since 2012, with profits decreasing by 55%. The company plans to lay off 6,020 employees in Texas and California as part of global workforce reductions. Despite production and sales challenges, Tesla aims to launch more affordable vehicles and remains a leading EV seller globally. Amidst internal turmoil, including a 45 billion pay deal for CEO Elon Musk, Tesla faces slowing demand and increased competition, particularly from Chinese electric car makers. Musk highlighted Tesla's job creation efforts in California amidst the layoffs.

Tesla Model S (Wikipedia)


The Tesla Model S is a battery electric executive car with a liftback body style built by Tesla, Inc. since 2012. The Model S features a battery-powered dual-motor, all-wheel drive layout, although earlier versions featured a rear-motor and rear-wheel drive layout.Development of the Model S began prior to 2007, under the codename "WhiteStar". The Model S was officially announced on June 30, 2008, and a prototype vehicle was unveiled in March 2009. The Model S debuted on June 22, 2012. A revised, dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version, known as the 60D, debuted on October 9, 2014. The 60D was followed by the 70D, which made dual-motor and all-wheel drive the standard, followed by the 85D, P85D, and P90D. Along with these updates, Tesla offered the Autopilot driving assistance system. The first major design refresh came in April 2016 when the Model S was updated with a new front hood design. In October of the same year, hardware became standard that supports Tesla's Full Self Driving (FSD) capability. As part of the update, integrated standard cameras around the car were added. In February 2017 the Tesla Model S P100D debuted, which included a revised motor and was the first electric vehicle to have an EPA estimated range exceeding 300 miles (483 km). The second major design refresh, codenamed "Palladium", was introduced in June 2021, offering a new "Plaid" performance model, along with a revised interior, powertrain, and suspension.The Model S became the first electric car to top the monthly new-car-sales ranking in any country, leading twice in Norway, in September and December 2013 and in Denmark in December 2015. Sales passed 250,000 units in September 2018. The Model S was the top-selling plug-in electric car worldwide in 2015 and 2016, although it was later surpassed by the Model 3. Upon its release, the Model S received positive reviews, with praise for its acceleration and range, although initial models received criticism for their high cost and braking issues.

Tesla, Inc. (Wikipedia)


Tesla, Inc. ( TESS-lə or TEZ-lə) is an American multinational automotive and clean energy company headquartered in Austin, Texas, which designs, manufactures and sells electric vehicles, stationary battery energy storage devices from home to grid-scale, solar panels and solar shingles, and related products and services.Tesla was incorporated in July 2003 by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning as Tesla Motors. The company's name is a tribute to inventor and electrical engineer Nikola Tesla. In February 2004 Elon Musk joined as the company's largest shareholder and in 2008 he was named CEO. In 2008, the company began production of its first car model, the Roadster sports car, followed by the Model S sedan in 2012, the Model X SUV in 2015, the Model 3 sedan in 2017, the Model Y crossover in 2020, the Tesla Semi truck in 2022 and the Cybertruck pickup truck in 2023. The Model 3 is the all-time bestselling plug-in electric car worldwide, and in June 2021 became the first electric car to sell 1 million units globally. In 2023, the Model Y was the best-selling vehicle, of any kind, globally.Tesla is one of the world's most valuable companies. In October 2021, Tesla's market capitalization temporarily reached $1 trillion, the sixth company to do so in U.S. history. In 2022, the company led the battery electric vehicle market, with 18% share. As of 2023, it is the world's most valuable automaker. Also in 2023, the company was ranked 69th in the Forbes Global 2000.Tesla has been the subject of lawsuits, government scrutiny, and journalistic criticism, stemming from allegations of whistleblower retaliation, worker rights violations, product defects, and Musk's many controversial statements.

Elon Musk Claims Tesla's Optimus Robots Could Be More Valuable Than Everything Else Combined


Elon Musk expressed optimism about Tesla's humanoid robot project, stating that the Optimus robots could be more valuable than all other assets combined. Tesla aims to have the robots in limited production in its factories by the end of the year and potentially available for external sale by next year. Despite the robot project, Tesla faces financial challenges with a 9% decline in quarterly revenue and a 20.1% decrease in car deliveries in the first quarter of 2024, resulting in the company's worst quarterly performance since 2022.

Tesla reduces subscription fee for Full Self-Driving software


Tesla has lowered the subscription fee for its Full Self-Driving (FSD) driver-assist software from $199 to $99 per month, describing the system as FSD (Supervised) to emphasize driver attentiveness. Previously, FSD was available for a $12,000 one-time fee or at $99 per month for Autopilot users. Tesla now includes Autopilot as standard in all new car purchases, eliminating the price difference. Despite efforts to improve FSD with software updates, some Tesla owners find the system erratic. Elon Musk has mandated demo rides with FSD for prospective buyers.

Hertz Suffers $392 Million Loss in Q1 2024, Plans to Sell 10,000 Depreciating EVs


Rental giant Hertz incurred a $392 million loss in the first three months of 2024 and plans to offload 10,000 depreciating electric vehicles (EVs) at a huge loss. Hertz's bet on EVs failed due to low customer interest caused by range anxiety and charging uncertainties. The plummeting value of Teslas has contributed to the financial troubles. The company's stocks plunged, and its CEO stepped down amidst the crisis. EVs accounted for almost 50% of Hertz's losses. Maintenance costs and high depreciation rates of EVs are cited as challenges.

Advanced driver-assistance system (Wikipedia)


An advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) includes technologies that assist drivers with the safe operation of a vehicle. Through a human-machine interface, ADAS increases car and road safety. ADAS uses automated technology, such as sensors and cameras, to detect nearby obstacles or driver errors, and respond accordingly. ADAS can enable various levels of autonomous driving. As most road crashes occur due to human error, ADAS are developed to automate, adapt, and enhance vehicle technology for safety and better driving. ADAS are proven to reduce road fatalities by minimizing human error. Safety features are designed to avoid crashes and collisions by offering technologies that alert the driver to problems, implementing safeguards, and taking control of the vehicle if necessary. Adaptive features may automate lighting, provide adaptive cruise control, assist in avoiding collisions, incorporate satellite navigation and traffic warnings, alert drivers to possible obstacles, assist in lane departure and lane centering, provide navigational assistance through smartphones, and provide other features.According to a 2021 research report from Canalys, approximately 33 percent of new vehicles sold in the United States, Europe, Japan, and China had ADAS features. The firm also predicted that fifty percent of all automobiles on the road by the year 2030 would be ADAS-enabled.

Ford Recalls 43,000 Small SUVs Due to Fuel Leak Concerns


Ford is recalling nearly 43,000 newer models of Bronco and Escape SUVs due to fuel injector issues that could lead to gasoline leaks in the engine compartment, posing a fire risk. The recall includes 2022 Escape and 2022/2023 Bronco Sport editions with 1.5L engines. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggests checking the NHTSA website for affected vehicles. Owners can have a drain tube and leak-detection software installed for free at Ford dealerships. The recall, an expansion of a previous one in 2022, does not address repairing the fuel leaks.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (Wikipedia)


The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA NITS-ə) is an agency of the U.S. federal government, part of the Department of Transportation, focused on transportation safety in the United States.NHTSA is charged with writing and enforcing Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards as well as regulations for motor vehicle theft resistance and fuel economy, as part of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) system. FMVSS 209 was the first standard to become effective on March 1, 1967. NHTSA licenses vehicle manufacturers and importers, allows or blocks the import of vehicles and safety-regulated vehicle parts, administers the vehicle identification number (VIN) system, develops the anthropomorphic dummies used in U.S. safety testing as well as the test protocols themselves, and provides vehicle insurance cost information. The agency has asserted preemptive regulatory authority over greenhouse gas emissions, but this has been disputed by such state regulatory agencies as the California Air Resources Board.The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards are contained in the United States 49 CFR 571. Additional federal vehicle standards are contained elsewhere in the CFR. Another of NHTSA's activities is the collection of data about motor vehicle crashes, available in various data files maintained by the National Center for Statistics and Analysis, in particular the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), the Crash Investigation Sampling System (CISS, where technicians investigate a random sample of police crash reports), and others.

Boeing Honeywell Uninterruptible Autopilot (Wikipedia)


The Boeing Uninterruptible Autopilot is a system designed to take control of a commercial aircraft away from the pilot or flight crew in the event of a hijacking.If implemented, the system would allow the craft to automatically guide itself to a landing at a designated airstrip. The "uninterruptible" autopilot would be activated either by pilots, by onboard sensors, or remotely via radio or satellite links by government agencies, if terrorists attempt to gain control of a flight deck. Both Boeing and Honeywell have contributed significantly to the introduction of digital autopilot technology into the civil aviation sector. A patent for the system was awarded to Boeing in 2006. Honeywell has also been developing a system with Airbus, and a prototype has been tested on small aircraft. Conspiracy theorists have claimed that the technology has been secretly fitted to some commercial airliners. Some, including historian Norman Davies, have blamed it for the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, the cause of which is unknown as of March 2024. According to Bob Mann, an airline industry consultant, evidence of the Boeing Uninterruptible Autopilot system being installed in a commercial airline has not been publicized and is not proven to exist. Safety concerns, including the possibility that such a system could be hacked, have prevented its roll-out.

National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Wikipedia)


The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act was enacted in the United States in 1966 to empower the federal government to set and administer new safety standards for motor vehicles and road traffic safety. The Act was the first mandatory federal safety standards for motor vehicles. The Act created the National Highway Safety Bureau (now National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). The Act was one of a number of initiatives by the government in response to increasing number of cars and associated fatalities and injuries on the road following a period when the number of people killed on the road had increased 6-fold and the number of vehicles was up 11-fold since 1925. The reduction of the rate of death attributable to motor-vehicle crashes in the United States represents the successful public health response to a great technologic advance of the 20th century—the motorization of the United States.

U.S. Traffic Deaths Fell in 2023 but Still Remain High


U.S. traffic deaths decreased by 3.6% in 2023, with nearly 41,000 fatalities. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported a decline in deaths for the second consecutive year. Despite more driving, the death rate per 100 million miles driven dropped to 1.26. Distracted driving was cited as a significant factor in crashes, with 3,308 deaths and 289,310 injuries in 2022. A campaign named Put the Phone Away or Pay was launched to combat distracted driving. Traffic deaths spiked in 2021 due to increased driving during the easing COVID-19 pandemic.

Tesla a.s. (Wikipedia)


TESLA a.s. is a Czech manufacturer and supplier of special radio communication and security electrical engineering for military and commercial use. The name was originally used by a state-owned conglomerate that was the monopoly producer of electronic appliances and components in the former Socialist Republic of Czechoslovakia. The conglomerate was founded in 1946 and ran until 1991, when it was privatised. The Tesla name is used by its successor company and former subsidiaries in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.In 2011, the Czech company Inter-Sat Ltd. acquired the license for the Tesla brand name from TESLA a.s. to sell household appliances and consumer electronics with different logo in Europe, mostly in Central and Southeastern countries.

Kia Recalls 427,000 Telluride SUVs Due to Roll Away Defect


Kia is recalling over 427,000 Telluride SUVs from 2020-2024 due to a defect in the intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft that may cause unintended vehicle movement while parked, increasing crash risks. The recall covers models manufactured between Jan. 9, 2019, and Oct. 19, 2023, with Kia estimating 1% have the defect. Owners will receive free updates to the electronic parking brake software and replacements for damaged shafts. Drivers are advised to manually engage the emergency brake and can check their vehicle's inclusion in the recall on NHTSA or Kia's platform. Notifications will be sent out starting May 15.

Elon Musk Teases Cheaper Tesla Models, Sending Stock Soaring


Elon Musk discussed Tesla's plans to produce cheaper electric vehicles in an effort to boost sales during the first-quarter earnings call, causing a 13% rise in Tesla's stock. The specifics, such as pricing and availability, were not revealed. Musk aims to enhance competitiveness against Chinese EVs with low prices. The production of the cheaper models is set to begin earlier than initially planned, potentially starting late this year. Tesla's current cheapest model, the Model 3, starts at $38,990 in the US.

Tesla Semi (Wikipedia)


The Tesla Semi is a battery electric Class 8 semi-truck built by Tesla, Inc. since 2022. The truck is powered by three motors, and is claimed by Tesla to have approximately three times the power of a typical diesel semi truck, a range of 500 miles (800 km), and operate at an energy use of less than 2 kWh/mi (1.2 kW⋅h/km).Two concept vehicles were unveiled in November 2017. Tesla CEO Elon Musk originally promised that production would begin in 2019. Production began in October 2022, several years behind schedule, and initial deliveries were made to PepsiCo on December 1, 2022.

Tesla Model 3 (Wikipedia)


The Tesla Model 3 is a battery electric mid-size sedan with a fastback body style built by Tesla, Inc., first introduced in 2017. It is marketed as being more affordable to more people than previous models made by Tesla. The Model 3 was the world's top selling plug-in electric car for three years, from 2018 to 2020, before being knocked from the top spot by the Tesla Model Y, a crossover SUV based on the Model 3 chassis. In June 2021, the Model 3 became the first electric car to pass global sales of 1 million. In November 2021, new features were added such as a power-operated trunk, heated steering wheel, new center console similar to the Model Y's with two wireless phone chargers, chrome trim replaced with matte black trim, USB-C ports, and a heat pump.An upgraded Model 3 with revamped interior and exterior styling was introduced in late 2023 for countries supplied by Tesla's Shanghai, China factory, and then in North America and other countries supplied by the Fremont, California factory in early 2024.

Recall of Ford Broncos Coincides with OJ Simpson's Death


The recall of 22,270 Ford Bronco Sports and 20,382 Escape SUVs due to cracked fuel injectors coincided with OJ Simpson's death at age 76 after battling cancer. The famous white Ford Bronco from Simpson's 1994 police chase was linked to his trial for the murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown. Simpson's connection to the Bronco line influenced car culture, leading to its demise in 1996. Ford owners affected by the recall can check the NHTSA website for information.

Tesla Launches New Model 3 Performance with Impressive Performance Upgrades


Tesla has unveiled the new Model 3 Performance with a 2.9 second 0-60 mph time, 510 hp peak power, and 163 mph top speed, making it the quickest Model 3 ever. It features 20-inch Warp Wheels, adaptive damping system, larger brakes, and a new Track mode. Priced at $52,990, it offers 296 miles of range and 5 inches of ground clearance. The interior showcases sport seats, carbon fiber details, and a 15.4-inch touchscreen. Despite the price increase over other Model 3 variants, the Performance model promises a supercar-like driving experience.

Tesla Model Y (Wikipedia)


The Tesla Model Y is a battery electric mid-size crossover SUV produced by Tesla, Inc. since 2020. The vehicle was presented in March 2019 as the company's fifth production model since its inception after the Roadster, Model S, Model X and Model 3.After its 2019 introduction, the Model Y started production at the Fremont Factory in California, US in January 2020. Production at Giga Shanghai, China was added in December 2020, and at Giga Texas, US since late 2021. Deliveries from Giga Berlin, Germany started in March 2022.The Model Y is based on the Model 3 sedan, with around 76 percent of parts being shared between the two. While most Model Y are configured with two-row seating, in the US the Model Y offers optional third-row seats for a seven-passenger seating capacity.In 2023, Tesla delivered 1.2 million Model Ys, making it the world's best-selling vehicle that year, surpassing Toyota Corolla and becoming the first electric vehicle to claim that title. With at least 2.16 million units delivered since its start of production up to December 2023, the Model Y is also the most popular electric vehicle of all time.

U.S. Auto Safety Regulators Investigating Ford Pickup Trucks Downshifting Issue


The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating complaints that over 540,000 Ford pickup trucks can abruptly downshift to a lower gear, leading to an increased risk of crashes. The probe covers F-150s from the 2014 model year, with complaints stating that the trucks can shift without warning, causing accidents and injuries. Ford is cooperating with the investigation, and certain F-150 models from 2011 to 2013 were previously recalled for the same problem.

Tesla Cybertruck (Wikipedia)


The Tesla Cybertruck is a battery electric full-size pickup truck built by Tesla, Inc. since 2023. Introduced as a concept vehicle in November 2019, it features a triangular body design with flat sheet metal panels made of stainless steel.Tesla was initially aiming to bring the vehicle into production in 2021. After a series of delays, production Cybertrucks were first delivered to customers in late November 2023. As of December 2023, the Cybertruck is available only in North America. Three models are offered: the tri-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) "Cyberbeast", a dual-motor AWD model, and a rear-wheel drive (RWD) model, with EPA range estimates of 250–340 miles (400–550 km), varying by model.

Chinese EV Threat to U S Automakers Intensifies with Volvo's Affordable EX30 SUV


Volvo, owned by China's Geely, is set to launch the EX30 in the U S this summer, priced $8,000 lower than the Tesla Model Y, showcasing the threat Chinese EV manufacturers pose to global rivals. Geely's cost advantages and Volvo's ability to avoid U S tariffs contribute to the competitive pricing. Chinese EV makers benefit from dominating battery minerals mining, heavy government subsidies, and cost-cutting strategies like supply chain mergers. Despite the low price, Volvo aims for high profit margins of 15-20%. Chinese EV dominance is evident at Beijing's auto show, with local brands in a price war amid foreign automakers losing market share.

Tesla (Wikipedia)


Tesla most commonly refers to:Nikola Tesla (1856–1943), a Serbian-American electrical engineer and inventorTesla, Inc., an American electric vehicle and clean energy company, formerly Tesla Motors, Inc.Tesla (unit) (symbol: T), the SI-derived unit of magnetic flux densityTesla may also refer to:

US safety regulators close investigation into Toyota SUV steering wheel issues


The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has concluded a five-year investigation into complaints about steering wheels detaching from some Toyota SUVs without initiating a recall. The probe, which began in 2018, covered approximately 708,000 Highlanders from the 2008 to 2013 model years. The closure was based on the rare occurrence of the problem, likely attributed to collision damage, with Toyota issuing a bulletin in 2018 instructing technicians to inspect the steering column post-crash repairs. The investigation stemmed from 42 complaints from owners about the steering column detachment while adjusting the wheel.

US auto safety agency investigates Tesla\'s Autopilot recall US auto safety agency investigates Tesla\'s Autopilot recall

SOURCES

Washington Post

Regulators launch review of whether Tesla did enough to fix Autopilot

Washington Post

ABC News

US probes whether Tesla Autopilot recall did enough to make sure drivers pay attention

ABC News

ABC News

US agency is investigating whether the recall of Tesla Autopilot driving system did enough to ensure drivers attention

ABC News

AP News

US probes whether Tesla Autopilot recall did enough to make sure drivers pay attention

By TOM KRISHER

CBS News

U.S. probing whether major Tesla Autopilot recall went far enough

CBS News

TechCrunch

Tesla Autopilot investigation closed after feds find 13 fatal crashes related to misuse

Sean O'Kane

The Verge

Tesla’s Autopilot is under investigation again following ‘recall’ software update

The Verge

The Verge

Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving linked to hundreds of crashes, dozens of deaths

The Verge

BBC News

Tesla Autopilot recall to be probed by US regulator

https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews

Business Insider

Tesla recalled its vehicles, but Autopilot crashes kept happening: feds

Business Insider

PANORA

Tesla in Autopilot Mode Kills Motorcyclist Near Seattle

PANORA

Wikipedia

Tesla Autopilot

Wikipedia

PANORA

Tesla Recalls Cybertrucks Over Accelerator Pedal Issue

PANORA

PANORA

Tesla Settles Lawsuit Over Autopilot Crash Death of Engineer

PANORA

PANORA

Elon Musk Mandates Test Rides for Tesla's Full Self-Driving Feature

PANORA

PANORA

Tesla is headed to trial over deadly 2018 Autopilot crash

PANORA

Wikipedia

2009–2011 Toyota vehicle recalls

Wikipedia

PANORA

Tesla recalls over 3,800 Cybertruck models due to accelerator pedal issue

PANORA

PANORA

Elon Musk Stresses Tesla's Focus on Technology over Automaking in Earnings Call

PANORA

PANORA

U.S. Government Investigation Into Honda's Automatic Braking Moves Closer to Recall

PANORA

PANORA

Tesla Suffers Biggest Revenue Drop in Over a Decade and Announces 6,000 Job Cuts

PANORA

Wikipedia

Tesla Model S

Wikipedia

Wikipedia

Tesla, Inc.

Wikipedia

PANORA

Elon Musk Claims Tesla's Optimus Robots Could Be More Valuable Than Everything Else Combined

PANORA

PANORA

Tesla reduces subscription fee for Full Self-Driving software

PANORA

PANORA

Hertz Suffers $392 Million Loss in Q1 2024, Plans to Sell 10,000 Depreciating EVs

PANORA

Wikipedia

Advanced driver-assistance system

Wikipedia

PANORA

Ford Recalls 43,000 Small SUVs Due to Fuel Leak Concerns

PANORA

Wikipedia

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Wikipedia

Wikipedia

Boeing Honeywell Uninterruptible Autopilot

Wikipedia

Wikipedia

National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act

Wikipedia

PANORA

U.S. Traffic Deaths Fell in 2023 but Still Remain High

PANORA

Wikipedia

Tesla a.s.

Wikipedia

PANORA

Kia Recalls 427,000 Telluride SUVs Due to Roll Away Defect

PANORA

PANORA

Elon Musk Teases Cheaper Tesla Models, Sending Stock Soaring

PANORA

Wikipedia

Tesla Semi

Wikipedia

Wikipedia

Tesla Model 3

Wikipedia

PANORA

Recall of Ford Broncos Coincides with OJ Simpson's Death

PANORA

PANORA

Tesla Launches New Model 3 Performance with Impressive Performance Upgrades

PANORA

Wikipedia

Tesla Model Y

Wikipedia

PANORA

U.S. Auto Safety Regulators Investigating Ford Pickup Trucks Downshifting Issue

PANORA

Wikipedia

Tesla Cybertruck

Wikipedia

PANORA

Chinese EV Threat to U S Automakers Intensifies with Volvo's Affordable EX30 SUV

PANORA

Wikipedia

Tesla

Wikipedia

PANORA

US safety regulators close investigation into Toyota SUV steering wheel issues

PANORA