Reuters: US Justice Department investigates Tesla for Autopilot deception

Photo: ANP

Public prosecutors in the United States are investigating whether Tesla misled consumers and shareholders about the possibilities of its self-driving cars, three insiders told Reuters. Hundreds of accidents have occurred in the country with the Autopilot driver assistance system, which have also resulted in people dying.

Tesla has always said that the driver assistance system does not replace the driver and that he must always pay attention and keep his hands on the wheel. Justice is investigating claims by Tesla and CEO Elon Musk that suggest that the cars can drive independently.

According to one of the sources, the stock exchange watchdog SEC is also looking into Tesla’s statements to shareholders about the driver assistance systems. The SEC declined to comment to Reuters. Tesla and the justice department also did not want to say anything. The electric carmaker recalled more than 2 million cars with the driver assistance system in the US in December.