‘US investigates whether Tesla committed fraud on Autopilot claims’ – IT Pro – News

The US Department of Justice is investigating Tesla, Reuters says. The ministry is examining whether Tesla committed fraud by misleading consumers, investors and regulators about the capabilities of its autonomous driving functions.

Federal prosecutors in Washington and San Francisco are looking into whether Tesla executives were misleading by making unsubstantiated claims about the capabilities of Tesla’s Autopilot system. Three insiders told Reuters. The car manufacturer is also investigated wire fraud committed, in which the car manufacturer misled consumers through ‘interstate communication’, the news agency writes. Prosecutors are also investigating whether Tesla securities fraud committed by misleading investors.

Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems are currently mainly intended to support motorists. The functions help with steering, braking and changing lanes, but are not fully self-driving. Tesla warns buyers to remain alert while using the features and to hold the steering wheel at all times. However, the US Justice Department is looking at ‘other statements’ from Tesla and CEO Elon Musk, who suggested that Tesla cars can drive independently.

Reuters was unable to find out exactly which statements are being looked at. Tesla’s website includes a demonstration video of Autopilot, which states: “The person in the driver’s seat is only there for legal reasons. He does nothing. The car drives itself.” Tesla boss Elon Musk has also been saying for years that Tesla’s fully self-driving cars are almost on their way. He called Autopilot “probably better” than a human driver in 2016.

Justice already started an investigation into Tesla in 2022 because of the company’s Autopilot claims, Reuters wrote at the time. It is now clear what the investigation will focus on: wire and securities fraud. The investigation itself does not mean Tesla is guilty and could result in criminal charges, civil penalties or ‘no action’. It is not known when the results are expected.