Tesla fait l'objet d'une plainte pour fraude concernant ses affirmations sur l'autopilotage

A recent ruling has propelled Tesla into the legal spotlight as a federal judge determined that the company must face a lawsuit alleging fraudulent claims about its self-driving capabilities. The case, brought by California resident Thomas LoSavio, centers on statements made by Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk, suggesting their cars could achieve full autonomy, reports ARS Technica.

The Lead

Thomas LoSavio’s lawsuit asserts that Tesla misled consumers by overstating the self-driving features of its vehicles. This case will proceed in court following a decision by US District Judge Rita Lin. While some claims were dismissed, the fraud allegations remain intact.

Background and Allegations

The Claims

In October 2016, Tesla and Elon Musk claimed that all Tesla vehicles manufactured from that point onward would have the hardware necessary for full self-driving capabilities. A few months later, LoSavio purchased a 2017 Tesla Model S, influenced by these assurances. He believed the vehicle would eventually drive itself across the country.

LoSavio’s lawsuit highlights two primary misrepresentations:

1. Tesla’s claim that their cars already had the hardware for full self-driving.
2. The assertion that a Tesla vehicle would be able to self-drive cross-country within a year.

These representations were critical in LoSavio’s decision to buy the Model S, equipped with “Enhanced Autopilot” and “Full Self-Driving Capability.”

The Legal Journey

Initially, Tesla scored a partial victory when another judge enforced the company’s arbitration agreement, pushing four plaintiffs into arbitration. However, LoSavio had opted out of this agreement, enabling him to pursue his amended complaint in court. This complaint now seeks class-action status to include other Tesla owners who felt deceived by the company’s self-driving promises.

Court Ruling and Implications

Judge Rita Lin found LoSavio’s allegations sufficiently detailed to proceed with the fraud claims. The court noted the plausible detail in LoSavio’s claim that Tesla engaged in a long-term pattern of fraudulent misrepresentation.

Key Points from the Ruling

1. Hardware Claims: The lawsuit alleges that Tesla’s cars did not possess the necessary hardware for full self-driving, contrary to their statements. Instead, the vehicles only achieved SAE Level 2, requiring constant human supervision.
2. Future Promises: Musk’s bold assertion that a Tesla could drive from Los Angeles to New York without human intervention by the end of 2017 was another point of contention. This promise has yet to be realized, casting doubt on the company’s claims.
3. Consumer Reliance: The court found that LoSavio reasonably relied on these representations when purchasing his Tesla, highlighting the potential impact on consumer trust.

As the lawsuit moves forward, it brings into question the veracity of Tesla’s self-driving claims and the broader implications for consumer rights in the era of advanced vehicle technology. With Tesla’s self-driving promises under legal scrutiny, this case could set a significant precedent for how tech companies communicate their capabilities to the public.

Tesla’s journey toward achieving full autonomy remains a work in progress, and this lawsuit underscores the importance of transparency and accuracy in corporate communications. The outcome will be closely watched by both the automotive industry and consumers eager for the self-driving future.