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· Posted on
February 21, 2024

Tesla’s ‘autopilot’ tech is under investigation after multiple crashes

Looks like autopilot mode ain't so auto after all. Did some say exaggeration?

What's the key learning?

  • Tesla is the $919 billion electric vehicle-maker headed up by Elon Musk.
  • Nearly 800,000 Tesla cars have an autopilot mode, and there have been 11 crashes with this mode since 2018.
  • Regulators are investigating Tesla, claiming its marketing tactics around this feature. have been a little misleading.

Tesla, the AU$919 billion electric vehicle-maker is known for its pretty specky cars (like the fact that you can stream Netflix from the dash or enter through falcon-doors) and of course, its autopilot feature.

The autopilot feature allows your car to steer, accelerate and brake automatically within its lane. But it's also led to 11 accidents since 2018.

Tesla has said drivers need to be ready to take the wheel at any time, but regulators reckon their marketing has been a little misleading. 

So what's the key learning?

Marketing is all about exaggerating the benefit of something. Ya know, magic creams. Cups that never break. The world's BEST cup of coffee. And now, a car that drives itself.

But exaggerating a company's abilities can lead to pretty hefty penalties - 'cos regulators really don't like it. Remember when the ACCC came for Telstra, Optus and TBG for misleading Aussies about NBN speeds?

If regulators win, Tesla might need to recall some 800,000 cars with the autopilot feature. Or, cool down their marketing campaigns. 

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