Two U.S. consumer advocacy groups urged the Federal Trade Commission to investigate Tesla. They feel that Tesla’s ads are misleading with use of the word Autopilot. They say that the name is deceptive because it is an assisted-driving technology
Consumers Misled?
The Consumer Watchdog and Center for Auto Safety brought the request saying that potential customers could be misled, based on Tesla’s advertising and marketing. They say that possible consumers could think that the Autopilot in Tesla’s vehicle makes it self-driving.
Tesla released the Autopilot feature in 2015. This cruise control system partially automates braking and steering. However, Tesla states in the user manual that if the system is turned on, a driver must still keep holding the wheel.
In their letter to FTC, these two groups stated that a series of press releases and ads from Tesla make the Autopilot name deceptive. They also said that some of Elon Musk’s, Tesla’s CEO, statements are deceiving and misleading. They say he is trying to prove to customers that Autopilot is more capable and safer than it is.
