Technology
Friday, January 5th, 2024 4:44 pm EDT
Key Points
- Massive Tesla Recall in China: Tesla is recalling over 1.6 million vehicles in China due to concerns about Autopilot features and locks. The recall, mandated by China’s State Administration for Market Regulation, aims to address potential issues where drivers could misuse a driving assistance feature, leading to an increased risk of collisions and safety hazards. Additionally, more than 7,500 Model S and Model X cars are being recalled in connection with fears that, during a crash, the noncollision side door may unlock. The recall in China follows a similar one in the U.S. announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in December, affecting approximately 2 million Tesla vehicles.
- Software Update as a Remedy: Both issues identified in the Chinese recall can be rectified through a free over-the-air software update, eliminating the need for physical inspections or repairs at service centers. This approach reflects a growing trend in the automotive industry to address certain issues remotely, leveraging software updates to enhance or fix functionalities without requiring owners to visit service locations. The reliance on over-the-air updates aligns with Tesla’s strategy to deliver quick and efficient solutions to potential safety concerns.
- Global Scrutiny on Autopilot Features: The recalls highlight the global scrutiny and regulatory oversight surrounding autonomous driving technologies, particularly Tesla’s Autopilot features. The NHTSA’s December recall in the U.S. was prompted by concerns that Autopilot features, specifically Autosteer, were confusing and too easy to misuse, potentially leading to an increased risk of collisions. While Tesla did not agree with the NHTSA’s findings, the company committed to addressing the identified problems through a free software update. The Chinese recall underscores the importance of ensuring the safety of autonomous driving systems, with regulatory authorities emphasizing the need for clarity in controls and user interfaces to prevent driver misuse. Tesla’s shares experienced a marginal increase following the announcement of the recall in China, and the company has yet to respond to CNBC’s request for comment.
Tesla is recalling over 1.6 million vehicles in China to address issues related to its Autopilot features and locks, as announced by Chinese state regulators. The recall covers various models, including the Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y, where drivers can potentially misuse a driving assistance feature, increasing the risk of collisions and safety hazards. Another aspect of the recall involves more than 7,500 Model S and Model X cars due to concerns that, during a crash, the noncollision side door might unlock. Notably, both issues can be rectified through a free over-the-air software update, eliminating the need for physical vehicle inspections. This move in China mirrors a similar recall in the U.S. initiated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in December, affecting around 2 million Tesla cars. The U.S. recall was prompted by concerns that certain Autopilot features were confusing and prone to misuse, potentially leading to an increased risk of collisions. Although Tesla disagreed with the findings, it committed to addressing the issues through a software update. The Chinese recall emphasizes the global scrutiny and regulatory oversight surrounding autonomous driving technologies, underscoring Tesla’s responsibility to ensure the safety of its vehicles. Tesla’s shares saw a marginal increase following the announcement. The company has yet to respond to CNBC’s request for comment on the matter.
For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/05/tesla-recalls-over-1point6-million-cars-in-china-over-autopilot-locks.html
