Tesla Driver-Assist System Probed
NHTSA wants to know how many vehicles got software updates allowing prolonged hands-free driving.
The NHTSA has been looking into about three dozen crashes involving Teslas believed to be operating in Autopilot mode.
IMAGE: Pexels/Pixabay
Tesla is fielding tough questions from safety regulators about its Autopilot driver-assist system and a software update that allows at least some drivers to operate their vehicles hands-off for prolonged periods.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating the system and has ordered Tesla to tell it how many vehicles got the software update, among other information, according to news reports.
CNBC reported that the update is referred to as “Elon mode” and disengages a reminder prompt for drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel that if ignored ultimately disables the driver-assist system.
The federal regulatory agency has been looking into about three dozen crashes involving Teslas believed to be operating in Autopilot mode, including a fatal collision last month with a tractor-trailer in Virginia.
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
More Industry
Tesla Tops American-Made List
As automakers have pulled back on EV production in the U.S., the number of vehicles on Cars.com’s American-Made Index has declined, though hybrids remain popular.
Read More →
Black, White and Gray
U.S. consumers have increasingly favored achromatic shades for their vehicles, though the trend seems to have plateaued, new research shows.
Read More →
Black Book: Weekly Market Update
Wholesale automotive auction activity slowed noticeably last week, though business still remained healthy, analysts reported.
Read More →
Texas vs. California
The state known for its pickups penchant threatens to overtake the traditional center of U.S. car culture as it grows sales of new vehicles and pays more for them.
Read More →
Hybrids Record Highest Annual Mileage
A new study shows that conventional hybrids are the most heavily driven vehicles on the road, while plug-in hybrids are the least-driven power train.
Read More →
Black Book: Weekly Market Update
Last week's wholesale vehicle auction activity reflected seasonal patterns as buyers stayed choosy about selections, analysts reported.
Read More →
Auto Prices Ride May Moderation
Flat ATPs and asking prices clocked in below long-term averages for the month, though some segments saw significant price gains, reported Cox Automotive.
Read More →
Auto Retail Families Get Out While the Getting’s Good
Kerrigan Advisors’ first-quarter Blue Sky Report shows a sharp uptick in buy-sell deals as more retailers take advantage of handsome values while seeking to escape market risk.
Read More →
Holman Opens New Lexus Dealership
Located in the heart of Clark County, Lexus of Vancouver features a multi-level showroom, more than 30 service bays, an indoor drive for drop-off and pick-up and a fleet of courtesy vehicles.
Read More →
Ownership Priorities are Shifting
A new survey shows that in the U.S. vehicle quality for generation Z is largely defined by advanced safety features, intuitive technology and premium sound systems.
Read More →