France is gearing up to fine Tesla $58,000 per day over what the country’s consumer protection agency calls “deceptive marketing practices.”
France has ordered Tesla to stop “deceptive practices” in its marketing of self-driving features, specifically related to the “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) software. If Tesla fails to comply, the company faces potential daily fines of over $58,000 (or 50,000 euros).
According to a report by digital media company
Politico
, the French authorities began investigating Tesla in 2023 due to consumer complaints about the misleading nature of the FSD marketing. The complaints received by France’s consumer protection agency didn’t only have to do with the Tesla’s marketing practices, but also in the way the company refunds canceled orders and documents cash payments.
France has given Tesla four months to comply.
Everything Is “Fine”
This isn’t the first fine Tesla has faced regarding its Full Self-Driving (FSD) and Autopilot systems. The automaker has faced multiple lawsuits and legal actions from various German consumer protection groups and authorities, primarily related to misleading advertising and environmental concern.
The German courts found that Tesla’s claims about the capabilities of these systems implied a level of autonomy that the technology did not yet possess, potentially deceiving consumers. As a result, Tesla was banned from using certain phrases like “full potential for autonomous driving” and “Autopilot inclusive” in its German advertising materials. Tesla was also fined by German authorities for failing to comply with regulations regarding the notification and take-back of end-of-life batteries.
California attempted to target Tesla with a law that specifically targeted false self-driving claims in 2022. Tesla owners in California are also stepping forward to sue the company. These lawsuits encompass a range of issues, including accusations of misleading advertising, warranty breaches, and even claims of manipulating odometer readings.
Tesla has faced multiple lawsuits from families who allege that the company’s claims about its self-driving technology were misleading and contributed to fatal crashes. The lawsuits contend that Tesla’s marketing of its “Autopilot” and “Full Self-Driving” features created a false sense of security, leading drivers to believe the cars were capable of self-driving when they were not.
Meanwhile, Tesla’s Level 2 driver-assistance system still requires a human to actively supervise, because it still makes mistakes. Sometimes very dangerous mistakes, as we’re finding out from the recent news of Tesla’s Robotaxi program rollout in Austin, Texas. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is
at full attention
.
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France Could Fine Tesla $58,000 a Day Over Alleged Deceptive Marketing Practices
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