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☆ US expands, upgrades probe into 708,000 Ford SUVs, trucks over engine failures
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-02 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Slideshow ( 2 images )WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on Monday it was upgrading and expanding its investigation into 708,000 Ford Motor sport utility vehicles and trucks over catastrophic engine failures tied to a faulty valve. The investigation covers 2021 and 2022 model year Ford Bronco, Edge, Explorer, and F-150 and Lincoln Aviator and Nautilus vehicles. A Ford spokeswoman said the automaker was working with NHTSA to support their investigation. NHTSA said it had reports of 328 customer complaints and 487 warranty claims relating to the vehicles under investigation. Ford added it believed “defective intake valves commonly fail early in a vehicle’s life and has suggested that the majority of failures have already occurred.”

Persons: Ford, Ford “, ” Ford, ” Organizations: Traffic Safety Administration, Ford Motor, Ford Bronco, Lincoln Aviator, Nautilus, NHTSA, Ford Locations: WASHINGTON

☆ GM, Stellantis face $9.5 bln in US fuel economy fines -industry group letter
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-02 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The American Automotive Policy Council, representing GM, Stellantis and Ford Motor (F.N), said in a letter to the U.S. Energy Department on Friday that the size of the expected penalties for not meeting proposed Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) requirements are "alarming." DOE wants to significantly revise how it calculates the petroleum-equivalent fuel economy rating for EVs in NHTSA's CAFE program. A group representing nearly all major automakers said last week the industry as a whole could face $14 billion in CAFE fines. Automakers buy credits or pay fines if they cannot meet CAFE requirements. In June, Reuters first reported Stellantis and GM paid a total of $363 million in CAFE fines for failing to meet U.S. fuel economy requirements for prior model years.

Persons: Gonzalo Fuentes, Joe Biden's, Ford, David Shepardson, Jonathan Oatis, David Gregorio 私たち Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, General Motors, Chrysler, Reuters, The American Automotive Policy, GM, Ford, U.S . Energy Department, Energy Department, DOE, U.S, Detroit, Traffic Safety Administration, Detroit Three Locations: Velizy, Villacoublay, Paris, France, NHTSA's

☆ Automakers say they face $14 billion in fines from Biden's 'unfeasible' fuel rules
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-29 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The fines would impact one in every two light trucks and one in every three passenger cars in 2027-2032, the group added. A separate document viewed by Reuters said the Detroit Three - GM, Ford Motor (F.N) and Chrysler-parent Stellantis (STLAM.MI) - would face about $10 billion in CAFE fines in that period. A NHTSA spokesperson said the estimate cited by automakers represents the agency forecast and is "consistent with our statutory obligations". In June, Reuters reported Stellantis and GM paid a total of $363 million in CAFE fines for failing to meet U.S. fuel economy requirements for prior model years. The record-setting penalties include $235.5 million for Stellantis for the 2018 and 2019 model years and $128.2 million for GM covering 2016 and 2017.

Persons: Jose Luis Gonzalez, Biden, David Shepardson, Barbara Lewis Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Alliance, Automotive Innovation, General Motors, Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Traffic, Reuters, Detroit, Ford Motor, Chrysler, European Union, NHTSA, GM, Thomson Locations: Texas, Ciudad Juarez, Mexico

☆ Not only is your Kia or Hyundai surprisingly easy to steal — it might also catch fire
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-29 | by ( Tom Carter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Kia and Hyundai are recalling 3.3 million cars and telling drivers to park outside due to fire risks. Kia and Hyundai thefts have soared after videos exposing security flaws in some models went viral. AdvertisementAdvertisementKia and Hyundai drivers have had a rough run in recent years. AdvertisementAdvertisementThe recall extends over a range of different Kia and Hyundai models, released between 2010 and 2017. Per the NHTSA, more than 3,000 Hyundai and Kia vehicles have caught fire in that time, injuring 103 people, and killing one.

Persons: —, Kia Organizations: Kia, Hyundai, Service, Traffic Safety Administration, Consumer Locations: South Korea

☆ Hyundai and Kia warn of potential fires in 3.3 million vehicles
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-27 | by ( Peter Valdes-Dapena | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

The recall covers 1.64 million Hyundai models including 2012 through 2015 Hyundai Accents, 2011 through 2015 Elantras and 2011-2015 Genesis coupes. Hyundai and Kia are both part of the Hyundai Motor Group and their vehicles frequently share engineering. Kia and Hyundai owners are being advised to check NHTSA’s website to see if their specific vehicle is involved in this, or any, recalls. In 2022, owners of 500,000 Kia and Hyundai vehicles were also warned to park outside because a problem with anti-lock brake control electronics. In 2020, Kia recalled 295,000 vehicles because they could catch fire while driving because of fuel leaks.

Persons: they’re, Kia, Elantras, Sorentos Organizations: CNN, Hyundai, Kia, National, Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, Hyundai Motor Group Locations: United States

☆ Union urges US regulators to deny GM's self-driving Cruise a safety exemption
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-27 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/2] A self-driving GM Bolt EV is seen during a media event where Cruise, GM's autonomous car unit, showed off its self-driving cars in San Francisco, California, U.S. November 28, 2017. REUTERS/Elijah Nouvelage/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsCompanies General Motors Co FollowWASHINGTON, Sept 27 (Reuters) - The International Brotherhood of Teamsters union on Wednesday asked U.S. auto safety regulators to deny a petition by General Motors (GM.N) to exempt its autonomous vehicle unit Cruise Origin from vehicle safety standards. The Cruise petition, filed in February 2022, seeks government approval to deploy vehicles annually without steering wheels, mirrors, turn signals or windshield wipers. Current on-road self-driving Cruise vehicles have human controls. NHTSA said Cruise vehicles "may engage in inappropriately hard braking or become immobilized."

Persons: Elijah Nouvelage, Ann Carlson, Cruise, Sean O'Brien, Carlson, David Shepardson, Niket, Shounak Dasgupta, Marguerita Choy Organizations: GM Bolt, REUTERS, General Motors, Brotherhood of Teamsters, Wednesday, U.S, Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, California Department of Motor Vehicles, Cruise, Reuters, GM, Congress, Thomson Locations: San Francisco , California, U.S, WASHINGTON, San Francisco, Washington, Bengaluru

☆ Vehicle-related deaths are rising even though cars are built safer than ever. The popularity of larger vehicles may be to blame.
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-26 | by ( Associated Press | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Vehicles are built to be safer than ever before, but pedestrian and cyclist deaths are rising. A rise in the popularity of larger vehicles, like vans and trucks, may be a factor in this increase. Ronald E. VanHoose/Associated PressRoadway deaths in the U.S. are mounting despite government test data showing vehicles have been getting safer. Fatal crashes also increased as a percent of total miles driven. AP Photo/Mark SchiefelbeinHart is now an advocate with the Washington chapter of Families for Safe Streets, a nonprofit working to end fatal crashes.

Persons: —, Alyssa Milligan, Alyssa, Ronald E, Jessica Cicchino, they're, Cicchino, Todd Hill, Transportation's Volpe, Billy Richling, Jessica Hart, Allie, Allie Hart, Mark Schiefelbein, Hart, didn't, Mark Schiefelbein John Capp, we're, Mark Schiefelbein Hart, I've Organizations: Service, Nashville —, Associated, National Association of City Transportation, Insurance Institute for Highway, Subaru, Consumer, U.S . Department, Transportation's, Transportation's Volpe Center, Volpe Center, Silverado, U.S, Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, National Association of City Transportation Officials, D.C, AP, Ford Transit, General Motors, GM Locations: Tennessee, Nashville, U.S, Washington

Roadway deaths in the U.S. are mounting despite government test data showing vehicles have been getting safer. Subaru, which has performed well in IIHS pedestrian crash avoidance tests, considers visibility its first line of safety, according to spokesperson Todd Hill. Thanks to vehicle improvements, seatbelt laws and other changes, fatal crashes in the U.S. trended downward for decades, hitting a low of 29,867 in 2011. Government estimates of fatal crashes in 2022 show a 43% increase to 42,795 — partially thanks to increases in speeding and drunk driving and decreases in seatbelt use. Fatal crashes also increased as a percent of total miles driven.

Persons: — Alyssa Milligan, Alyssa, ”, Jessica Cicchino, they’re, ” Cicchino, Todd Hill, Transportation’s Volpe, Billy Richling, Jessica Hart, Allie, ” Hart, “, didn’t, ” John Capp, we’re, I’ve, — Organizations: Nashville —, National Association of City Transportation, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Insurance Institute for Highway, Subaru, Consumer, U.S . Department, Transportation’s, Transportation’s Volpe Center, Volpe Center, Silverado, U.S, Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, National Association of City Transportation Officials, D.C, Ford Transit, General Motors, GM Locations: Tenn, Tennessee, Nashville, U.S, Washington

☆ Carmakers will not immediately comply with Massachusetts data repair law
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-22 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSept 22 (Reuters) - An auto industry group said on Friday carmakers do not plan to immediately comply with a Massachusetts law requiring them to share vehicle data with independent repair shops citing concerns about potential hacking. Massachusetts voters in 2020 approved a ballot initiative that gives independent repair shops access to diagnostic data that newer cars can send directly to dealers and manufacturers, in order to allow consumers to seek repairs outside dealerships. The Massachusetts attorney general's office said earlier appreciated "NHTSA’s clarification today that our state law is not preempted by federal law." Automakers must comply with the state law, the office said. Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan praised NHTSA's statement "clarifying that automakers can safely comply with Massachusetts' right to repair law and share vehicle data with independent repair shops."

Persons: Brian Snyder, general's, Lina Khan, David Shepardson, Nick Zieminski Organizations: Chevrolet, REUTERS, Traffic Safety Administration, Alliance, Automotive Innovation, NHTSA, Federal Trade, Thomson Locations: Arlington , Massachusetts, Massachusetts

☆ US opens probe into about 240,000 Ford EcoSport vehicles
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

The 2018 Ford Ecosport is displayed during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., January 10, 2017. REUTERS/Mark Blinch Acquire Licensing RightsCompanies Ford Motor Co FollowSept 22 (Reuters) - U.S. auto safety regulators said on Friday they are investigating about 240,000 of 2018-2021 Ford (F.N) EcoSport vehicles after consumer complaints alleging oil pump failure. The investigation was opened on September 20 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation, the NHTSA said. It said it had received 95 complaints alleging that the oil pump may fail, resulting in a loss of motive power while the vehicle is in motion. 2 U.S. automaker's previous recall of 710,000 Explorer SUVs over power loss reports to determine if a fix implemented by Ford was adequate.

Persons: Ford Ecosport, Mark Blinch, Ford, Kanjyik Ghosh, Jason Neely Organizations: North American, REUTERS, Ford, National, NHTSA, Thomson Locations: Detroit , Michigan, U.S, Bengaluru

WASHINGTON (AP) — Efforts by the Biden administration to limit pollution from automobile tailpipes — a major source of planet-warming emissions — face a crucial test as legal challenges brought by Republican-led states head to a federal appeals court. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit will hear arguments Thursday and Friday on three cases challenging Biden administration rules targeting cars and trucks. The cases before the appeals court will test a 2021 Environmental Protection Agency rule that strengthened tailpipe pollution limits and a 2022 EPA decision that restored California’s authority to set its own tailpipe pollution standards for cars and SUVs. The court cases come as the Biden administration pushes the auto industry to quickly adopt electric vehicles as part of its climate agenda. “Far from doing something unexpected or novel'' in the tailpipe pollution rule, "EPA merely tightened existing standards,'' Kim wrote.

Persons: Biden, Ken Paxton, Joe, ”, Paxton, Dave Yost, Peter Zalzal, ″, Pete Huffman, Todd Kim, “, Kim, Zalzal Organizations: WASHINGTON, Republican, U.S, Appeals, District of Columbia, Biden, Transportation, Supreme, Environmental, Agency, EPA, National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, Texas, GOP, Texas Senate, Environmental Defense Fund, Natural Resources Defense Council, NHTSA, Justice Department's, Natural Resources, General Motors, Ford, GM, Alliance, Automotive Innovation, EV, Auto Innovators, Department, EDF Locations: U.S, California, Russia, Ukraine, Texas, Ohio, West Virginia

☆ General Motors' Cruise unveils wheelchair-accessible robotaxi
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] A self-driving GM Bolt EV is seen during a media event where Cruise, GM's autonomous car unit, showed off its self-driving cars in San Francisco, California, U.S. November 28, 2017. REUTERS/Elijah Nouvelage/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSAN FRANCISCO, Sept 14 (Reuters) - General Motors' (GM.N) robotaxi unit Cruise on Thursday unveiled a self-driving vehicle that is accessible to people with disabilities even as it waits for a key regulatory approval to build and deploy vehicles without human controls. The wheelchair-accessible vehicle called Cruise WAV is based on its Origin driverless vehicle that operates without a steering wheel and pedals with room for passengers to sit facing each other. Raid-hailing firms, including robotaxi operators, have faced criticism for not having enough wheelchair-accessible vehicles available for disabled people, who often face shortages and significant wait times. Reporting by Abhirup Roy in San FranciscoOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Elijah Nouvelage, Cruise, Alphabet's, Waymo, Abhirup Roy Organizations: GM Bolt, REUTERS, FRANCISCO, General Motors, Chevrolet Bolt, National, Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, Thomson Locations: San Francisco , California, U.S, San Francisco

The lawsuits come after thousands of Hyundai and Kia thefts that use a method popularized on TikTok and other social media channels. The cities suing Kia and Hyundai include New York, Cleveland, San Diego, Milwaukee, Columbus and Seattle. Kia and Hyundai vehicles represent a large share of stolen cars in many U.S. cities, according to data from police and state officials. Many Hyundai and Kia vehicles have no electronic immobilizers, which prevent break-ins and bypassing the ignition. In May, the automakers agreed to a consumer class-action lawsuit settlement worth $200 million over rampant car thefts of the Korean automakers' vehicles.

Persons: Edgar Su, Immobilizers, David Shepardson, Angus MacSwan Organizations: Singapore, REUTERS, Rights, Korean, Hyundai Motor, Kia Corp, Hyundai, Kia, Traffic Safety Administration, Insurance Institute, Highway, Data, Thomson Locations: Singapore, New York, Cleveland, San Diego, Milwaukee, Columbus, Seattle, U.S

☆ Serious traffic accidents due to marijuana use rise after legalization, study finds
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-06 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Documented marijuana-related traffic accidents that required treatment in an emergency room rose 475% between 2010 and 2021, the study found. Just after Canadian legalization in 2018, when marijuana stores and products were limited, researchers found a 94% increase in emergency room visits, Myran said. Car crashes involving weed were serious. Another issue is the rising potency of cannabis, Myran said. Canada’s lower-risk cannabis guidelines recommend not driving for at least 6 hours after using cannabis and avoiding cannabis and alcohol together.

Persons: ”, Daniel Myran, Myran, Marco Solmi, ” Myran, “, Solmi, —, ” Solmi, Robert Page II, Page, I’m, ” Page Organizations: CNN, University of Ottawa, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, JAMA, Traffic, NHTSA, Research, Highway, Transportation Safety Administration Locations: Canada, United States, Colorado

☆ Federal safety regulators push to recall 52 million air bags
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-06 | by ( Chris Isidore | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —Federal safety regulators are pushing to get 52 million air bags recalled due to the threat that they could explode, severely injuring or even killing a car’s occupants. About 11 million of the air bags were manufactured by Delphi under a licensing agreement with ARC. It also did not give an estimate for how many vehicles contain the air bags, since most vehicles have multiple air bags. The agency did not say how many cars may have more than one of the air bags it wants recalled. The number of air bags still in use is less than the 67 million that NHTSA estimated earlier this year.

Persons: ”, Takata, —, Ramishah Maruf Organizations: New, New York CNN, Federal, Traffic Safety Administration, ARC, Delphi, General Motors, Ford, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, Benz, BMW, Volkswagen, NHTSA, GM, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, “ Locations: New York, United States, Canada

☆ NHTSA Takes Next Step to Force Recall of Potentially Exploding Air-Bag Parts
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-05 | by ( Ryan Felton | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

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Persons: Dow Jones

☆ US says 52 mln air bag inflators should be recalled over rupture threat
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-05 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON, Sept 5 (Reuters) - U.S. auto safety regulators said Tuesday that 52 million air bag inflators produced by auto suppliers ARC Automotive and Delphi Automotive need to be recalled because they may rupture and send dangerous metal fragments flying. Initially, the NHTSA said 67 million air bag inflators were unsafe, but on Tuesday it corrected that estimate to account for "over-inclusive responses reported to the agency by certain manufacturers over the course of the investigation." GM in May agreed to recall nearly 1 million vehicles with ARC air bag inflators after a rupture in March resulted in facial injuries to a driver. Delphi Automotive, acquired by Autoliv (ALV.N), manufactured approximately 11 million of the inflators under a licensing agreement with ARC, which manufactured the remaining 41 million inflators. The NHTSA has been scrutinizing air bag inflator ruptures for more than 15 years.

Persons: David Shepardson, Jonathan Oatis, Leslie Adler Organizations: ARC Automotive, Delphi, Traffic Safety Administration, ARC, General Motors, Ford Motor, Toyota, Volkswagen, NHTSA, GM, Delphi Automotive, Autoliv, Thomson Locations: United States

☆ US says 52 million air bag inflators should be recalled over rupture threat
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-05 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

WASHINGTON, Sept 5 (Reuters) - U.S. auto safety regulators said on Tuesday that 52 million air bag inflators produced by auto suppliers ARC Automotive and Delphi Automotive need to be recalled because they may rupture and send dangerous metal fragments flying. GM in May agreed to recall nearly 1 million vehicles with ARC air bag inflators after a rupture in March resulted in facial injuries to a driver. Delphi Automotive, acquired by Autoliv (ALV.N), manufactured approximately 11 million of the inflators through 2004 under a licensing agreement with ARC, which manufactured the remaining 41 million inflators. NHTSA has been scrutinizing air bag inflator ruptures for more than 15 years. Over the last decade, more than 67 million Takata air bag inflators have been recalled in the United States and more than 100 million worldwide, the biggest auto safety callback on record.

Persons: Autoliv, David Shepardson, Jonathan Oatis, Leslie Adler, Timothy Gardner Organizations: ARC Automotive, Delphi, Traffic Safety Administration, ARC, NHTSA, General Motors, Ford Motor, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes, Benz, BMW, Volkswagen, ARC inflators, GM, Delphi Automotive, Autoliv, Thomson Locations: United States, U.S

DETROIT (AP) — The U.S. government is taking a big step toward forcing a defiant Tennessee company to recall 52 million air bag inflators that could explode, hurl shrapnel and injure or kill people. NHTSA is trying to force ARC to recall inflators in driver and passenger front air bags from at least a dozen automakers. Neither ARC nor the auto industry has released a full list of vehicle models with the kind of air bag inflators that have exploded. But at least 25 million of the 284 million vehicles on U.S. roads are believed to contain them. ____This story has been corrected to show that at least 25 million vehicles could have the ARC air bag inflators, not 33 million.

Persons: Kia —, inflators, Marlene Beaudoin, Beaudoin Organizations: DETROIT, Traffic, Administration, ARC Automotive Inc, ARC, NHTSA, Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Ford, Toyota, Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Porsche, Hyundai, Kia, General Motors, Yinyi Locations: U.S, Tennessee, Canada

☆ Ford to replace rear cameras in new recall, take $270 million charge
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-01 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Ford Motor said on Friday it will recall 169,000 U.S. vehicles to replace rearview cameras and update software and is taking a $270 million charge to address the callback. It was the latest in a series of recalls for rear camera-related recalls by the No. The Detroit automaker in May issued a recall of 422,000 vehicles in the United States because the rearview camera display might fail following an earlier camera recall in January of 462,000 vehicles worldwide. Ford said in the latest recall it has 3,486 warranty reports alleging rear camera failures and reports of two minor crashes but no injuries. Since 2021, NHTSA has been investigating if Ford delayed a 2020 recall of 620,000 vehicles for a rear camera issue and if it recalled enough vehicles.

Persons: Ford Organizations: Ford, Co, Auto, Ford Motor, Detroit, Traffic Safety Administration, Bronco, Securities and Exchange Commission, NHTSA Locations: Detroit , Michigan, U.S, United States

☆ Tesla reportedly facing DOJ, SEC probes over plans to build Elon Musk a large glass house
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-31 | by ( Lora Kolodny | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Tesla is reportedly facing two new federal probes over possible misuse of company resources by or for the personal benefit of CEO Elon Musk. However, the new probes add to a litany of other investigations that Tesla is facing from state and federal regulators. Following that revised settlement agreement, the SEC has issued subpoenas to Tesla concerning its governance processes and compliance in regards to their settlement agreement. Tesla also disclosed in its second-quarter financial filing for 2023 that the DOJ has sought documents "related to Tesla's Autopilot and FSD features." The NHTSA investigation was initiated after a string of crashes in which Tesla vehicles with Autopilot systems installed reportedly crashed into stationary first responders' vehicles.

Persons: Elon Musk, Porte, Tesla, Elon, Musk Organizations: SpaceX, Tesla, Twitter, Viva Technology, Porte de, Street Journal, U.S, Attorney's, Southern, of, Securities and Exchange Commission, Manhattan, Reuters, Manhattan federal, SEC, CNBC, National, Traffic Safety Administration, National Transportation Safety Board, Department of Justice, DOJ, Highway Transportation, Safety Administration, Beta, NHTSA Locations: Paris, France, of New York, Austin , Texas

☆ Tesla receives orders from auto regulators regarding 'Elon Mode' Autopilot
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-31 | by ( Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —US highway safety regulators are investigating an apparent hidden feature in Tesla’s Autopilot software that can reportedly disable the safety prompts Tesla gives to drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel. The regulators are demanding information from the automaker about whether consumers could try to circumvent the safety controls on Tesla’s driver-assist technology. A Tesla Model Y is seen on a Tesla car lot on May 31, 2023 in Austin, Texas. Tesla's Model Y has become the world's best selling car in the first quarter of 2023. The first, scheduled for September, involves a 2019 crash in California that saw a Tesla Model 3 driving off of a highway and slamming into a tree at high speed.

Persons: Tesla, “ Elon, ”, John Donaldson, inattention, Brandon Bell Organizations: CNN, National, Traffic, Administration, NHTSA, Bloomberg, Tesla Locations: Austin , Texas, California, Florida

☆ Tesla ordered by auto regulators to provide data on 'Elon mode' Autopilot configuration
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-30 | by ( Lora Kolodny | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Tesla has received a special order from federal automotive safety regulators requiring the company to provide extensive data about its driver assistance and driver monitoring systems, and a once secret configuration for these known as "Elon mode." If the driver leaves the steering wheel unattended for too long, the "nag" escalates to a beeping noise. As CNBC previously reported, with the "Elon mode" configuration enabled, Tesla can allow a driver to use the company's Autopilot, FSD or FSD Beta systems without the so-called "nag." Tesla CEO Elon Musk who also owns and runs the social network X, formerly Twitter, often implies Tesla vehicles are self-driving. His use of Tesla's systems would likely comprise a violation of the company's own terms of use for Autopilot, FSD and FSD Beta, according to Greg Lindsay, an Urban Tech fellow at Cornell.

Persons: Elon Musk, Porte, Tesla, Elon, John Donaldson, Philip Koopman, Koopman, Ann Carlson, Ashok Elluswamy, Greg Lindsay, Grep, Bruno Bowden, Musk Organizations: SpaceX, Twitter, Porte de, CNBC, Traffic Safety Administration, Bloomberg, NHTSA, Automotive, Carnegie Mellon University, California DMV, FSD, Urban Tech, Cornell Locations: Paris, California

☆ A hidden Tesla feature nicknamed 'Elon mode' is under scrutiny from regulators after a hacker discovered a way to get rid of a prompt to drivers to keep their hands on the wheel
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-30 | by ( Pete Syme | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Auto regulators ordered Tesla to hand over data about a hidden Autopilot mode that lets drivers stay hands-free. It reportedly removes a prompt telling drivers to put their hands on the wheel, and was discovered by a software hacker. Typically, if a driver using Tesla's Autopilot or Full Self-Driving feature takes their hands off the wheel, a visual symbol blinks on the car's touch screen. Tesla's manual says that, when using Autopilot, drivers should "keep your hands on the steering wheel at all times." AdvertisementAdvertisementElon Musk said last December that a software update would let some Tesla drivers disable the "nag," but that hasn't yet been implemented.

Persons: Tesla, Elon Musk livestreamed, there's, they'd, inattention, Elon Musk, Musk livestreamed Organizations: Auto, Elon, Traffic, Administration, Bloomberg, NHTSA Locations: Palo Alto , California, California

☆ Tesla faces more questions about Autopilot safety from US regulator
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-29 | by ( Hyunjoo Jin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A Tesla Model 3 vehicle drives on autopilot along the 405 highway in Westminster, California, U.S., March 16, 2022. NHTSA ordered Tesla to answer questions and produce documents but did not order any changes. "The resulting relaxation of controls...could lead to greater driver inattention and failure of the driver to properly supervise Autopilot," NHTSA said in its letter to Tesla. The agency is investigating the performance of Autopilot after identifying more than a dozen crashes in which Tesla vehicles hit stationary emergency vehicles. It is also investigating whether Tesla vehicles adequately ensure drivers are paying attention when using the driver assistance system.

Persons: Mike Blake, Tesla, inattention, Elon Musk, Hyunjoo Jin, Peter Henderson, Lisa Shumaker Organizations: Tesla, REUTERS, Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, Thomson Locations: Westminster , California, U.S

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