Could something about Tesla Motors' 'Autopilot' driver-assist feature be lost in translation? Maybe so, as some European regulators are examining whether the term is an appropriate one in light of safety concerns. Specifically, the Dutch Road Traffic Service (RDW), which approved use of the term last year, is reconsidering its decision, Reuters says.
The issue is what some regulators say is the implication that the driver's attention isn't required while Autopilot is engaged. Tesla, of course, continues to argue that its owners are clearly informed that the system is in beta form, and doesn't replace good-old driver engagement. The company is also arguing that if the aviation industry can use the term 'autopilot,' so can they, according to Reuters. A Tesla representative didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from Autoblog on Wednesday.
The Dutch regulator has decided to review the issue after the German transport minister requested that Tesla stop using the term. Germany's Federal Motor Transport Authority KBA has also said the term may be inappropriate. In fact, the German government has sent a letter directly to Tesla owners saying that, despite the implication, Autopilot still requires the driver's attention at all times.
The safety of Autopilot became a hot-button issue in May after a Florida driver of a Tesla Model S was killed when the system was engaged. Additionally, a fatal crash in China last month that involved a Tesla that also may have been on Autopilot is under investigation. Meanwhile, publication Consumer Reports said this summer that Tesla should change the Autopilot name. Tesla debuted Autopilot last year, and has said that the feature is still in its beta-testing phase. Yesterday, it announced that all new vehicles will have the hardware built in, but it did not use the Autopilot name. Instead, it says that its future cars will have, "Full Self-Driving Hardware."
Related Video:
The issue is what some regulators say is the implication that the driver's attention isn't required while Autopilot is engaged. Tesla, of course, continues to argue that its owners are clearly informed that the system is in beta form, and doesn't replace good-old driver engagement. The company is also arguing that if the aviation industry can use the term 'autopilot,' so can they, according to Reuters. A Tesla representative didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from Autoblog on Wednesday.
The Dutch regulator has decided to review the issue after the German transport minister requested that Tesla stop using the term. Germany's Federal Motor Transport Authority KBA has also said the term may be inappropriate. In fact, the German government has sent a letter directly to Tesla owners saying that, despite the implication, Autopilot still requires the driver's attention at all times.
The safety of Autopilot became a hot-button issue in May after a Florida driver of a Tesla Model S was killed when the system was engaged. Additionally, a fatal crash in China last month that involved a Tesla that also may have been on Autopilot is under investigation. Meanwhile, publication Consumer Reports said this summer that Tesla should change the Autopilot name. Tesla debuted Autopilot last year, and has said that the feature is still in its beta-testing phase. Yesterday, it announced that all new vehicles will have the hardware built in, but it did not use the Autopilot name. Instead, it says that its future cars will have, "Full Self-Driving Hardware."
Related Video:
Sign in to post
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Continue