Tesla faces U.S. auto safety probe over faulty crash reporting

Tesla, the electric vehicle manufacturer led by Elon Musk, is currently facing scrutiny from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This federal investigation was prompted by revelations that the company may have failed to report certain crash incidents in a timely manner, raising concerns about safety compliance. Documents released by the NHTSA indicate that the agency’s Office of Defects Investigation discovered multiple reports from Tesla that documented crashes occurring several months prior to when they were actually reported. The NHTSA attributes these delays to issues with Tesla’s data collection processes, which the company claims have since been resolved. Under U.S. regulations, automakers are required to report incidents involving their vehicles’ automated driving systems within five days of becoming aware of them. The NHTSA is set to conduct an audit to assess whether Tesla adhered to these reporting rules, investigate the reasons for any delays, examine the extent of these delays, and review the measures that Tesla has implemented to rectify the situation. Additionally, the investigation will determine if Tesla has neglected to report any significant collisions in the past and whether the data included in its reports meets all regulatory requirements. Despite the probe, Tesla’s stock showed little movement on Thursday. Tesla vehicles come equipped with either a standard Autopilot feature or an advanced Full Self-Driving (FSD) option, both of which necessitate that a driver remains vigilant and ready to take control at any moment. A website tracking Tesla-related accidents has reported at least 59 fatalities linked to incidents involving Autopilot or FSD. This scrutiny arises as Musk endeavors to convince investors of Tesla's potential to dominate the autonomous vehicle market and promote the safety of its self-driving technology, which he envisions could lead to public robotaxi fleets. The company recently initiated a manned robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, and is operating another in the San Francisco Bay Area, allowing riders to book rides through the Tesla Robotaxi app. However, Tesla has yet to launch fully driverless ride-hailing services, which would position it against competitors like Waymo and Baidu's Apollo Go. The company is also grappling with declining sales and profits, partially due to backlash against Musk’s political statements and initiatives. Despite these challenges, many analysts on Wall Street remain optimistic about Tesla's long-term prospects. Goldman Sachs analysts recently highlighted the potential of the robotaxi market, projecting it could reach $7 billion in the U.S. by 2030. However, Musk has not yet provided clear guidance on expected revenues or the performance of the vehicles involved in its rideshare operations, leaving room for ongoing discussion about the future of Tesla's robotaxi growth.