Latest news with #DGCCRF
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
France orders Tesla to end misleading claims about full self driving capabilities
Aside from the claims of misleading autonomy aims, Tesla was cited for numerous breaches against rights via contract and procedures that undermine consumer rights (REUTERS) Notify me Tesla is under fire in France as the country's consumer watchdog, the General Directorate for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF), has ordered the automaker to stop what it describes as 'deceptive commercial practices." The directive comes in the wake of a detailed investigation that began in 2023, uncovering a series of violations the agency deems harmful to consumers and in breach of French consumer protection laws. Misleading claims about Autonomy One of the biggest issues concerns Tesla's promotion of its driver assist features. The DGCCRF singled out the company's advertising of its "fully autonomous driving capability" as misleading consumers into believing it allows for genuine self-driving, which it does not. Also Read : Tesla under NHTSA's scrutiny over Robotaxi incident. Know more In France, Tesla's Model Y comes equipped with standard Autopilot, while customers can pay €3,800 for the 'Improved Autopilot" suite. An additional €7,500 unlocks the so-called 'full self-driving" package. However, these systems still require driver supervision, which contradicts the impression that the vehicles are capable of full autonomy. The French government sees this as a serious offence and will increase monitoring and daily fines if not rectified. Broader consumer rights violations Aside from the claims of misleading autonomy aims, Tesla was cited for numerous breaches against rights via contract and procedures that undermine consumer rights. Investigators found that vehicle sales contracts often lacked essential information, such as delivery dates, delivery locations, and clear terms for credit-based payments. In some cases, customers were required to make payments before the legally mandated withdrawal period had ended, especially when financing was involved. The carmaker also did not issue proper receipts for cash payments made in part, denying purchasers simple records of transactions. Moreover, Tesla was also charged with misleading consumers about the availability of certain features and trade-in incentives, and about the timing of refunds for consumers who opted to cancel purchases. Another divisive topic was not being straightforward about delivery arrangements, including timing, location, and method of delivery. Also Read : Tesla to open India showrooms in July with Model Y Regulatory deadline and potential penalties Tesla has four months to resolve these issues, according to the French regulator's final notice. In case the company is unable to do so within this time frame—specifically to correct the false advertising of autonomous capabilities—the company can be fined €50,000 per day. The agency highlighted the seriousness of misstating automation abilities, citing that it is a serious threat to consumer trust and security. This latest blow adds to Tesla's growing list of regulatory challenges across Europe and the U.S. Scrutiny over the marketing and safety of its driver assistance technologies is increasing. Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date: 25 Jun 2025, 09:42 AM IST
Free Malaysia Today
4 hours ago
- Automotive
- Free Malaysia Today
France orders Tesla to end ‘deceptive commercial practices'
Tesla was given four months to comply with regulations. (AP pic) PARIS : French anti-fraud authorities said today that they have ordered US electric car giant Tesla's local subsidiary to stop 'deceptive commercial practices' after an investigation found several violations harmful to consumers and contrary to law. The fraud prevention and consumer protection agency (DGCCRF) said its agents investigated Tesla's French subsidiary between 2023 and 2024 after reports were filed on a consumer complaint platform. The probe revealed 'deceptive commercial practices regarding the fully autonomous driving capabilities of Tesla vehicles, the availability of certain options and vehicle trade-in offers', it said. The agency also cited delays in refunding cancelled orders, a lack of information on the location of deliveries and incomplete sales contracts, among other violations. Tesla was given four months to comply with regulations. It faces a daily fine of €50,000 (US$58,000) if it fails to stop deceptive commercial practices over the fully autonomous driving option of certain Tesla models. Tesla did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment. Tesla sales have tanked in Europe in recent months owing to an ageing fleet of cars, rising competition and consumer distaste for Elon Musk's role in US President Donald Trump's administration.
Int'l Business Times
13 hours ago
- Automotive
- Int'l Business Times
Tesla Ordered to Stop 'Deceptive Practices' on Cars' Self-Driving Capabilities in France or Face Thousands in Fines
France has ordered Tesla to stop "deceptive practices" related to the marketing of its vehicles' self-driving features, warning that Elon Musk's company could face daily fines exceeding $58,000 until it complies. Following investigations conducted in 2023 and 2024, France's Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) concluded that Tesla engaged in "deceptive commercial practices" by falsely advertising its vehicles as "fully autonomous." In reality, the vehicles require a human to be in the driver's seat, paying full attention to the road, the Financial Times reported. The inquiry also found that Tesla signed sales contracts without specifying dates, times or delivery locations, and routinely failed to issue refunds or receipts in a timely manner. The DGCCRF gave Tesla four months to comply with the order. It said that the "particular seriousness" of the misleading practices over autonomous vehicles meant that Tesla would face the hefty fine for each day that it did not conform with demands to stop misleading customers. France's investigation marks the latest setback for Musk as Tesla's profits in the country have sharply declined following his alignment with the Trump administration. In May, Tesla's sales in the European nation plunged 67% compared to the same month in 2024, with new vehicle registrations falling to their lowest level since July 2022. Originally published on Latin Times
Iraqi News
20 hours ago
- Automotive
- Iraqi News
France orders Tesla to end ‘deceptive commercial practices'
Paris – French anti-fraud authorities said on Tuesday they have ordered US electric car giant Tesla's local subsidiary to stop 'deceptive commercial practices' after an investigation found several violations harmful to consumers and contrary to law. The fraud prevention and consumer protection agency (DGCCRF) said its agents investigated Tesla's French subsidiary between 2023 and 2024 after reports were filed on a consumer complaint platform. The probe revealed 'deceptive commercial practices regarding the fully autonomous driving capabilities of Tesla vehicles, the availability of certain options and vehicle trade-in offers', it said. The agency also cited delays in refunding cancelled orders, a lack of information on the location of deliveries and incomplete sales contracts, among other violations. Tesla was given four months to comply with regulations. It faces a daily fine of 50,000 euros ($58,000) if it fails to stop deceptive commercial practices over the fully autonomous driving option of certain Tesla models. Tesla did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment. Tesla sales have tanked in Europe in recent months owing to an ageing fleet of cars, rising competition and consumer distaste for Elon Musk's role in US President Donald Trump's administration.
Arab News
a day ago
- Automotive
- Arab News
France orders Tesla to end ‘deceptive commercial practices'
PARIS: French anti-fraud authorities said on Tuesday they have ordered US electric car giant Tesla's local subsidiary to stop 'deceptive commercial practices' after an investigation found several violations harmful to consumers and contrary to law. The fraud prevention and consumer protection agency (DGCCRF) said its agents investigated Tesla's French subsidiary between 2023 and 2024 after reports were filed on a consumer complaint platform. The probe revealed 'deceptive commercial practices regarding the fully autonomous driving capabilities of Tesla vehicles, the availability of certain options and vehicle trade-in offers,' it said. The agency also cited delays in refunding canceled orders, a lack of information on the location of deliveries and incomplete sales contracts, among other violations. Tesla was given four months to comply with regulations. It faces a daily fine of 50,000 euros ($58,000) if it fails to stop deceptive commercial practices over the fully autonomous driving option of certain Tesla models. Tesla did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment. Tesla sales have tanked in Europe in recent months owing to an aging fleet of cars, rising competition and consumer distaste for Elon Musk's role in US President Donald Trump's administration.
