Tesla has defended its use of the names “Autopilot” and “self-driving” to a California regulator this week in a continuing case alleging that the titles are false advertising.
After Tesla responded to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) last year saying that it would defend itself against the claims of false advertising, the automaker this week made a filing arguing that the agency had already approved the use of the terminology.
On Friday, in a filing with the Office of Administrative Hearings, Tesla argued that the California DMV previously and implicitly approved the use of the terminology by not taking action against the automaker in prior investigations (via Reuters). According to the filing, Tesla also faced an investigation from the DMV on its Autopilot name in 2014, which went on to let the automaker keep using the term.
“The DMV chose not to take any action against Tesla or otherwise communicate to Tesla that its advertising or use of these brand names was or might be problematic,” Tesla wrote in the filing.
Tesla also argued it was cleared to use the term “self-driving” in 2016 when the DMV was creating regulations around statements on autonomous technology. The resulting legislation left out previous clauses in DMV drafts that called for the prohibition of the title, which the automaker says was a tacit approval of the language used in its Full Self-Driving (FSD) beta.
“Tesla relied upon Claimant’s implicit approval of these brand names,” Tesla added.
The case could oversee the DMV taking drastic action against Tesla, including the potential of revoking the automaker’s license to sell vehicles in California, which is its largest U.S. market. The agency could also force Tesla to pay restitution to drivers of its vehicles with Autopilot and/or the FSD beta.
In its owner’s manuals, and inside its cars when driving, Tesla notes that Autopilot users are to keep their hands on the wheel at all times and to be ready to regain control of the vehicle.
“Basic Autopilot is a hands-on feature,” Tesla says in the manual. “Keep your hands on the steering wheel at all times and be mindful of road conditions, surrounding traffic, and other road users (such as pedestrians and cyclists). Always be prepared to take immediate action. Failure to follow these instructions could cause damage, serious injury, or death.”
Tesla also provides the following warning in its manual under the FSD beta heading:
“Always remember that Full Self-Driving (Beta) does not make Model 3 autonomous and requires a fully attentive driver who is ready to take immediate action at all times. While Full Self-Driving (Beta) is engaged, you must monitor your surroundings and other road users at all times.”
Despite these warnings, the DMV has previously said that Tesla’s disclaimer “contradicts the original untrue or misleading labels and claims, which is misleading, and does not cure the violation.”
Tesla has received more requests regarding Autopilot and FSD from DOJ
What are your thoughts? Let me know at zach@teslarati.com, find me on X at @zacharyvisconti, or send your tips to us at tips@teslarati.com.
News
Tesla launches new feature that cold climate drivers will love
Tesla’s steering wheels are getting better with this simple yet effective software update.
Tesla is launching another new feature in its cars, this time it will cater to those in colder climates, and those drivers will love it.
Perhaps one of the best things about Teslas is that they routinely receive over-the-air software updates that either improve the ownership experience, add features, or make their performance more robust.
Every update offers some sort of bug fix or new feature that simply makes the cars better than they were before. For example, earlier this week, we reported on a new third-party charger latch release feature that will help those with non-Tesla home charging plugs.
Now, Tesla is releasing a new improvement to its heated steering wheel system, which has been around for several years. The new feature is one that will improve its performance and have your wheel nice and toasty the next time you get in, and it is a bit chilly outside.
According to Not a Tesla App, Tesla rolled out the Heated Steering Wheel improvements with the 2024.14 software update:
“If the steering wheel heater is set to Auto, the steering wheel will now heat up based on the cabin temperature, even if the climate system is set manually.
Previously, the climate system needed to be set to Auto for the steering wheel heater to turn on automatically.”
The change impacts all five Tesla models, the release notes state.
The heated steering wheel is one of the features that Tesla has used to help cater the vehicle’s overall performance to those in colder climates.
Tesla Model 3 with heated steering wheel begins US deliveries
Just as the air-conditioned and cooling seats are beneficial during the Summer months, the heated steering wheel is incredibly beneficial to those drivers in colder parts of the globe.
News
Tesla announces massive new achievement with 8 million cars produced
Tesla’s 8 millionth car comes just 8 months after it built its 7 millionth car.
Tesla announced a massive new achievement in relation to its automotive division as it has officially built 8 million cars globally.
The 8 millionth car rolled off production lines at Gigafactory Berlin on Friday, the company announced. The car was an Ultra Red Model Y, images show:
Produced our 8 millionth vehicle at Giga Berlin pic.twitter.com/gv1moWhwTH
— Tesla (@Tesla) June 6, 2025
The car comes just about eight months after Tesla built its 7 millionth car at the Fremont Factory last October, a major accomplishment considering the claims of a lack of demand from the media.
Additionally, Tesla was able to achieve this major threshold with a stoppage in production at each of its four production facilities earlier this year. The manufacturing halt was attributed to a production line changeover for the new Model Y crossover.
The car has been the best-selling vehicle in the world for two consecutive years, and the company pausing production for two weeks, yet still managed to produce one million cars in eight months is impressive.
Tesla currently only produces the Model Y at Gigafactory Berlin, but the car is also manufactured at Gigafactory Shanghai, Gigafactory Texas, and the Fremont Factory.
It is the only model to be produced at all four of Tesla’s global manufacturing plants, which span across three different continents.
Elon Musk
Elon Musk and Donald Trump to speak with each other Friday: report
White House aides have scheduled a call between the CEO and U.S. President on Friday.
Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s feud seems to be thawing, at least to some degree.
As per a recent Politico report, White House aides have scheduled a call between the CEO and U.S. President on Friday.
Musk vs. Trump
Musk turned into a staunch critic of Trump amidst the administration’s efforts to pass the “Big Beautiful Bill,” which the CEO claimed would add trillions to the country’s deficit. Trump, for his part, claimed that Musk turned on him due to the adverse effects of the proposed bill on his companies.
The spat between the two powerful men became so notable that Musk called for the impeachment of Trump on X. He also claimed that Trump was in the Epstein list. The U.S. President, for his part, threatened to cancel billions of dollars worth of government contracts with Musk’s companies such as SpaceX.
Potential Truce
As per Politico, however, White House aides have stepped in to temper the tensions and broker peace between the two powerful men. When asked by the outlet about his ongoing feud with the CEO, Trump reportedly stated that “it’s okay” and that “it’s going very well, never done better.” The U.S. President also highlighted his favorability ratings, stating that his “numbers are through the roof.”
While the CEO was very aggressive against Trump in his X posts, he did back down somewhat after some time. When hedge fund manager Bill Ackman argued that Trump and Musk should make peace for the benefit of the United States, the CEO responded with, “You’re not wrong.” Musk also walked back on his decision to decommission SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, which is essential to NASA’s operations.
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