A Florida court found "reasonable evidence" that Tesla CEO Elon Musk and other officials knew about Autopilot system faults but permitted hazardous cars to be operated.
Circuit Court for Palm Beach County Judge Reid Scott last week allowed the plaintiff in a fatal collision case to bring suit against Tesla for deliberate misconduct and gross negligence, according to a Reuters report.
The ruling presents a challenge for Tesla, which had previously won two product liability trials in California related to its Autopilot system. The Florida lawsuit emerged from a crash near Miami in 2019, resulting in the death of the Tesla owner. The October trial was postponed and has not been rescheduled.
Tesla may face an unpleasant public trial due to "alarming inconsistencies" between its internal knowledge and marketing promises, according to the judge's summary of evidence. The judge pointed out similarities between the 2019 crash and a 2016 fatal accident involving Autopilot, raising questions about Tesla's knowledge of the system's shortcomings.
The judge stated: "It would be reasonable to conclude that the defendant Tesla, through its CEO and engineers, was acutely aware of the problem with the 'Autopilot' failing to detect cross traffic."
Tesla's Anticipated Countermove
Banner's attorney, Lake "Trey" Lytal III, expressed pride in the outcome based on evidence of punitive conduct. The judge emphasized the significance of a 2016 Musk-directed video showing a Tesla driving without human assistance. The judge emphasized that the video did not indicate it was aspirational and lacked a disclaimer about the technology's current market availability.
Tesla may argue human error as it has in the past, citing a National Transportation Safety Board investigation that found blame on both the truck driver and the Tesla owner for over-relying on Autopilot, as per a TechCrunch report. The case is expected to proceed to trial, potentially revealing new information about Tesla's internal knowledge and marketing practices.
Tesla's lawyers may seek precedent from two earlier cases in California, where the company emerged victorious, emphasizing human error and challenging the plaintiffs' claims.
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Tesla Employees in Sweden Go On Strike
Meanwhile, Tesla workers in Sweden have initiated the first-ever strike for the company globally. The location of the strike in Sweden, known for its robust labor movement, adds significance.
According to The Guardian, over 90% of Swedish workers benefit from collective bargaining agreements, contributing to decades of industrial harmony. The conflict, originating from a local dispute, has escalated and may have broader implications for labor movements and auto workers globally.
Although Tesla does not produce cars in Sweden, the strike, triggered by the rejection of a collective bargaining agreement for 130 mechanics, has garnered solidarity from unions in various sectors, potentially impacting Tesla operations worldwide.
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