French Regulators Demand Tesla Cease Misleading Commercial Conduct
In a significant move, French investigators have commanded Tesla to stop practices deemed deceptive or face hefty fines running into thousands of euros daily. The directive came from the finance ministry's Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control office after a lengthy probe into the automaker’s business methods.
Investigation Uncovers Multiple Infractions
The investigation, which kicked off in 2023, highlighted several issues with Tesla's operations in France. Authorities pointed out misleading claims about the full autonomous driving capabilities of Tesla vehicles. Furthermore, sales contracts lacked essential details such as the date, time, or place of vehicle delivery. On top of that, customers reportedly experienced delays in receiving refunds, compounding dissatisfaction.
The regulator has set a firm deadline of four months for Tesla to align its practices with French regulations. Beyond this period, daily fines of 50,000 euros will be imposed until full compliance is achieved.
Challenges Mount for Tesla in Europe
Over recent months, Tesla has faced significant headwinds in the European market. A decline in electric vehicle sales across various countries has been partly attributed to the controversial political activities of Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk.
Adding to the strain, a group of Tesla owners in France initiated a lawsuit this month, accusing the company of its vehicles becoming symbolic of far-right political movements. This backlash correlates with Musk’s association with the U.S. President and alleged support for Germany’s far-right party, AfD.
Tesla Remains Silent Amid Growing Pressure
Despite several requests, Tesla has not publicly commented on the allegations or the regulatory order. The company's silence leaves many questions unanswered as the French authorities proceed with their enforcement actions.
