US prosecutors investigating the Tesla Autopilot case are examining whether Tesla may be involved in securities fraud, Reuters reports, citing sources. They are also investigating whether the company misled investors and consumers about the capabilities of its self-driving electric cars.
Tesla’s autopilot and self-driving systems assist in vehicle control, braking, and lane-changing but are not fully autonomous. While Tesla has warned drivers to be ready to take control of the vehicle, the Department of Justice is reviewing other statements from Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk, suggesting that its cars may have self-driving capabilities.
US regulatory authorities separately investigated hundreds of accidents, including fatal ones, involving Tesla vehicles with autopilot engaged, leading to a mass recall by the automaker.
Investigators are determining whether Tesla engaged in fraud using electronic communications, which includes misleading consumers about its driver assistance systems, sources reported. They are also examining whether Tesla committed securities fraud by deceiving investors, according to two sources. The Securities and Exchange Commission is also investigating Tesla’s statements to investors about driver assistance systems, one source said.