Tesla Drops 'Autopilot' Marketing in California, Averts Sales Ban

Tesla has ceased using the term "Autopilot" in its California marketing materials, a move that prevents a potential 30-day suspension of sales and manufacturing within the state. The decision follows a December ruling by a California administrative law judge, who found the company's use of "Autopilot" and "Full Self-Driving" to be misleading. The judge recommended a ban, but the state's Department of Motor Vehicles instead gave Tesla 60 days to remove what it deemed untrue advertising. The DMV has since confirmed Tesla complied.

The case originated from a 2022 DMV complaint alleging Tesla disseminated deceptive claims starting in May 2021. Marketing materials suggested vehicles could operate with no driver input, which the agency stated was false then and remains untrue now. Tesla has previously clarified that its systems require active driver supervision.

Avoiding a ban is significant for Tesla, as California represents approximately one-third of its U.S. sales. The development coincides with a separate manufacturing shift: Tesla will halt production of its Model S and X at its Fremont factory to retool the space for its Optimus humanoid robot. The company aims to begin public sales of Optimus by late 2027.

Source: Engadget