Tesla has urged a California judge to reject the request for a preliminary injunction against their Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology. A consolidated class action lawsuit filed in September last year accuses the automaker of misleading customers over the ability of its vehicles’ Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
In a court briefing filed Wednesday the automaker noted that its ADAS technology requires the “active, constant and attentive driver supervision,” as it has always been clear about the limits of its technology. Tesla said the plaintiffs’ request is merely a “gimmick” that is baselessly maligning the company’s safety-enhancing technology.
In its brief, Tesla also pointed out that there is nothing misleading about disclosing plans to continually innovate and improve self-driving technology to eventually reach full automation. The plaintiffs accused the automaker of using them as untrained testers of largely experimental ADAS features.
However, Tesla countered by noting that there was no evidence to rebut its “sterling safety resume” or evidence demonstrating that Tesla vehicles’ ADAS features presented an immediate threat of injury. It argued that such an injunction would impose permanent, irremediable harm to its goodwill with existing and prospective customers.
Tesla’s Autopilot and FSD Beta systems are considered SAE Level 2 ADAS, where the car can steer, brake, or accelerate itself when the ADAS is engaged, but the human driver still has to be alert and able to take control of driving tasks at any time. Currently, the highest level of vehicle automation available for sale directly to consumers is Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems.
The case is Briggs Matsko v. Tesla Inc. et al., case number 4:22-cv.
You can read the full briefing below. (via Law360)
https-ecf-cand-uscourts-gov-doc1-035123009755
