In an unusual move, a Mercedes-Benz MBGAF dealership in Texas has been handing out printed copies of a recent Tesla Inc TSLA Autopilot recall article to its customers.
What Happened: A Mercedes-Benz dealership in Houston gave out printed copies of a CNN article detailing a recent recall of Tesla’s Autopilot feature, Teslarati reported.
The recall, announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) last week, led to Tesla releasing a software update to rectify the issues identified. This was implemented following a two-year NHTSA investigation into the Autopilot feature.
The dealership reportedly handed out the articles to a customer who also owns a Tesla Model Y Performance during her Mercedes service appointment. The dealership’s move, seen as unusual by many, seems to emphasize the competition they perceive from Tesla.
The use of the term “recall” has been criticized within the Tesla community, as it implies a need for physical repairs at a service center. However, Tesla addressed the Autopilot issue with an over-the-air (OTA) software update, adding safety checks and controls to ensure driver attentiveness while using Autopilot at no additional cost to the customers.
Why It Matters: Mercedes-Benz has been actively pursuing its EV ambitions, as evidenced by the launch of its first EV charging hub in North America in November 2023, aiming to deliver a premium charging experience for all EV brands.
The dealership’s move to highlight Tesla’s Autopilot recall comes amid Tesla’s legal challenges and controversies surrounding its Autopilot system, including allegations of misleading customers about the technology’s capabilities.
Despite the recall, Tesla continues to be seen as an attractive investment in the EV industry. According to Gary Black, Managing Partner of Future Fund, amid cutbacks from other automakers, Tesla stands out as "increasingly the only investable EV play," bolstering Tesla’s position in the market.
Read Next: Tesla Cybertruck’s Single Windshield Wiper Has A Replacement Cost To Match Its Giant Size
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