Germany Bans Tesla From Using Autopilot In Ads

Tesla Model S (Credit: Tesla Motors)

The German government doesn’t like Tesla using the term Autopilot in advertisements. Like others, it feels people misunderstand what the technology does. It’s not a fully autonomous system, but certain people have thought otherwise. You really shouldn’t watch Netflix and chill from behind the steering wheel, because you might need to actually start driving at any moment.

German news organization Bild am Sonntag says an actual letter was delivered from the government to Tesla, making the request formally. What’s not clear is if there will be any consequences if Tesla keeps advertising Autopilot by name.

This could add to the legal battles Tesla keeps waging. It also highlights that plenty of people, including some in influential positions, believe Autopilot is dangerous. Other automakers like Volvo and Mercedes have said they think partial autonomous systems like Autopilot fills drivers with a false sense of security.

If Germany is successful in getting Tesla to stop using the term Autopilot in ads, could other countries follow suit? In the meantime, German officials have been working hard to remind Tesla owners they need to pay attention when Autopilot is turned on.