Tesla cleared in German probe

U.S investigates fires "This is unfair! We're being poorly treated!! Why are we getting different treatment than our competitors? Is this politically motivated by the big car makers because we're a threat and they have Washington in their pockets?"

Germany investigates fires and comes back with an all clear: "See! Nothing to see here. Thanks very much for investigating us and clearing us"

So is it unfair to be investigating these fires or not?

nitrogen• 13 years ago

One can be both upset with an accusation and glad that the accusation was dismissed.

moocowduckquack• 13 years ago

Both.

It is fair to do a detailed investigation of the fires as the regulator is fairly unfamiliar with high speed electric vehicle crashes and any resulting fires and so from the regulators perspective it is wise to be cautious, because if they get it wrong they could suffer considerable political fallout.

It is also fair for Tesla to feel that it is getting unfairly overscrutinised by the regulator, because it probably is compared to a manufacturer selling a similar number of petrol cars.

jusben13692• 13 years ago

You guys are right. Most of the "unjust" complaints have been against the media vs the government: From Twitter: @elonmusk What makes this incredibly unjust is that the Model S to date has the best safety record of any car on the road (no injuries or deaths ever) 14d @elonmusk Why does a Tesla fire w no injury get more media headlines than 100,000 gas car fires that kill 100s of people per year?

cowsandmilk• 13 years ago

I don't understand your complaint. Let's take it on say patents.

Similarly: (1) Your company is sued for patent infringement. You protest that you aren't violating the patent and are being unfairly prosecuted. (2) You are found to not be infringing. You then announce that you've been found to not be infringing.

I don't see what's wrong with that.

synapticfire• 13 years ago

Tesla requested the investigation. I didn't read a claim about being poorly treated. (I am not saying that such a claim does not exist.)

"Second, we have requested that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conduct a full investigation as soon as possible into the fire incidents."

http://www.teslamotors.com/blog/mission-tesla

brianstorms• 13 years ago

Meanwhile, in the US, NHTSA is demanding everything including the kitchen sink from Tesla. A gigantic amount of proprietary information:

http://insideevs.com/nhtsa-issues-legally-enforceable-reques...

They have until January 14th to deliver a massive amount of information to NHTSA -- including tons of it in Microsoft Access 2010 database format.

pyrocat• 13 years ago

Hahahahahah Access? Those poor souls.

wahsd• 13 years ago

It should be noted what this finding says about the state of the German government. It provides me rather significant trust and confidence in a government that is honest enough to put out such a statement in spite of the rather existential threat that Tesla and electric motors represent to the German auto industry and the whole German economy.

I find it encouraging that the German government is not cowering behind the protection of it's industry and rather saying "son, this is the competition. They are strong, and they are going to be touch to beat, but I am confident that you will work hard and become a better man by growing through the challenge"

Is that too dramatic?

001sky• 13 years ago

link without all the trackers

http://news.morningstar.com/all/market-watch/TDJNMW201312032...

Tesla cleared in German probe

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