Tesla has been given a four-month deadline by France to stop its dishonest business practices or risk a €50,000 daily fine. The ruling comes after an examination into false statements regarding contract clarity, option availability, and full self-driving capabilities.
Following a formal directive from France’s anti-fraud agency, the DGCCRF (Direction Générale de la Concurrence, de la Consommation et de la Répression des Fraudes), which found the company engaged in “deceptive commercial practices” detrimental to consumers, Tesla’s operations in France are being investigated. Numerous customer complaints submitted through a government site served as the impetus for the investigation, which was conducted between 2023 and 2024.
“Deceptive commercial practices regarding the fully autonomous driving capabilities of Tesla vehicles, the availability of certain options, and vehicle trade-in offers” were the most notable of the infractions found by the DGCCRF. Although Tesla has led the way in promoting advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), European regulators are closely monitoring the marketing of these capabilities, particularly in cases where claims of “full autonomy” could deceive customers. The agency also mentioned recurring problems such as incomplete sales contracts, a lack of clarity regarding car delivery locations, and delays in refunding cancelled purchases.
Tesla has four months to address these problems, according to the enforcement order. A daily fine of €50,000 will be imposed for noncompliance. The actions mainly target the French market’s marketing and sales of Tesla’s so-called Full Self-Driving (FSD) function.
Tesla has not yet responded to the results with an official remark.
In Europe, where the business is dealing with a stagnating model lineup, growing competition, and changing public opinion, this regulatory action comes at a difficult moment for Tesla. Industry watchers claim that Elon Musk’s political affiliations, especially his backing of US President Donald Trump’s administration, have contributed to Tesla’s deteriorating brand image.
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