Tesla recently lost two key execs
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A federal jury in Florida has held Tesla partially responsible for a fatal accident in 2019 related to its Autopilot driver assistance software, as reported by The New York Times and CNBC. Consequently, Tesla has been ordered to pay $200 million in punitive damages and approximately $43 million in compensatory damages, according to CBS News.

Tesla’s Autopilot is intended to manage a vehicle’s steering and braking functions; however, there are claims that the company has misrepresented the technology’s true capabilities. For instance, the California Department of Motor Vehicles has accused Tesla of inaccurately promoting its Autopilot and Full-Self Driving systems as complete autonomous driving features.

During the trial, which commenced in July, the plaintiffs contended that Tesla’s driver-assist technology was responsible for the accident that resulted in the death of 22-year-old Naibel Benavides. In Key Largo, Florida, Tesla driver George McGee collided with Benavides’ car after reaching down to pick up a phone he had dropped. McGee informed the jury that he believed Autopilot would safeguard him and prevent a severe collision if he made a mistake, as reported by the NYT.

“The verdict announced today is incorrect and serves only to hinder automotive safety initiatives while endangering efforts by Tesla and the entire industry to innovate and apply life-saving technology,” Tesla stated in response to the NYT. The company intends to challenge the decision in an appeal.

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