Tesla renames driver assistance system in Europe after criticism

Tesla has changed the name of its driver assistance system in Europe following years of claims that it had oversold the product as fully self-driving.

On the electric car manufacturer’s websites in Germany and other European countries, the system is now called “Tesla Assisted Driving” – making it immediately clear that it is merely an assistance system.

Tesla previously referred to it as “Full Self-Driving (Supervised).” For years, the company has deflected claims that the name promises fully autonomous driving, whereas in reality, the driver must be ready to take control of the vehicle at any time and retains full liability.

Tesla previously dropped its initial name, “Autopilot,” for its basic driver assistance technology following legal disputes.

In its US home market, Tesla is currently sticking with “Full Self-Driving (Supervised),” despite ongoing debates there as well.

Years of promises

The controversial “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) stems from pledges by Tesla chief executive Elon Musk that the company’s vehicles would become fully autonomous.

Musk has been projecting this for the near future for a decade. However, it was only recently that Tesla started production on a robotaxi without a steering wheel or pedals and deployed a few self-driving vehicles in the US.

Even then, the company faces pushback from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration because regulations require a physical brake pedal, and Tesla failed to apply for an exemption.