Tesla is currently facing a number of angry American customers. They accuse the automaker and its CEO Elon Musk of deliberately preventing services and spare parts from third-party manufacturers. The corresponding class action lawsuits could now lead to serious problems from the electric car manufacturer. A significant fine of several millions to three figures thus threatens.
Tesla’s American customers are angry
Tesla’s repair policy requires some time to get used to and is not without reason controversial among its customers. Whether you choose a Model 3, Y, X or S, you have to put up with some annoying restrictions from the manufacturer when it comes to repairs and other services. For example, repairs with spare parts from third-party manufacturers are little or not possible. American customers no longer want to put up with this. Since many of the manufacturer’s vehicles are now on the roads of the United States, the first customers have already had to deal with maintenance work. And according to allegations, this is not only associated with long waiting times. In addition to this, the American company also charges exorbitant prices.
Also interesting: Tesla is building a solar parking lot in Grünheide without permission
To combat this and also allow third-party repairs, several Tesla owners are filing lawsuits against the manufacturer in no fewer than two class-action lawsuits. In their fundamental tenor, these two agree. For example, it should be impossible for Tesla owners to use third-party services for maintenance and repairs that are not authorized by the manufacturer. This is in accordance with the company’s repair policy. However, according to one of the plaintiff’s lawyers, this would mean that the company would keep its own ecosystem, currently made up of several thousand electric cars, closed. In order to act competitively, the company should demonstrate a willingness to compromise not only in the area of services, but also in the area of spare parts, and should also allow third parties.
Look at this? Tesla suspends plans for full battery production in Grünheide
Now facing a hefty fine
So far, the globally successful electric car manufacturer has not commented on these allegations. However, given the shadow cast by the two upcoming class action lawsuits, the company led by Elon Musk must present a good case. After all, Tesla faces a historic fine in the event of defeat. The class action lawsuit says the amount could reach several hundred million US dollars. The sum is made up of all the plaintiffs and their repair and maintenance costs that they have had to spend since 2019 due to their connection with the electric car manufacturer. This is the first time Tesla has been accused of violating the so-called “right to repair.”
This provides that the simple blocking of the use of third-party services for maintenance and repair constitutes a violation of competition law. In addition to damages, the plaintiffs are also seeking a reformulation of the manufacturer’s repair policy. Structures that resemble a monopoly in the field of repairs must be dismantled. Furthermore, it is essential that in addition to diagnostic tools, appropriate repair manuals are also published. We are curious to see if Tesla will relent or accept the fine. However, the risk of a new trial could then be too high.
2023-10-15 07:26:11
#USA #Tesla #risks #fine #million
