When Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) decided to exclude radar sensors from its newer Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in the U.S., it had to downgrade functionality in these cars at least temporarily. As a result, Consumer Reports and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety are suspending some key safety endorsements for those cars.
Consumer Reports said it no longer lists the 2021 Tesla Model 3 as a "top pick" and reported that IIHS also plans to remove the Model 3's "Top Safety Pick+" designation. Losing these recommendations for now could impact Tesla’s sales and marketing strength. Automakers generally tout such industry accolades in communication with prospective customers.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ratings pages for the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles built on or after April 27, no longer have check marks indicating the agency has tested safety features in the modified Teslas, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, crash imminent braking and dynamic brake support.
Fisher notes that crash imminent braking, also known as automatic emergency braking, and forward collision warning are currently standard on almost three-quarters of 2021 passenger vehicles. Consumer Reports has not yet tested the radar-less version of the Tesla vehicles, he confirmed.
Elon Musk’s electric car company announced Tuesday the decision to exclude radar sensors from 2021 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles starting in May this year for customers in North America.
TSLA shares began the last session before the Memorial Day long weekend slid $1.74 to $629.11
Tech Insider
