Judge Rejects Tesla’s Request to Dismiss California’s Lawsuit Claiming False Advertising

The state sued over ads saying the company’s vehicles were ‘equipped’ or ‘partially equipped’ with autopilot. Tesla called the suit an attack on free speech.
Judge Rejects Tesla’s Request to Dismiss California’s Lawsuit Claiming False Advertising
A Tesla car in Los Angeles on July 9, 2020. Lucy Nicholson/Reuters
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A California judge has rejected Tesla’s request to dismiss a lawsuit brought against it by the state alleging the company overstated its claims of self-driving capabilities.

The state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) claims in its lawsuit the company made several statements that were “untrue or misleading” when advertising that its vehicles were “equipped” or “partially equipped” with autopilot and driver-assistance features, according to court filings.

Jill McLaughlin
Jill McLaughlin
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Jill McLaughlin is an award-winning journalist covering politics, environment, and statewide issues. She has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico. Jill was born in Yosemite National Park and enjoys the majestic outdoors, traveling, golfing, and hiking.