China: Tesla Sued Again by Owner Claiming Refusal to Provide Driving Data in Traffic Accident

Tesla is facing yet another lawsuit, this time from Zhang Moumou, who claims that the company refused to provide driving data related to a traffic accident that occurred on the Hangzhou S14 Hangchang Expressway in August 2021. Zhang alleges that the accident was caused by the car's self-driving feature, which grabbed the steering wheel and applied the brakes.

Despite multiple requests for the driving data, Tesla refused to offer it to Zhang. Instead, the company offered to transfer the 64,000 yuan fully automatic driving software to a new car, but only if the damaged vehicle was completely scrapped. After the insurance company confirmed that the vehicle had been scrapped, Tesla refused to transfer the software or provide a refund.

As a result, Zhang has taken Tesla to court, demanding that the company provide the complete driving data of the accident and issue a public apology. This is the latest in a series of lawsuits against Tesla, many of which have centered on issues related to the company's self-driving technology. It remains to be seen how this case will be resolved, but it serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges associated with the deployment of autonomous vehicles on public roads.

This is not the first time that Tesla has faced a lawsuit in court. Previously, the company was sued in the "Tesla Roof Protection" case. Now, in the current case involving Zhang Moumou, Tesla has raised an objection to jurisdiction, arguing that the case has nothing to do with the company's Beijing branch and that it is not an eligible defendant. However, the Beijing Daxing District People's Court has ruled against Tesla's objection, stating that the company's Beijing branch is an eligible defendant and that the court has jurisdiction over the case.

It is unclear how this legal battle between Tesla and car owners will be resolved. However, it highlights the ongoing challenges and risks faced by car companies in the rapidly evolving world of autonomous vehicles. As the deployment of self-driving technology on public roads continues to increase, it is likely that we will see more cases like this one, as car owners and companies grapple with the complexities and potential liabilities of these innovative technologies.