Tesla Responds to Consumer Reports 'Undriveable' Claim
Tesla has released a response to Consumer Reports’ claim that its Model S P85D is “undriveable.”
The publication ran into issues with the Model S P85D’s door handles not automatically extending like they are supposed to, a problem that has been reported among numerous Tesla Model S owners. Consumer Reports claimed because the car sensed a problem, it would not drive. The organization was able to move the car a short distance thanks to an app that allows for keyless driving.
Jake Fisher, director of auto testing, believes that’s because many modern cars won’t let drivers shift into park if a door is ajar. Tesla rebutted by saying that there is no connection between the door handle functionality and the car’s electric powertrain.
SEE ALSO: Consumer Reports Tesla Model S P85D ‘Undriveable’
The American automaker also issued a statement saying that service is a priority and that it is constantly improving its vehicles through communication with customers, service technicians and engineers. “In instances when hardware, like the door handle, need to be replaced, we strive to make it painless for a customer to get their Model S serviced,” the statement says. “Every fix is an opportunity for us to learn and apply towards making owning a Model S a great experience.”
The company iterated that the phone app can take the place of a key and once activated, customers have two minutes to get into the car, depress the brake pedal and shift into drive mode, at which point the car can be driven normally with no time duration to lock it out.
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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Two points: 1st)CONSUMER RIPOFFS magazine called the Model S the best car they ever tested, just a few seasons ago. So they are indeed a purveyor of BS. 2nd) Tesla PR team probably also have some members at Cleantechnica org because they punish dissenting opinion with equal Communistic verbal abuse as Chinese school children. *i remember a few months ago, a new firearm manufacturer Boberg Arms shipped out free firearms for journalists to test (not purchased like CR's P85D, but for free) They told the journalists don't hold back on your opinions and do your worst to find problems. That's what a REAL company does. that's what an HONEST company does.
Is it just me or is that guy talking REALLY fast? Tesla makes a beautiful car but, it's doubtful I'll ever own one. Kudos for thinking outside the box Tesla but, the door handles? A little much, IMHO.