Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on June 24, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 23, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleFrench authorities have ordered Tesla to stop deceptive business practices related to autonomous driving claims, threatening significant fines.
PARIS (Reuters) -French investigators on Tuesday ordered Tesla to stop what they called "deceptive business practices" or face thousands of euros in fines.
Investigators at the finance ministry's Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control office said the automaker had engaged in deceptive commercial practices over the fully autonomous driving capabilities of its cars, had issued sales contracts with no date, time or place of vehicle delivery, and had failed to provide timely refunds, among other infractions.
The office, which said the investigation began in 2023, ordered Tesla to comply with regulations within four months or face fines of 50,000 euros a day after that date until it complies.
Tesla did not respond to an email request for comment.
The carmaker has struggled in Europe in recent months, with sales of its electric vehicles plummeting in several markets in a decline blamed partly on CEO Elon Musk's political activities.
A small group of Tesla owners in France filed a lawsuit this month against the carmaker, arguing that its vehicles have become "far-right totems" after Musk's involvement with U.S. President Donald Trump and endorsement of Germany's far-right AfD party.
(Reporting by Makini Brice. Editing by Mark Potter)
French investigators ordered Tesla to stop what they called 'deceptive business practices' or face fines.
Tesla could face fines of 50,000 euros a day if it does not comply with regulations within four months.
Tesla's sales have plummeted in several European markets, partly due to CEO Elon Musk's political activities.
A small group of Tesla owners in France filed a lawsuit against the carmaker, claiming its vehicles have become 'far-right totems' due to Musk's involvement with U.S. politics.
The investigation into Tesla's practices began in 2023, according to the finance ministry's office.
Explore more articles in the Headlines category
