Overview

• French fraud watchdog DGCCRF concluded its 2023–2024 investigation after consumer complaints uncovered deceptive practices in Tesla’s fully autonomous driving ads, option availability and trade-in offers
• Tesla has four months to align its marketing and sales materials with French consumer protection laws or face a €50,000 daily penalty for continued noncompliance
• The probe also cited delays in refunding canceled orders, lack of delivery location details and incomplete sales contracts as additional infractions
• Tesla’s European sales have slumped due to an aging model lineup, heightened competition and customer unease over Elon Musk’s political affiliations
• Regulators’ ultimatum represents a notable enforcement escalation that may force Tesla to overhaul its advertising strategies and customer relations across Europe