Tesla's (TSLA) Musk Makes Solid Point About 'Recall' Term, Former NHTSA Admin Says
recallto his company.
During an interview on Tuesday, Stickland noted that Tesla is able to issue safety changes via over-the-air software updates. Strickland commented,
As much as Tesla disagrees and Elon disagrees with the characterization of a recall, I would have to say he’s partially right there ... What people think of in terms of a recall is you get a letter from the manufacturer to bring your car in to the dealership ... Tesla is able to change vehicle dynamics and make vehicle changes from the sky ... You don’t have to impose an inconvenience on the consumer when that remedy comes in.
Last week, Tesla mail out replacement charger adapters to owners following several complains of overheating. The NHTSA classified the action as a recall on its website. Notably, Tesla first made a software update to its Model S sedan which would reduce amperage if overheating was detected during charging.
Shares of Tesla are up in early trading Wednesday.