Tesla Autopilot investigation closed by NHTSA, will continue to monitor

Tesla AutopilotThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) closed its investigation into the fatal Florida crash last May of a Tesla using the company's Autopilot driver-assist system. The Model S in question collided with a tractor trailer that turned left in front of it, killing the driver, who was the electric car's sole occupant. At the time...

Probe into Smart ForTwo engine fires started by NHTSA

2008 Smart FortwoThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is now investigating the potential for engine fires in certain Smart ForTwo city cars. Approximately 43,000 cars built during 2008 and 2009 are affected. An investigation was started after the NHTSA received eight complaints reporting incidents of engine-compartment fires in cars from these two...

NHTSA delays penalty rise for carmakers who miss CAFE levels

Fuel gaugeCurrent Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards require automakers to achieve a fleet average of roughly 54.5 mpg by 2025. That's actually closer to 40 mpg in the real world, as presented on new-car window stickers, but it still represents a major increase over the next few years. The auto industry has argued that it is too large an...