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California Regulator Accuses Tesla of Falsely Advertising Autopilot

Business

California Regulator Accuses Tesla of Falsely Advertising Autopilot

Published

2 years ago

on

August 6, 2022

By

Doni Glover

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California’s Department of Motor Vehicles has accused Tesla of falsely advertising its driver-assistance technology in two complaints that could affect the company’s ability to sell cars in the state.

The agency said Tesla had misled customers by claiming in advertisements that vehicles equipped with its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving Capability programs were autonomous. If the agency’s complaints to the state’s Office of Administrative Hearings succeed, Tesla’s licenses to make and sell vehicles in California could be suspended or revoked.

Tesla “made or disseminated statements that are untrue or misleading, and not based on facts, in advertising vehicles as equipped, or potentially equipped, with advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features,” the agency said in its complaints, which were filed on July 28.

The Los Angeles Times reported earlier on the agency’s complaints, which are separate from its review of Tesla’s vehicle designs and technological abilities.

Tesla’s chief executive, Elon Musk, and a company lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday evening.

In marketing materials on its website, Tesla said its driver-assistance technology was capable of conducting trips “with no action required by the person in the driver’s seat.” Despite Tesla’s disclaimer that the programs “require active driver supervision,” the claim and others were false and misleading, the agency said.

Available since 2015, Autopilot is a system that can steer, brake and accelerate the company’s cars on its own. But it is designed mainly for use on highways, and the company’s documentation requires drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and take control of the car should the system malfunction.

Its name is borrowed from aviation systems that allow planes to fly themselves in ideal conditions with limited pilot input. With the current system, the car will disengage Autopilot if drivers do not consistently keep a hand on the wheel.

For the typical buyer, the added features are minimal. When they are used on city streets, for instance, the car will stop at a red light, but it will not progress after a green light unless the driver intervenes.

In May, Mr. Musk said about 100,000 Full Self-Driving buyers had access to a “beta” test version of the service that could navigate city streets more extensively — while drivers continued to keep their hands on the wheel in case anything went wrong. He also said Full Self-Driving would be “feature complete” by the end of the year and available to about a million car owners.

At the end of 2015, the year Autopilot debuted, Mr. Musk began saying Teslas would drive themselves within two years. In the years since, he has repeatedly claimed that such an ability was just a year or two away.

“There are just so many false dawns with self-driving,” he said in May. “You think you have a handle on the problem and then — nope — it turns out you just hit a ceiling.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the country’s leading auto safety regulator, is investigating Autopilot after becoming aware of 35 crashes involving the system, including nine that resulted in 14 deaths. Its investigation covers 830,000 vehicles sold in the United States and will look at Full Self-Driving as well as Autopilot.

Tesla has until next Friday to dispute or otherwise respond to the California Department of Motor Vehicles’ accusations.

Read the full article here

Business

OAKLAND: Safeguarding Your Business

Published

2 years ago

on

April 10, 2023

By

Doni Glover

OAACC partners with PNC Bank offering a variety of topics for business owners. FREE event, but please RSVP NOW for planning purposes.

By Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce (OAACC)

(OAKLAND – April 10, 2023) – OAACC is pleased to invite members of local multicultural chambers of commerce to a business networking mixer and presentation entitled “How to Safeguard Your Business in 2023”. Sponsored by PNC Bank, the presentation will cover a variety of topics top of mind of business owners and professionals in the current business climate, including:

Assessing the safety and security of banks and financial institutions,
Diversifying investments in inflationary times
Protecting your business against fraud

Our moderated panel will feature Megan Schoettmer, Regional President, PNC Bank, Christian Dean, OAACC Board of Directors and Business Center Manager, PNC Bank, Charles Kwan, Investment Advisor, PNC Investments, and Dhaval Shah, Business Banking Manager, PNC Bank.

Light refreshments will be served.

The event is complimentary, but please RSVP NOW for planning purposes.

Business

Benefits Of A Side Hustle During Bad Economic Times

Published

2 years ago

on

March 13, 2023

By

Robaer Washington

@paratynka via Canva

“Good things happen to those who hustle.”

– Anais Nin

(WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 13, 2023) – The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected the global economy. Many people have lost their jobs and businesses have closed down as well. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of having multiple sources of income and that is where side hustles come into play. A side hustle is a job or business that someone does in addition to their regular job. Let’s explore three benefits of having a side hustle during bad economic times.

One significant benefit of having a side hustle during bad economic times is the additional income it provides. Side hustles offer a great way to earn extra money, which can be used to supplement one’s regular income. With side hustles, individuals can generate additional revenue streams, which can help cover bills and expenses. Moreover, side hustles can help individuals save up for future investments and retirement.

Another benefit of having a side hustle during bad economic times is the development of new skills. Starting a side hustle requires individuals to learn new skills or improve existing ones. These skills may include marketing, customer service, or time management, among other types of skills. The development of new skills can help individuals become more valuable in their regular jobs, making them more marketable and competitive in the job market.

A third benefit of having a side hustle during bad economic times is another layer of a sense of security. Side hustles offer individuals a backup plan in case they lose their regular job. In the event of a job loss, a side hustle can provide some income until a new job is found. Having a side hustle can also help individuals feel more in control of their financial situation, reducing the stress and anxiety that comes with financial uncertainty.

Having a side hustle during bad economic times offers several benefits. It provides additional income, helps develop new skills and offers a sense of security. Side hustles have become increasingly popular in recent years and the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted their importance. It is essential for individuals to explore side hustles that align with their interests and skills to maximize the benefits they offer.

Business

The Benefits of an Online Education – For Working Professionals

Published

2 years ago

on

November 18, 2022

By

Robaer Washington

(MONTGOMERY VILLAGE, MARYLAND – November 18, 2022) – Are you a working professional looking for the convenience and flexibility of an online education? An online education can be a great way to further your knowledge, increase job opportunities and even earn you additional credentials without sacrificing your current commitments. In this article, we will explore various benefits of an online education for working professionals.

FURTHERING YOUR KNOWLEDGE

With the flexibility that comes with an online education, you are able to fit study into your existing schedule and take classes at times that are convenient for you. You also have access to many resources that might not be available in traditional classrooms such as webinars, lectures, and tutorials.

In addition to the convenience of studying from home, developing a fundamental understanding of concepts is often easier since online courses provide an interactive learning environment. You can easily connect with peers and professors to ask questions or get help when needed. Additionally, online courses allow you to practice digital literacy skills such as research, problem-solving, online communication, and critical thinking which are important for success in today’s digital world.

INCREASE JOB OPPORTUNITIES

An online education can open up a variety of job opportunities that may not have been available otherwise. Employers are looking for individuals who possess digital literacy skills and may prefer someone with additional credentials earned through online courses. This is especially true in the tech industry where employers often look for candidates who possess specific skills that can be acquired through practicing in an online program. Furthermore, many employers offer incentives such as tuition reimbursement to employees seeking to further their education or gain additional qualifications.

Additionally, an online education allows you to easily access resources from around the world, increasing your chances of finding a job in a different country or region. With ever-evolving technology and globalization, it’s becoming increasingly important for professionals to be able stay ahead of the curve and online education can help you do just that.

CURRENT COMMITMENTS

An online education is a great way to earn additional credentials without sacrificing your current commitments. With its flexibility and convenience, you are able to fit study into your existing schedule and take classes at times that are convenient for you. Furthermore, there is no need to worry about commuting or finding parking as you would with a regular class. So, if you’re looking for a flexible way to pursue higher education and gain additional credentials without sacrificing your current commitments, then an online education could be the perfect option for you! With ever-evolving technology and globalization, it’s becoming increasingly important for professionals to stay ahead of the curve and an online education can help you do just that.

In conclusion, an online education can be a great way to further your knowledge and increase job opportunities. With its flexibility and convenience, you are able to fit study into your existing schedule and take classes at times that are convenient for you. Additionally, you have access to many resources from around the world which may not be available in traditional classrooms. Furthermore, employers often offer incentives such as tuition reimbursement to those pursuing higher education or gaining additional qualifications. So if you’re looking for a flexible way to pursue higher education or gain new skills without sacrificing your current commitments, then an online education could be the perfect option for you! Take advantage of this opportunity today and begin learning something new! Good luck!