The French Government, through the Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF), has ordered Tesla to cease its “misleading commercial practices”, under threat of a 50,000 euros daily fine for non-compliance after a four-month deadline.
Specifically, the agency, which operates under the Ministry of the Economy, concluded—following an investigation conducted in 2023 and 2024—that Tesla had engaged in several deficiencies and violations harmful to consumers and contrary to the law.
Among other issues, the automaker has signed sales contracts without specifying a date, deadline, or delivery location for the vehicle, and without including details of credit payment options.
It has also required payments before the end of the withdrawal period to which consumers are entitled when financing their purchase through assigned credit.
In addition, Tesla has employed “misleading” marketing practices regarding the full self-driving capabilities of its vehicles, as well as the availability of certain options and vehicle trade-in offers.
The Ministry also cited a lack of prior information about delivery arrangements—particularly the delivery location—and delays in reimbursing customers who exercised their right of withdrawal, as further examples of these “misleading commercial practices”.
As a result, the consumer authority has ordered Tesla to comply with the current regulations within four months.
If the company fails to do so, “given the particular seriousness of the practices”, the precautionary measure includes a fine of 50,000 euros for each day of delay.
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