A Tesla Model S Plaid owner recently made headlines after taking the electric automaker to court and winning the case. The dispute arose when the owner’s EV experienced brake issues during a track day, despite Tesla’s marketing claims that the car was suitable for track use. The Oslo District Court ruled in favor of the owner, Vilhelm Dybwad, citing a violation of Norway’s Consumer Protection Act.
Dybwad recounted his experience of the brakes overheating on the first turn of the track, leading to a dangerous situation. The circuit, Rudskogen Motorcenter, is known for its challenging layout with high-speed straights and elevation changes. Even after the first corner, the Tesla Model S Plaid struggled to maintain performance, highlighting the inadequacy of the stock brakes for track driving.
As a member of the car enthusiast organization Amcar, Dybwad received support from the club’s technical committee, which conducted independent testing to demonstrate the car’s failure on the track. The court agreed that Tesla’s marketing materials misrepresented the car’s capabilities, specifically its ability to continuously lap the track without performance degradation.
Tesla argued that Dybwad could have opted for carbon ceramic brakes, which perform better under high-heat conditions. However, these brakes were not available until after Dybwad had purchased the car. The court ordered Tesla to buy back the Model S Plaid and compensate Dybwad for the purchase price, legal costs, and interest.
Despite the possibility of an appeal from Tesla, Dybwad’s legal representation remains confident in the court’s decision. The case serves as a cautionary tale for automakers regarding the accuracy of their marketing claims and the importance of ensuring that their products meet the expectations of consumers.
For more automotive news and updates, stay tuned to The Drive’s daily newsletter for the latest car reviews, features, and industry news. The world is constantly changing, and with it, so are the ways in which we interact with each other. In the age of technology and social media, communication has become easier and more convenient than ever before. However, this increased connectivity has also led to a rise in online harassment and cyberbullying.
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