Tesla ordered to stop advertising 'autopilot' function

Feature faces increased scrutiny after two fatal crashes

The interior of a Tesla Model S is shown in autopilot mode (Reuters)

Tesla has reportedly been told to stop advertising an “autopilot” function on its cars after the term was deemed to be misleading.

German transport regulator KBA wrote to the company after the feature came under scrutiny following two fatal crashes.

Questions have been raised over the system after fatal crashes in northern China and Florida. There was also an incident in Germany in which a Tesla electric car crashed into a tourist bus while on autopilot.

"In order to prevent misunderstandings and false expectations from clients, we are asking that the misleading term 'Autopilot' no longer be used in advertisements for the system," KBA said, according to the Local.

The autopilot function, which has been available with its Model S series since October 2015, is not supposed replace drivers entirely. Instead it is designed to help the car steer and stay in a lane.

A Tesla spokesman told AFP: "We have always been clear with our customers that Autopilot is a driver's assistance system that requires the driver to pay attention at all times."

Since its launch last year, Tesla modified the feature in an attempt to prevent its misuse. It restricted at what speeds and for how long drivers could remove their hands from the wheel.

Tesla had previously admitted the upgraded version of its autopilot feature may have prevented the fatal crash in Florida,

The incident occured when a driver ran into a semi-tractor trailer which was turning in front of him, according to The Street.