Judge In Australia Not Happy About Tesla Dragging Its Feet In Class Action Case

A class action lawsuit against Tesla in Australia is facing significant delays, prompting frustration from the presiding judge. The case involves allegations that Tesla misled customers not only about the capabilities of its Full Self Driving system but also regarding battery range and issues with phantom braking. Despite the importance of these claims, the discovery process has been notably slow, with Tesla producing only 2,000 documents over an eight-month period, a pace that has drawn sharp criticism from both the court and the plaintiffs’ legal team. Federal Court Judge Tom Thawley expressed his disbelief at the limited amount of documentation provided, suggesting that Tesla may not be treating the discovery process with the seriousness it requires. Lawyers representing approximately 10,000 Australian Tesla owners have highlighted that the insufficient disclosure has hindered their ability to prepare expert analyses, particularly as key documents related to Tesla’s engineering software and computer systems remain outstanding. The judge’s comments underscore the growing tension surrounding Tesla’s cooperation in the legal proceedings. In response to the delays, Judge Thawley has imposed a firm deadline, ordering Tesla to complete the discovery process by 31 July. While the consequences of failing to meet this deadline have not been explicitly detailed, the judge warned Tesla to expect “a really bad time” if the company does not comply adequately. This ultimatum signals a potential escalation in judicial measures to compel Tesla’s cooperation and ensure the case progresses more swiftly. The ongoing legal battle highlights broader concerns about transparency and accountability in the electric vehicle sector, particularly as consumers and regulators scrutinise the claims made by manufacturers about emerging technologies. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for Tesla’s operations in Australia and may influence how similar disputes are handled internationally. For now, the focus remains on whether Tesla will meet the court’s demands and how the discovery process will unfold in the coming weeks.