Tesla Compelled to Acquire Back Model S Plaid Due to Faulty Track Braking Performance per Court Decision
Tesla Ordered to Buy Back Model S Plaid After Brake Failure on Norwegian Racetrack
In a landmark ruling, a Norwegian court in Oslo has ordered Tesla to buy back a Model S Plaid from Vilhelm Dybwad, a member of the car enthusiast organization Amcar. The decision comes after the vehicle experienced brake failure during its first track day test at Rudskogen Motorcenter, a demanding racetrack designed by F1 specialist Hermann Tilke.
The court found that Tesla violated Norway's Consumer Protection Act by creating a false impression of the car’s capabilities. Tesla marketed the Model S Plaid as suitable for track use, but the standard brakes were found to be inadequate and unsafe under high-performance conditions.
According to witness accounts, independent testing, and evidence provided by Amcar, the Model S Plaid malfunctioned after making the first turn when an experienced track driver tested it at Rudskogen. The technical committee of Amcar prepared a statement regarding the failure.
Tesla argued that customers could purchase an optional carbon ceramic brake upgrade better suited for track use, but this option was not available at the time Dybwad purchased the car. The court agreed that Tesla advertised the Model S Plaid as being track capable, but carbon ceramic brakes, which perform better in high-heat situations, were not offered by Tesla until 10 months after Dybwad purchased his Model S Plaid.
The Oslo District Court ruled in favor of Dybwad, emphasizing that the standard brake setup did not meet the expectations set by Tesla’s marketing. The court ordered Tesla to pay Dybwad the equivalent of $122,972 USD plus interest, as well as his legal costs totaling $26,869 USD.
Tesla can appeal the decision, but Dybwad's legal representation told Nettavisen they aren't worried. The case highlights that the Tesla Model S Plaid’s standard brakes fail under serious track conditions, Tesla’s marketing misled consumers, and this constituted a violation of Norway’s Consumer Protection Act, resulting in a court-ordered buyback of the vehicle.
- The court's decision on the Tesla Model S Plaid buyback underscores the intersection of both the automotive and technology industries, especially in the realm of electric-vehicles.
- The ruling emphasizes the importance of financial consequences in the transportation sector, as Tesla now faces significant costs due to the brake failure issue.
- Lifestyle choices, including the pursuit of high-performance driving, have played a role in this case, highlighting the implications for car enthusiasts who expect their vehicles to perform under demanding conditions.
- The verdict also underscores the need for transparency in marketing practices across industries, particularly in the automotive sector, to ensure consumers are not misled about a product's capabilities.
