Originally Posted By: ramammoth
It's interesting that Telsa is not supporting this.
Tesla isn't a part of the AAM. That's why.
To that end, Tesla doesn't need to support or not support DMCA. They've already made their point that they don't support any form of a Right to Repair Act.
RRA says that automobile manufacturers must make available all service information, service software, service tools, and parts that are required to service their vehicles. This is so an independent shop or vehicle owner has access to all the same service components a licensed dealership would have and can service a vehicle exactly as a dealer would. All this doesn't have to be free, but it does have to be available.
Tesla supports little to none of these requirements.
When Tesla doesn't support right to repair, things like this happen:
Totaled Tesla Model S Buyer Beware
Guy buys totaled Model S for $50,000, the spends $8,000 to get it back roadworthy. Tesla refuses to "reactivate" the car until they've inspected it because he didn't use an "authorized" repair facility to perform the repairs.
The story goes two different ways from here. The owner says the language Tesla included in their inspection was that if it didn't pass inspect, Tesla would keep the vehicle for "safety" reasons until it was properly repair by them.
Tesla denies this language, but their statement is telling:
Quote:
Safety is Tesla's top priority and it is a principle on which we refuse to compromise under any circumstance. Mr. Rutman purchased a vehicle on the salvage market that had been substantially damaged in a serious accident. We have strong concerns about this car being safe for the road, but we have been prevented from inspecting the vehicle because Mr. Rutman refused to sign an inspection authorization form. That form clearly states that in order for us to support the vehicle on an ongoing basis, we need to ensure the repairs meet minimum safety standards.
Regardless of whether or not the car passed inspection, Mr. Rutman would have been free to decide where to conduct any additional repairs and to leave with his vehicle. There was never any threat to take away his vehicle at the inspection or any time thereafter and there is nothing in the authorization form that states or implies that we would do so.
Additionally, Mr. Rutman opted to have his vehicle repaired by a non-Tesla affiliated facility. We work with a network of authorized independent repair facilities to ensure our safety standards are met. It is also worth noting that Mr. Rutman is not on any "blacklist" for purchasing Tesla parts. While we do sell certain parts over the counter, we do not sell any parts that require specific training to install. This is a policy that is common among automakers and it is in place to protect customers from the risk of repairs not meeting our safety standards.
Basically... if it doesn't meet our standards, we won't let you drive your car. At the software level, we will prevent you from operating your own vehicle. You are at risk of this if you choose not to use one of our authorized repair facilities. You also may be prevented from buy all the parts you need to properly repair your vehicle.
Now... is Tesla for or against controlling the software on your car?