Tesla stated on Monday that the US Department of Justice has requested documents from the company and issued subpoenas to review issues such as the company's driving assistance system Autopilot and vehicle mileage.
Tesla stated in a document submitted to the US Securities and Exchange Commission that it has received a request for information from the US Department of Justice, including subpoenas. This includes requesting documents related to Tesla's autonomous driving and FSD (fully autonomous driving) functions, as well as other information related to personal interests, related parties, vehicle range, and personnel decisions.
Previously, there were media reports that Tesla was undergoing a criminal investigation by the Ministry of Justice because the company claimed that its electric vehicles could "self drive". As early as August of this year, there were reports that federal prosecutors were also investigating Tesla Motors' performance statements and Tesla's use of company funds for a secret project, the notorious "Glass House" project.
It is reported that this project is described as the house of CEO Musk within Tesla. Media reported in July that Tesla's board members have investigated whether company resources have been misused for the project and whether Musk himself is involved.
In addition, for more than two years, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the United States has been investigating Autopilot issues, as there have been more than ten Tesla car collisions with stationary vehicles.
Tesla also stated that its capital expenditure for 2023 will exceed its target of $7 billion to $9 billion set earlier this year, as it has increased factory production and is preparing to launch new models. However, a regulatory document shows that the company's expenses are expected to return to the range of $7 billion to $9 billion within the next two years.
Last week, Musk stated that due to the volatile economic outlook, Tesla is hesitant about its plan to build a factory in Mexico. He warned that rising interest rates may affect Tesla's demand, coupled with the price war to maintain sales this year weakening profit margins.