On September 5, a video appeared on the Internet showing a Tesla Model X involved in an accident in China, where eight were injured. Tesla skeptics and some media outlets immediately began to spread misinformation on where to ascribe fault. However, the facts prove that the Model X was not the culprit.
On social networks, one could find information that the Tesla suddenly accelerated—passing a local street—and as a result, sadly two pedestrians were killed and six people injured.
However, these stories ignored the fact that the driver of the car was detained on suspicion of drunk driving or being under the influence of drugs. Also, the local police are continuing their investigation and there is not a single confirmed fact that the car itself was to blame in the accident.
Unfortunately, the media often do not prioritize publishing truth. In pursuit of “clicks,” they publish breaking news with loud headlines that include inaccurate information. Also, Tesla skeptics—and even “haters”—are in a hurry to spread any negative information about the company, even if it is not true.
Tesla's official WeChat account immediately replied that, according to the analysis of the vehicle data, no signs of vehicle malfunction were found. Special personnel arrived at the scene immediately and the company will cooperate fully with the police to investigate the cause of the accident.
Despite the fact that Tesla China made an official statement, a rumor appeared on the Internet that was since removed. This triggered a wave of negative chatter against Tesla.
Meanwhile, Tesla China’s original statement remains posted—and is available for viewing on its Weibo account.
This situation underscores how acute the problem of disclosing false information about Tesla truly is. Naysayers and haters try to undermine the credibility of the company in various ways—including spreading lies—hoping to manipulate public opinion. Fortunately, Tesla’s credibility and popularity ultimately stand for themselves. And these are the facts.
© 2020, Eva Fox. All rights reserved.
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Article edited by @SmokeyShorts, you can follow him on Twitter
About the Author
Eva Fox
Eva Fox joined Tesmanian in 2019 to cover breaking news as an automotive journalist. The main topics that she covers are clean energy and electric vehicles. As a journalist, Eva is specialized in Tesla and topics related to the work and development of the company.
