US Senate asks Tesla CEO to come chat about Autopilot

Thune Seeks Answers from Elon Musk on Autopilot Technology Inquiry prompted after tragic death of driver using Tesla's autopilot mode July 14, 2016 WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, seeks answers from Elon Musk, chairman and chief executive officer at Tesla Motors, following the recent death of a driver while using the autopilot mode on a Tesla Model S. The autopilot feature allows the vehicle to automatically steer, change lanes, and manage speed. In Sen. Thune's letter to Musk, he seeks to determine whether the technology performed as intended and Tesla's actions to educate consumers on the benefits and limitations of the technology. The full text of the letter is below: Dear Mr. Musk: I write to you today regarding the recent news of a fatal crash involving a Tesla vehicle. I seek information regarding the actions Tesla Motors has taken thus far, as well as future actions planned in response to this accident. In particular, I am interested in the company's efforts to ensure the Autopilot technology was deployed safely in this instance.