Tesla Motors launches legal action against BBC's Top Gear
Tesla Motors has filed a lawsuit against the BBC, alleging that Top Gear misrepresented the Roadster's performance in a 2008 episode and harmed the company's reputation.
Tesla Motors has initiated legal proceedings against the BBC, claiming that the broadcaster's flagship motoring show Top Gear misled viewers about the Tesla Roadster's capabilities during a test broadcast in 2008. The company alleges that the programme's depiction of the Roadster running out of charge after just 55 miles was inaccurate and has continued to influence potential buyers.
The contested segment aired in December 2008, with presenter Jeremy Clarkson driving the Roadster on Top Gear's test track. During the episode, Clarkson stated, “Although Tesla say it’ll do 200 miles, we worked out that on our track it would run out after just 55 miles.” Tesla contends that this was misleading and did not reflect the car's true range under normal conditions. The company further claims that scenes showing the Roadster being pushed into the garage implied a total loss of power, which it says was staged for dramatic effect.
Tesla's complaint and ongoing impact
In its public statements and on a dedicated webpage, Tesla asserts that Top Gear’s portrayal has had a lasting negative effect on its reputation. According to Tesla, questions from prospective customers about the Roadster’s reliability and range have persisted since the episode aired, with many referencing the Top Gear test as a reason for concern. The company argues that this has directly influenced consumer perceptions and potentially affected sales.
The BBC's response
A BBC spokesperson confirmed that the corporation had received notification of the legal action and said the broadcaster would vigorously defend the programme. The BBC maintains that Top Gear’s content was fair and stands by the editorial decisions made during the episode. No further detail has been given on the BBC’s legal strategy.
Previous legal disputes involving Tesla
This is not the first time Tesla has turned to the courts. The company has previously filed suit against Fisker Automotive, alleging theft of trade secrets, and has faced claims from suppliers such as Magna over contract disputes. Former employee David Vespremi also brought a class action against Tesla, alleging breach of contract and defamation. The Top Gear case, however, is the first high-profile legal dispute directly involving media coverage of Tesla’s products.
What happens next
No hearing date has been announced. Both Tesla and the BBC have indicated they will pursue their positions in court. The outcome could set a precedent for how car manufacturers and media outlets handle disputes over product representation on television.
