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Tesla adopts Assisted Driving name in Europe after German pushback

Germany’s transport minister plans to support European approval of the renamed system, which still requires driver supervision.

Vehicle dashboard with a driver-assistance display
Photo: TechCrunch

Tesla has renamed its European driver-assistance software “Tesla Assisted Driving,” replacing “Full Self-Driving (Supervised)” following objections from Germany’s transportation ministry. The change comes as the company seeks broader European approval for the system.

German Transport Minister Steffen Bilger said the previous branding was somewhat misleading because the software cannot handle every aspect of driving. Drivers must remain attentive and be ready to take control when needed.

Tesla proposed the new name during discussions with Bilger, the ministry said. Bilger now plans to advocate for authorization across Europe before a possible EU-wide vote later in 2026. The Netherlands has already become the first European country to approve the system.

Tesla’s approval campaign has also drawn scrutiny. According to a media report, the company relied on faulty safety research and flawed studies, while Dutch vehicle safety regulator RDW faced pressure from Tesla and its online supporters.

The software has been subject to federal investigations and civil litigation involving crashes in which it was allegedly operating. Tesla also discontinued its less capable Autopilot system earlier in 2026 after a judge found that the company had marketed its capabilities deceptively.

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Lucas Almeida

Companies and Deals Editor

Edits and reviews corporate news (earnings, leadership changes, layoffs, product launches) and deal news (IPOs, mergers and acquisitions, buyouts and funding rounds).