Tesla Gears Up for European Launch of Tesla Insurance As Expansion Continues

By Kevin Armstrong
You can manage Tesla Insurance payments, coverage and claims directly in Tesla app
You can manage Tesla Insurance payments, coverage and claims directly in Tesla app
Tesla

Tesla has continued its expansion into the insurance market, with its sights set on Europe. The automaker, known for its electric vehicles, established its European insurance branch in Malta in December 2020 but has yet to offer specific insurance services to European drivers. But that is about to change.

Tesla's Job Posting Indicates Progress Towards European Launch

Recently, Tesla advertised for a Legal Counsel position specializing in insurance for the European market, with the work based at the company's London headquarters. The individual will be tasked with building and leading the in-house legal function of the insurance company as it operates cross-border in Europe, navigating the complex legal and regulatory landscape of insurance in Europe.

In March 2022, Tesla registered its European insurance operations at its London headquarters at 109 Devonshire Road. In addition, the company has utilized other insurance programs in the UK and Europe to provide driver coverage through partnering insurance companies. Still, it has also launched its in-house insurance program in the United States and continued expanding its offering. Tesla uses real-time data on driving behavior to determine rates. It is now available in 12 states, excluding California.

Tesla's Focus on Europe After US Expansion

Tesla Insurance reported an annual premium run rate of $300 million as of the end of 2022 and growth of 20 percent a quarter. During the fourth quarter earnings call in 2021, the company revealed that Tesla's next target would be Europe after focusing on expansion in the United States.

Although the company has not yet announced a specific launch date for its insurance services in Europe, the recent job posting and the registration of the European insurance operations in London indicate that Tesla is making progress toward offering the service to European customers. In early 2022, Tesla's CFO, Zachary Kirkhorn, suggested that the company might launch insurance in Europe by the end of the year, dependent on the progress of the insurance launch in the United States.

Launch of Tesla Insurance in Europe by 2023

It's no secret that CEO Elon Musk has been optimistic with some of his previous timelines. Still, recent statements indicate that the launch of Tesla Insurance in Europe could happen as early as 2023. A successful Legal Counsel candidate will play a key role in ensuring that the company can navigate the unique challenges and opportunities of the European insurance market and deliver on its promise of rethinking the insurance customer experience.

Tesla to Automatically Activate Climate System If Occupant Left in Vehicle

By Kevin Armstrong
Tesla will automatically activate the vehicle's climate system when there is an occupant in the vehicle
Tesla will automatically activate the vehicle's climate system when there is an occupant in the vehicle
Not a Tesla App

Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently committed to enhancing the safety features of Tesla's electric vehicles following a conversation with a concerned owner on Twitter. The upcoming improvement will focus on better occupant detection and maintaining comfort levels within the cabin.

A Tesla owner voices concerns

The discussion began when a Tesla owner shared her experience leaving her children in the vehicle while running an errand. Upon exiting, the car shut down, and her older child had to interact with the infotainment system to reactivate it. @Tesladiva99 expressed concerns about the potential implications for young children if left unattended.

She tweeted:

"@elonmusk, I left my teenager and little in the car to go into the store. The car instantly shut off, and my oldest had to touch the screen to turn it back on. If an infant was left, the car would shut down. Can y’all do something to detect people in the car and keep temp on?"

Musk responds with a pledge to enhance safety

In response to the tweet, Musk explained that Tesla vehicles are designed to maintain a safe temperature within the cabin even when the car appears to be "off," a feature meant to protect infants and pets known as Cabin Overheat Protection. However, the feature can be turned off by the owner to reduce battery consumption. Musk acknowledged that the current system could be improved and committed to making the necessary changes.

"Tesla car temp is automatically kept within a safe range, even when the car appears 'off,' in order to protect infants & pets. That said, it would be more convenient to keep the car 'on' for entertainment & comfort if the camera detects occupants. We will make that change," Musk replied.

According to Musk's statement, Tesla will likely implement the new safety feature through an upcoming software update. It is important to note that this update will likely only apply to Tesla vehicles equipped with a cabin camera.

In the meantime, owners could use Camp Mode.

Tesla may choose to automatically activate one of its 'stay-on' climate system features when it senses an occupant in the vehicle. However, since Camp Mode disables the walk-away locking feature of the vehicle, it's not clear whether Tesla will instead automatically activate 'Keep Climate On' or allow the walk-away door lock feature while in Camp Mode.

The significance of social media in customer-company communication

This latest interaction between Musk and a Tesla owner demonstrates the value of the Twitter platform for addressing customer concerns and driving product improvement. Musk has repeatedly stated how companies can leverage Twitter to receive customer feedback and make necessary changes to enhance their products and services.

A Trip Down Memory Lane: The Electrifying Rivalry Between Elon Musk and Jeremy Clarkson [Video]

By Kevin Armstrong
Elon Musk and Jeremy Clarkson have an ongoing feud
Elon Musk and Jeremy Clarkson have an ongoing feud
Elon Musk Viral Videos/YouTube

The automotive world has witnessed many rivalries throughout history, but none quite as electrifying as the ongoing feud between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and British television presenter Jeremy Clarkson. These two larger-than-life personalities have consistently butted heads over electric vehicles, Tesla's performance, and the future of transportation. Let's take a trip down memory lane and relive some of the most memorable moments from this epic battle of wits and opinions.

The Spark That Ignited the Feud

It all began in 2008, when Clarkson, then a host of the popular British television show Top Gear, reviewed Tesla's first production car (video below), the Roadster. In Season 12, Episode 7, Clarkson was critical of the Roadster's range and reliability, with the segment featuring the car running out of battery and breaking down. Tesla quickly claimed that the breakdown was staged for dramatic effect, a claim that BBC denied.

The Aftermath and Legal Action

Tesla didn't take Clarkson's review lightly. In 2011, the electric car manufacturer filed a lawsuit against BBC, alleging defamation and malicious falsehood. However, the British High Court dismissed the case in 2013, with the judge stating that no Top Gear viewer would have reasonably compared the Roadster's performance to that of a traditional sports car based on the episode.

The War of Words

The legal battle didn't put an end to the rivalry. Over the years, Musk and Clarkson exchanged barbs through interviews and social media. In a 2018 interview with The Independent, Clarkson called Musk "an idiot" and claimed they "almost had a fight." In response, Musk took to Twitter and called Clarkson "weird" and "rude." In 2021, Clarkson talked about Musk's kids' unique names and suggested he call them "John or Jane or whatever."

The Twitter Battle

The rivalry between Musk and Clarkson has expanded beyond the realm of electric vehicles. Recently, Clarkson shared his thoughts on Musk's new Twitter laws and claimed that the new CEO should be paying him to use the social media network. In his Sunday Times column, Clarkson expressed his outrage at the proposed new costs for blue tick verification. He argued that he brings in advertising for the platform and should not be paying for the verification. This latest episode showcases the enduring feud between these two influential figures.

The Autopilot Debate

Clarkson has also criticized Tesla's Autopilot feature, questioning its safety and reliability. He once called it "an accident waiting to happen" after a fatal accident involving a Tesla Model S operating on Autopilot in 2016. However, Musk has dismissed Clarkson's concerns as biased and uninformed, insisting that critics have an outdated view of electric vehicles and are resistant to change.

The Model X Review and Beyond

Despite his new-found popularity, Clarkson didn't shy away from critiquing Tesla. In a 2019 episode of The Grand Tour, he reviewed the Tesla Model X, acknowledging its advancements while questioning its design and practicality. Clarkson said, "The truth is, the world's most hated car company has changed the world," but he also questioned whether electric vehicles would ever fully replace internal combustion engine cars.

The Grand Tour and Clarkson's Farm

After leaving Top Gear, Clarkson and co-presenters Richard Hammond and James May launched The Grand Tour on Amazon Studios. The show continued to feature Tesla vehicles and maintain a critical stance on electric cars. However, Clarkson's image softened with the release of his show Clarkson's Farm, which showcased his love for farming and the challenges he faced in running a farm. The show garnered a new fan base and a more sympathetic public image, but he still prefers internal combustion.

Reconciliation?

In a surprising twist, Elon Musk appeared on Top Gear in 2020, discussing Tesla's progress and the future of electric vehicles with the show's presenters. Though Clarkson was not involved in the episode, the appearance marked a notable moment in the rivalry's history.

The ongoing feud between Elon Musk and Jeremy Clarkson is a fascinating chapter in the automotive world. As electric vehicles become increasingly popular, the rivalry between these two influential figures serves as a reminder of the broader debate surrounding the future of transportation. With the latest development involving Twitter, it's clear that their rivalry continues to evolve and shows no signs of slowing down. Fans of both individuals can only wait and see what the next chapter holds for this electrifying tale.

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