Electric carmaker Tesla recalls 53,000 cars over parking brake issue
US electric automobile manufacturer Tesla has issued a global-recall for some of its Model S and Model X vehicles to fix a parking brake issue. Tesla said the issue affected around 2% of the 53,000 cars manufactured from February to October 2016 but it decided to recall all those cars. Tesla said the braking issue hasn't led to any reports of accidents or injuries.
Tesla registers record deliveries after weak 2016 end
Registering an impressive 70% rise since the Jan-March 2016 quarter, Tesla has delivered a record 25,000 cars this time. It delivered 13,450 Model S cars and 11,550 Model X vehicles. This is a significant development for the company, whose deliveries fell by 9% in the last 2016 quarter due to production problems.
Tesla is now the most valuable US automaker
In April'17, Tesla became the most valuable US auto company, after its market cap surpassed that of General Motors and Ford as well. Tesla's car production as well as car deliveries were up in the first quarter this year. Other big automakers, however, saw a drop in their sales. Tesla stocks are trading at $303.80 and its market cap is at $53.06 billion.
Why is Tesla recalling the cars?
Tesla said the electric parking brakes fitted on Model S and Model X "may contain a small gear that could have been manufactured improperly by our third-party supplier." In case the gear would break, the parking brake would continue to ensure the car remains stationary, the company said. However, the parking brake would remain stuck in place.
Tesla: Despite recall, it's safe to continue using vehicle
The Elon Musk-owned Tesla said customers will receive an official recall notice with information on the replacement of the parking brake. The company said it's "safe to continue regular use of your vehicle" as there have been no reports of parking brake failure.
Model S was given 5-star safety rating by regulator
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the Tesla Model S a 5-star safety rating in 2013. The safety regulator had said the Model S "set a new record for the lowest likelihood of injury to occupants". In November 2015, Tesla voluntarily recalled 3,000 Model S cars over seat-belt connectivity problems.
