Tesla(US:TSLA) Di Yi Cai Jing·2025-11-04 13:55Core Viewpoint - The potential safety hazards associated with hidden door handles have sparked global discussions and legal actions against Tesla due to a fatal accident involving a Model S vehicle [2][5]. Group 1: Legal and Regulatory Actions - Tesla is facing lawsuits and investigations from regulatory bodies in the U.S. due to safety concerns related to hidden door handles, particularly following a fatal accident where passengers were trapped in a burning vehicle [2]. - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an investigation into Tesla's door handle design after receiving multiple complaints from Model Y owners regarding failures of the door handles due to low-voltage battery issues [3]. - NHTSA has requested Tesla to submit records related to the door handle systems of specific Model Y and Model 3 vehicles by December 10, with potential fines of up to $140 million for non-compliance [3]. Group 2: Design Changes and Industry Response - Tesla's design chief has indicated that the company will modify the design of the door handles in response to safety concerns [4]. - Competitors, including Rivian, are reconsidering their hidden door handle designs, with Volkswagen's CEO emphasizing that functionality should take precedence over aesthetics based on customer feedback [6]. - New regulations from Chinese authorities require that electric vehicles have sufficient space for hand operation of door handles and must include mechanical release features to ensure safety in emergencies [6].