Tesla(US:TSLA) 第一财经·2025-11-04 15:03Core Viewpoint - Tesla is facing lawsuits and investigations due to safety concerns related to its hidden door handle design, which may have contributed to a fatal accident involving a Model S vehicle [3][4]. Group 1: Lawsuit and Investigation - A lawsuit was filed in Wisconsin against Tesla following a fatal accident in November 2024, where five passengers died after being trapped in a burning Model S due to the door lock system malfunctioning [3]. - The lawsuit alleges that Tesla was aware of the safety risks associated with its door handle design and the fire hazard posed by lithium batteries but failed to implement necessary improvements [3][4]. - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an investigation into the hidden door handle design after receiving multiple complaints from Tesla owners regarding the malfunctioning of door handles, particularly in the 2021 Model Y [4]. Group 2: Regulatory Response and Industry Impact - NHTSA has requested Tesla to submit records related to the door handle system design and issues by December 10, 2025, with potential fines of up to $140 million for non-compliance [4]. - Tesla's design head announced plans to change the door handle design in response to the ongoing issues and public feedback [5]. - Competitors, including Rivian, are reconsidering their hidden door handle designs, with Volkswagen's CEO emphasizing the importance of functionality over aesthetics based on customer feedback [7]. - New regulations from Chinese authorities require that electric vehicles have sufficient space for hand operation of door handles and mechanical release features to ensure safety in emergencies [7].