By Bernard Condon
NEW YORK (AP) – Elon Musk’s cost-cutting team has eliminated work at the vehicle safety agency overseeing Tesla and has begun investigating a fatal crash involving his company’s cars.
According to an agency statement, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has cut “conservative” positions. Musk accused the NHTSA of thwarting advances in autonomous driving technology through investigations and recalls.
Asked whether Cut would affect probes to Tesla, the agency mentioned a statement that it would “enforce laws regarding all manufacturers of automobiles and equipment.”
Work at the NHTSA, enacted by the Mask Advisory Group on Federal Reduction, was previously reported by the Washington Post.
In addition to investigating Tesla’s partially automated vehicles, the NHTSA requires Tesla and other automakers to report crash data on vehicles using Tesla and autonomous driving technology.
The staff cuts came from a combination of shootings, acquisitions and layoffs. The agency said in a statement that the Biden administration has expanded its pay, suggesting that a small number of staff is sufficient to carry out its mission.
“Even with these modest efficiencies, the NHTSA is much larger than it was four years ago,” the statement said. “We hold a key position on our mission to save lives, prevent injuries and reduce the economic costs of road traffic accidents.”
Original issue: February 22, 2025, 12:07pm EST
