Tesla Renames 'Full Self-Driving' to 'Assisted Driving' in Europe After Regulatory Criticism

Tesla has rebranded its 'Full Self-Driving (Supervised)' driver-assistance system in Europe to 'Assisted Driving' following pushback from German regulators, as reported by CNBC Business (https://www.cnbc.com/2026/10/09/tesla-full-self-driving-europe-regulator.html).

In a statement on Tuesday, Germany's Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) characterized the 'FSD' name as 'somewhat misleading.' The ministry noted that the software does not take over the entire driving task, but functions as a driver-assistance system that supports accelerating, braking, and steering while requiring drivers to remain attentive at all times.

The package remains branded as 'Full Self-Driving (Supervised)' in the United States, where Tesla sells it as a $99 per month subscription. Tesla reported 1.48 million active FSD subscriptions in its second-quarter earnings update, though it did not disclose how many active users originated from free trials or promotional incentives.

The name change comes as Tesla pursues regulatory approvals across Europe. Electric vehicle sales in the region have increased this year amid higher fuel costs linked to the war in Iran, with Tesla showing signs of recovery from a sales slump last year. To secure clearance, Tesla has actively lobbied European regulators, particularly in the Netherlands. A Reuters report previously noted that pressure from Tesla led some authorities to reduce the intensity of safety tests and reviews.

Meanwhile, the technology faces scrutiny in the U.S. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating whether FSD operates safely in reduced visibility conditions, such as fog and sun glare, and whether the system has caused drivers to commit traffic violations resulting in collisions. In December 2025, a California judge ruled that Tesla engaged in deceptive marketing by falsely implying Autopilot and FSD were fully automated. Tesla is currently contesting that finding through ongoing litigation against the California DMV in Los Angeles Superior Court.

Missy Cummings, an engineering professor at George Mason University, told CNBC Business that renaming the package in Europe does not resolve underlying safety concerns. Cummings stated that European authorities are 'ignoring both past and ongoing NHTSA investigations' and criticized Dutch regulator RDW for approving Tesla's system based on 'secretive data.' Neither Tesla nor the RDW immediately responded to requests for comment.