La Mode Verte
Environmental Awareness Through Media ProductionsArchive for Richard Hammond
Top Gear Sued by Electric Car Manufacturer Tesla
www.yahoo.com 30th March 2011
Quoted from source:
‘Top Gear’ is in hot water again, with the headline-grabbing show now being sued by supercar company Tesla for defamation. Back in 2008 ‘Top Gear’ broadcast a race between the petrol-powered Lotus Elise S and the electric Tesla Roadster. During the test Jeremy Clarkson said the Tesla ran out of power after 55 miles, compared to the 211 miles claimed by the manufacturer. The episode featured footage of the Roadster having to be pushed back into the garage, with Clarkson telling viewers: “It’s just a shame that in the real world it doesn’t seem to work.” Tesla complained about the show at the time, with the BBC admitting some of the footage was shot to show what could happen. Tesla was placated… until this week. The Californian company said that they had to act, as the episode is still being repeated, available on DVD and streaming on Netflix in the US. They said: “[The show] intentionally and/or recklessly, grossly misled potential purchasers of the Roadsters… Its reputation has been severely damaged.” A Tesla spokesman told the Daily Mail: “The BBC’s conduct has given us no choice but to sue them and clear up their lies.” Tesla Motors Inc issued a writ at the High Court claiming defamation and malicious falsehood. They said the Roadster had been certified under a European Union regulation for measuring electric vehicle range at 211 miles. Top Gear’s allegations that the brakes had also broken were false, they claimed.’
