Tesla Hit With $243 Million Verdict Over Autopilot Crash as It Rolls Out Model Y in India
Miami/New Delhi – Tesla, the electric car giant led by Elon Musk, is grappling with a hefty courtroom setback in the United States while simultaneously making a high-profile debut in the Indian market.
Jury Awards $243 Million in Fatal Autopilot Crash Case
A U.S. federal jury in Miami has ordered Tesla to pay a massive $243 million in damages over a 2019 crash involving its Autopilot driver-assistance software. The ruling came after the automaker had declined a $60 million settlement offer earlier this year.
The case stemmed from a collision in April 2019 when a Tesla Model S, operating with Autopilot engaged, struck a parked Chevrolet Tahoe on the roadside. The crash killed Naibel Benavides Leon and left her boyfriend, Dillon Angulo, with serious injuries.
Jurors awarded $129 million in compensatory damages and $200 million in punitive damages, holding Tesla responsible for 33% of the compensatory share ($42.6 million) and for the entire punitive award. The driver of the Model S was found largely at fault for the accident but was not a party to the lawsuit.
Tesla has rejected allegations of negligence, arguing that the verdict could hinder development of safety technologies across the automotive industry. The company has vowed to appeal the decision, calling it a setback for innovation.
The lawsuit marked the first wrongful death trial involving a third party and Tesla’s Autopilot system to reach a jury verdict.
Tesla Launches in India With Premium-Priced Model Y
While defending itself in U.S. courts, Tesla has pressed ahead with its global expansion, opening its first retail showroom in Mumbai, India, on Tuesday. The company unveiled its Model Y SUV, priced far higher than in other international markets due to steep import duties.
Pricing details for India include:
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Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive – 6 million rupees (~$70,000)
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Model Y Long Range – 6.8 million rupees (~$80,000)
By comparison, the same vehicle starts at about $45,000 in the United States, $36,700 in China, and $53,700 in Germany, making India one of Tesla’s costliest markets.
Deliveries are expected in the third quarter of 2025. Industry analysts say Tesla will primarily target luxury EV buyers, competing with established German brands such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz, rather than mass-market Indian automakers like Tata Motors and Mahindra.
The launch event in Mumbai drew intense media attention, with police deployed outside the venue and state leaders attending the opening. Inside, the Model Y was displayed under Tesla’s signature minimalist showroom style, partially draped before being revealed to invited guests.
Full Self-Driving Package Offered in India
Tesla is also offering its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software package in India at an additional 600,000 rupees ($7,000). The system currently requires active driver supervision but promises more autonomous capability through future over-the-air updates.
Balancing Challenges and Expansion
Tesla’s push into India comes at a time when the company faces sluggish global sales and surplus factory capacity. By importing vehicles directly into India despite tariffs of nearly 70%, Tesla aims to establish its presence quickly in one of the world’s fastest-growing automotive markets.
Highlights
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Tesla turned down a $60 million settlement before being hit with a $243 million jury verdict in Florida over a fatal Autopilot crash.
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The Miami case was the first third-party wrongful death trial involving Tesla Autopilot.
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Tesla opened its first showroom in Mumbai, with the Model Y priced at 6–6.8 million rupees, among the highest globally.
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The EV maker plans to serve India’s premium car segment, challenging luxury rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
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Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system is offered in India for an additional 600,000 rupees, though not yet fully autonomous.