The US government is investigating Tesla Motors Inc’s Model S sedan for potential problems with its suspension.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Thursday said it is seeking information from vehicle owners and from electric carmaker Tesla, which is based in Palo Alto, California.
People have posted multiple reports of possible Model S suspension failure on the agency’s Web site.
The agency said it is also concerned that Tesla has asked owners to sign nondisclosure agreements about safety issues.
It said such agreements could prevent owners from reporting problems to the government.
It said it was told by Tesla that the company did not intend to dissuade customers from reporting safety issues.
Tesla shares fell 2.6 percent to US$229.36, the stock’s biggest drop since May 9. The shares have declined 4.4 percent so far this year, while the Russell 1000 Index gained 3.5 percent.
The shares had gained for four straight trading sessions before Thursday, when the company said it is adding a new, cheaper version of the Model S.
Tesla has started selling a cheaper version of its Model S car in an attempt to make its electric vehicles more affordable for more people. The new version, called the Model S 60, starts at US$66,000. An all-wheel drive version of the Model S 60 is to start at US$71,000. Both cost less that the Model S 90D, which starts at US$89,500.
Tesla said that when tax incentives and gas savings are taken into account, the Model S 60 would have an effective cost of about US$50,000.
The company said the Model S 60 can travel 322km per charge and has a top speed of 209kph.
The company is taking orders for the new Model S 60 for delivery next month, according to its Web site.
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