NEW YORK (AP) — In a move stirring significant attention, Elon Musk’s cost-cutting team has initiated job eliminations at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the federal agency responsible for overseeing Tesla and conducting investigations into fatal accidents involving its vehicles.
According to an official statement from the NHTSA, the agency has experienced a "modest" reduction in positions. This strategic downsizing comes amid criticisms from Musk, who has accused the agency of impeding advancements in self-driving technology through their ongoing investigations and mandated recalls.
When asked whether these job cuts might affect ongoing probes into Tesla, the NHTSA reaffirmed its commitment to enforce regulations across all motor vehicle and equipment manufacturers. Despite the reduction in staff, the agency emphasized its ability to maintain its core mission.
The recent job cuts at the NHTSA were enacted by Musk’s advisory group dedicated to shrinking federal government operations, known as the Department of Government Efficiency. This development was initially reported by The Washington Post.
In addition to ongoing investigations into Tesla’s partially automated vehicles, the NHTSA has imposed requirements for Tesla and other automakers utilizing self-driving technology to report crash data. While this mandate has faced criticism from Tesla, watchdog organizations express concern over the potential elimination of such requirements.
The staff reductions at the NHTSA have occurred through a combination of firings, buyouts, and layoffs. Despite these changes, the agency noted that the Biden administration had previously expanded its personnel, implying that the current workforce is adequate to fulfill its mission effectively.
The NHTSA statement highlighted, “Even with these modest efficiencies, our organization remains significantly larger today than it was four years ago. We have retained positions critical to our mission of saving lives, preventing injuries, and reducing economic costs due to road traffic crashes.”
