Tesla Motors is trying to see if it can make improvements in its Autopilot partial self-driving system, which may have been a factor in a recent fatal accident.
CEO Elon Musk tweeted Sunday that that he had a "promising call" with German auto supplier Bosch, which makes the radar for the system. He said "significant improvements" look possible that would be beamed to Tesla's electric cars wireless via over-the-air updates.
He said another supplier, sensor maker Mobileye, has also been supportive as Tesla explores how to make the system better.
Autopilot allows drivers of its luxury electric vehicles to maintain their speed relative to other highway traffic and automatically keep the car in its lane. Tesla has repeatedly warned drivers that they must stay in alert and in control. But some have made videos that were posted on YouTube that show the car driving itself while passengers sit back and watch.
Tesla has come under pressure since it disclosed to federal regulators that an Ohio owner, Joshua Brown, 40, was killed when his Model S being driven under Autopilot slammed into a truck that crossed his path on a Florida highway.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation. Last week, the National Transportation Safety Board sent its own team to look into the safety of the system. Consumer Reports, the influential magazine, has called on Tesla to disconnect Autopilot.
U.S. Sen. John Thune, chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, sent a letter Musk Thursday asking for information on the safety of the Autopilot system.
"Research is needed on the interactions between the operator and vehicle at different levels of autonomy to ensure consumers are able to respond to the technology appropriately," the South Dakota Republican wrote. "In order to achieve the intended safety benefits of these technologies, manufacturers must educate customers not only about the benefits but also their limitations."
Musk said in his tweets that he will stand behind Autopilot and Tesla technology. Don't blame the suppliers, he wrote. "Please direct all criticism at Tesla," he wrote.
