Tesla working on autopilot changesDETROIT — Tesla is working on modifications to its Autopilot system after it failed to stop for a tractor-trailer rig in a Florida crash that killed the driver of a Model S sedan.CEO Elon Musk, in a Twitter post, said Tesla is working on improvements to the radar system. Autopilot uses cameras, radar and computers to detect objects and automatically brake if a Tesla vehicle is about to hit something.But in the May 7 crash that killed Joshua Brown, 40, of Canton, Ohio, cameras in his Tesla Model S failed to distinguish the white side of a turning tractor-trailer from a brightly lit sky, and the car didn’t automatically brake, the company has said. Signals from radar sensors also didn’t stop the car, and Brown didn’t take control.Tesla wouldn’t comment on Musk’s tweets or possible changes to Autopilot, which is being scrutinized by government agencies.

Recalled car owners can sue over valueDETROIT — A federal judge has ruled that owners of General Motors cars recalled for defective ignition switches can sue the company for any loss in the cars’ value. But the judge threw out loss-of-value claims from owners of GM cars that weren’t recalled.Judge Jesse Furman in New York issued the ruling on Friday on a motion from GM to dismiss the claims.Seattle attorney Steve Berman said the split decision still allows owners of at least 11 million to 12 million cars that had defective switches to sue the automaker. But Furman’s opinion said the argument that all GM cars lost value because of the recalls was unsound.Yet to be decided are loss-of-value claims for cars involved in other GM recalls.