📺 Stream EntrepreneurTV for Free 📺

Dreamworks CEO: Elon Musk Saved My Life Jeffrey Katzenberg said his recent car accident would have been much worse had he not been driving a Tesla Model S.

By Claire Groden

entrepreneur daily

This story originally appeared on Fortune Magazine

Reuters | Rebecca Cook
Elon Musk

Dreamworks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg shattered his arm and wrist in an Oct. 19 car crash in Beverley Hills, California. But Katzenberg says the accident would have ended much more tragically if he had not been driving his Tesla Model S, which boasts high-end safety features.

"Thank you, Elon Musk -- you saved my life," Katzenberg said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

That's welcome news for Tesla after Consumer Reports pulled its recommendation for the Tesla Model S last week. The non-profit said that the car was unreliable, while customers reported issues including charging, sunroof leaks and door handle malfunctions.

"Extensive data allows us to forecast that owning a Tesla will likely mean worse than average reliability, a decline from last years average prediction," Consumer Reports director of auto testing Jake Fisher said in a video.

The Consumer Reports news caused Tesla's stock to tumble almost 10%, though Musk defended his car by writing on Twitter that the surveys only took into account early versions of the Model S.

On Monday, he was tweeting to a different tune. In response to Katzenberg's grateful comments, Musk said "Compliment from Jeffrey is much appreciated, but the people of Tesla deserve all the credit."

Claire Groden

Reporter

Claire Groden is a reporter at Fortune.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business News

'Everyone Is in Complete Shock': A 500-Person Tesla Team Found Out 'in the Middle of the Night' Their Charger Division Was Laid Off

Other car companies that use the technology, such as General Motors and Ford, also weren't expecting the news, according to reports.

Franchise

Thinking of Franchising Your Business? This Franchise Consultant Shares His Most Essential Advice After 20 Years in The Industry

Franchising is a significant commitment and one that a business owner should investigate thoroughly, starting with some self-examination, some business analysis, and the guidance of seasoned, professional franchising advisors.

Side Hustle

He Started a Salty Backyard Side Hustle That Out-Earned His Full-Time Job and Now Makes Over $1 Million a Year: 'Take the Leap'

In 2011, Kyle Needham turned his passion for oysters into a business that saw consistent monthly revenue "right away."