From the broken window to the recalls: How the Cybertruck became Tesla's "flop"

Tesla is expected to stop producing the Cybertruck next year, just seven years after its launch. Vehicle sales were far below forecasts, and it suffered from repeated recalls and image problems. The author compares the failure to the new Roadster, which could be the company's next flop.

In November 2019, Tesla unveiled the Cybertruck, a revolutionary electric pickup touted as "bulletproof." During the unveiling, a metal ball shattered the vehicle's window, but Elon Musk continued the presentation. Now, seven years after launch, Musk has announced the expected end of production next year. Vehicle sales were far below forecasts: 40,000 units in 2024, 20,000 in 2025, and 12,000 in 2026, compared to a target of 250,000-500,000 per year. The vehicle suffered from repeated recalls, including a stuck accelerator pedal, a rear door detachment, and a windshield wiper motor failure. The article also notes regulatory issues in Israel and Australia, and the reputational damage following the purchase of the vehicle by Ramzan Kadyrov and vandalism linked to Musk's appointment as head of DOGE. The author raises concerns that the new Roadster will be "Tesla's next flop" due to similarities in promises and technologies.

From the broken window to the recalls: How the Cybertruck became Tesla's "flop"