Tesla CEO Elon Musk said late Thursday evening on X that Tesla plans to end Cybertruck production around the middle of next year to free up capacity to build more Cybercab robotaxis. The news was reported in parallel by The Information, CNBC, The Guardian and other outlets.
According to The Information, Tesla has sold only around 70,000 Cybertrucks since deliveries began. CNBC noted that the vehicle gained a niche following for its polarizing design but did not achieve mass-market sales, and that Tesla has issued several voluntary recalls.
Product strategy shifts toward autonomy
The Guardian described the halt as the end of a failed effort to take a chunk of the lucrative US pickup market. The decision was made in order for the factory in Texas to be used for Cybercab, the carmaker's self-driving taxi, reflecting Musk's focus on robotics and AI.
"Decision made in order for factory in Texas to be used for Cybercab, the carmaker's self-driving taxi."
Wired was more blunt, saying the decision to halt production of the "polarizing polygonal pickup" marks the end of an error. Its headline read: "RIP Cybertruck. You Were Unloved, Unwanted, and Utterly Absurd."
Sales and recall record
Across the reports, the Cybertruck's market performance fell far short of expectations. The Information put cumulative sales at around 70,000, while CNBC stressed that the vehicle never broke out of a niche market. CNBC also said Tesla has issued several voluntary recalls for the vehicle, without disclosing the number or the reasons.
| Data point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cumulative sales | Around 70,000 (The Information) |
| Market performance | Never broke out of a niche market (CNBC) |
| Recalls | Several voluntary recalls; number and reasons undisclosed |
Beyond Musk's statement on X, Tesla has not issued a formal announcement. None of the reports said whether the halt involves layoffs or arrangements for line workers.
What to watch
- The specific timeline for ending Cybertruck production and delivery arrangements for the final batch of vehicles;
- Capacity plans and the start date for Cybercab production at the Texas factory;
- After-sales and software support policies for existing Cybertruck owners;
- Tesla's commercialization progress in the robotaxi space.