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Tesla to expand Cybertruck production in bid to fill orders before dismantling line next year
Tesla will add a production shift to fulfil outstanding Cybertruck orders before it dismantles the production line next year. The move comes as the company plans to expand Cybercab production, reflecting Elon Musk’s push to make autonomous vehicles and robotics a larger part of Tesla’s business.
Musk said the backlog exceeds what Tesla can build before the line is repurposed around June or July. The Cybertruck began reaching customers in late 2023, but US sales fell to about 20,000 last year, from nearly 39,000 in 2024, according to Kelley Blue Book. That is well below Musk’s earlier forecast of 250,000 annual sales; the vehicle has also faced recalls, quality concerns and limited prospects in some overseas markets.
In short
- Tesla will add a Cybertruck shift to clear outstanding orders.
- The Texas production line is due to be dismantled next year.
- Cybertruck sales have fallen well short of Musk’s forecast.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Adding a shift could help Tesla fulfil orders already placed, reduce waiting times and make productive use of the Cybertruck line before its planned conversion. Moving capacity towards Cybercab and robotics could also support Musk’s strategy of investing in technologies he believes will shape the company’s future.
The case against
The shift may prolong investment in a vehicle whose sales have fallen well short of earlier forecasts, despite outstanding orders, and whose recalls and quality concerns could weigh on demand. Repurposing the line could be a more prudent response to that weaker performance, while expanding Cybercab production risks diverting resources towards a less proven business.