Ahh you’ve gotta love the Hype Elon can create. He’s a man that’s surrounded by “yes men” – people who are too afraid to tell him he might not have the right idea.
Personally, I love the idea of the Tesla Cybertruck. Utes, Pickup Trucks, whatever you want to call them – they are bloody popular.
Here in Australia, the two top-selling vehicles are the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger. It’s no different in America, where the Ford F series, the Chevy Silverado and the Ram Truck are the top three sellers.
So, smart move to get into the biggest market in the world right?
Problem is, these buyers have needs. Mostly that’s about the rear tray space, and it’s suitability to their needs – like tool-chests, ladders, or going for a unique installation for their business.
Tesla has thrown the baby out with the bathwater to stand out from the crowd – problem is, the car may not be practical. We’ll have to wait and see.
But the real issue here is perspective. This car has gotten more attention than far more important car launches in 2019 – so full credit to Tesla for that.
Elon was quick to gloat:
That number climbed quickly to near on 200,000.
However, some perspective for you. These orders are for two plus years away. That car needs to pass many tests and change a lot to meet road safety standards around the world. If the Model 3 was anything to go by, don’t expect your Cybertruck here in Australia in 2022, or 2223, or frankly 2024.
Let’s say there have been 200,000 orders. Those are not deposits, they are a tiny amount of money to get in the queue. Even if they were all fulfilled in one month – and all the orders were in America, more Pickup Trucks would be sold by other companies than Tesla in that same month.
Ford alone sell 70,000-80,000 F Series trucks in America each month, the lowest month of sales overall in the category dipped down to just over 200,000 with August this year seeing 301,348 trucks sold in the USA alone.
So yeah – some perspective.
Oh, and when you see this video:
Ask the question. How many times can it do that, over and over again?
A truck needs to have power ready and usable time and time again.
Like Tesla’s epic acceleration figures – they look great on paper and impress when done once, but on an Alpine Hillclimb, hairpin after hairpin, will it be repeatable? Only Porsche have said that’s the case with their Taycan – Tesla is renowned for having dramatically reduced power after repeat stints using the higher performance capabilities.
Well done Tesla on the PR Launch, and good stuff getting so much interest – but let’s all take a step back and realise this is a milestone for the category, but it’s hardly the biggest selling truck in the world.
