The recent reports of a Tesla Cybertruck recall have shed light on the production ramp of the highly anticipated pickup truck. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) documents released this morning reveal that the recall is related to a delayed rearview image, which will be addressed with a free Over-the-Air software update. While this may seem like a minor issue, it has potentially impacted 27,185 units of the Cybertruck, giving us a glimpse into the production numbers for the vehicle.
It is estimated that around 15,497 Cybertrucks have been delivered since the last recall in June, indicating a production rate of approximately 910 units per week or 130 units per day. This would suggest that 13,157 Cybertrucks were delivered in the third quarter of the year. In comparison, Tesla reported that a total of 22,915 Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck were delivered in Q3, leaving just 9,758 Model S and Model X deliveries for the quarter.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk acknowledged during the Q3 2019 Earnings Call that the Model S and Model X are niche products, made in low volume and primarily for sentimental reasons rather than for their importance to the company’s future. The production numbers for these vehicles have fluctuated over the years, with a peak in Q4 2023 when they saw their highest delivery count in five years. However, they are now hovering around the 10,000 mark, indicating a decline in demand for these models.
As Tesla prepares for the unveiling of its Robotaxi next week and focuses on its next-gen platform, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the Model S and Model X. With the company’s shift towards more mass-market vehicles like the Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck, it is possible that these legacy models may eventually be phased out.
Overall, the Cybertruck recall highlights the healthy production ramp for Tesla’s newest vehicle, while also underscoring the declining demand for the Model S and Model X. It will be crucial for Tesla to adapt to changing market trends and consumer preferences as it continues to innovate and expand its product lineup.
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