SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – Tesla Inc goals to begin initial production of its much-anticipated Cybertruck by the tip of the primary quarter of 2023, pushing again its plan to start production late this yr, an individual aware of the matter advised Reuters on Thursday.
The individual mentioned the delay comes as Tesla is altering options and features of the electrical pickup to make a compelling product as competitors heats up within the phase.
Tesla is anticipated to make restricted production of the Cybertruck within the first quarter of 2023 earlier than rising output, the supply mentioned.
Tesla didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
Tesla, the world’s high electrical automobile maker, makes electrical sedans and sport utility autos however has missed out on the pickup truck phase, which is worthwhile and vastly standard in America.
Ford Motor Co and Rivian Automotive are forward of Tesla in launching electrical pickups.
Ford mentioned early this month it would almost double annual production capability for its red-hot F-150 Lightning electrical pickup to 150,000 autos forward of its arrival this spring at U.S. sellers.
Ford’s market worth breached $100 billion for the primary time on Thursday when Tesla shares fell 6.7% and Rivian slumped 7.1%.
CEO Elon Musk, who unveiled the futuristic automobile in 2019, had already delayed its production from late 2021 to late 2022.
Musk has mentioned he’ll present an up to date product street map on Tesla’s Jan. 26 earnings name.
“Oh man, this yr has been such a provide chain nightmare & it is not over!,” he tweeted in late November, when requested concerning the Cybertruck.
Tesla not too long ago eliminated a reference to its production schedule from its Cybertruck order web site. Last month, the web site mentioned, “You will likely be in a position to full your configuration as production nears in 2022.” Now “in 2022” has been omitted.
Tesla plans to produce the Cybertruck at its manufacturing unit in Texas, which is anticipated to begin production of Model Y vehicles early this yr.
(Reporting by Hyunjoo Jin in San Francisco; Editing by Peter Henderson and Matthew Lewis)
