{"id":6311,"date":"2026-01-30T12:42:30","date_gmt":"2026-01-30T11:42:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tesliens.com\/non-categorise\/tesla-should-the-cybertruck-be-discontinued-rather-than-the-s-and-x\/"},"modified":"2026-01-31T10:17:34","modified_gmt":"2026-01-31T09:17:34","slug":"tesla-should-the-cybertruck-be-discontinued-rather-than-the-s-and-x","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tesliens.com\/en\/news\/tesla-should-the-cybertruck-be-discontinued-rather-than-the-s-and-x\/","title":{"rendered":"Tesla: Should the Cybertruck be discontinued rather than the S and X?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>A surprising debate is stirring the Tesla community: Gary Black, an influential former investor and Future Fund manager, recommends discontinuing the Cybertruck rather than the Model S and X. This position goes against Elon Musk&#8217;s decision, who just confirmed the <strong>end of production for the Model S and X<\/strong> at the Fremont Factory.<\/p>\n\n<p>The question fascinates me: <strong>Is Tesla making the right strategic choices<\/strong> by sacrificing its premium sedans for a controversial pickup? On one hand, sales figures advocate for the historical models. On the other, the vision of full autonomous driving justifies radical trade-offs.  <\/p>\n\n<p>For us, French Tesla owners and enthusiasts, this debate is all the more interesting as the Cybertruck remains unapproved in Europe. I will dissect the arguments of both sides to understand this strategy that pits <strong>immediate profitability<\/strong> against <strong>disruptive vision<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"gary-black-defends-a-controversial-vision\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gary Black defends a controversial vision<\/h2>\n\n<p>Gary Black is not just any observer. Future Fund manager and <strong>former Tesla shareholder<\/strong>, he completely divested in 2025 while keeping an expert eye on the technology sector and autonomous driving. <\/p>\n\n<p>His main argument? According to him, the Cybertruck generates <strong>&#8220;negative brand equity&#8221;<\/strong>. In other words, its polarizing design and the multiple controversies it stirs would harm Tesla&#8217;s overall image.  <\/p>\n\n<p>His shocking recommendation: <strong>discontinue the Cybertruck<\/strong> despite its status as the best-selling electric pickup on the market. For Black, it would be better to preserve the Model S and X, which generate three times higher volumes and maintain a loyal premium clientele. <\/p>\n\n<p>What makes this position fascinating is that it comes from a former investor who intimately knows Tesla&#8217;s strategy. His disagreement with Musk is not that of an external critic, but of an informed observer who questions the hierarchy of priorities. <\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/tesliens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/tesla-cybertruck-arret-production-01.jpg\" alt=\"Tesla: Should the Cybertruck be discontinued rather than the S and X?\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"the-figures-fueling-the-controversy\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">The figures fueling the controversy<\/h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"sales-volumes-a-revealing-gap\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sales Volumes: A Revealing Gap<\/h3>\n\n<p>2025 projections speak for themselves:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Cybertruck<\/strong>: approximately 10,000 units expected<\/li>\n<li><strong>Model S + Model X<\/strong>: 30,000 combined units<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>The Model S and X therefore sell <strong>three times more<\/strong> than the Cybertruck, despite their age and the absence of major redesigns in recent years. These premium models retain a loyal customer base that appreciates their refinement and performance. <\/p>\n\n<p>For Black, this volume difference alone justifies prioritizing the historical sedans. These vehicles remain profitable and contribute positively to the brand image, unlike the controversial pickup. <\/p>\n\n<h3 id=\"the-chasm-between-promises-and-pricing-reality\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">The chasm between promises and pricing reality<\/h3>\n\n<p>The Cybertruck&#8217;s case is weighed down by a major pricing credibility issue. During its presentation in 2019, Musk announced prices between <strong>$39,990 and $69,990<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<p>The reality at launch? Prices exceeding <strong>$100,000<\/strong> for the first available versions. A discrepancy that led to massive pre-order cancellations and harmed Tesla&#8217;s reputation for keeping its commitments.  <\/p>\n\n<p>Compared to more accessible competitors like the Ford F-150 Lightning or the Rivian R1T, the Cybertruck struggles to convince beyond the circle of early adopters.<\/p>\n\n<p>Paradoxically, despite these difficulties, it remains the <strong>best-selling electric pickup<\/strong>. A fragile leadership that raises questions about its real growth potential. <\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"elon-musk-justifies-his-strategic-choice\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Elon Musk justifies his strategic choice<\/h2>\n\n<p>Musk&#8217;s response was unambiguous: <strong>end of production for the Model S and X<\/strong> at the Fremont Factory. He even used the expression &#8220;honorable discharge&#8221; to describe this decision. <\/p>\n\n<p>His stated reason? These models no longer contribute to the <strong>autonomous driving mission<\/strong> that now structures Tesla&#8217;s entire strategy. Production lines will be reallocated to the manufacturing of the <strong>Optimus Gen 3 robot<\/strong>, a cornerstone of the company&#8217;s robotics vision.  <\/p>\n\n<p>Tesla&#8217;s 2025 strategy now focuses on three pillars:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Model 3 and Model Y<\/strong> for mass volumes<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cybercab<\/strong>, the autonomous robotaxi in development<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cybertruck<\/strong> for local <strong>goods transport<\/strong> with autonomous driving<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>For Musk, sacrificing the short-term profitability of the Model S and X is worth the gamble of accelerating the arrival of full autonomous driving. A radical vision that accepts losing immediate revenue to transform the sector in the long term. <\/p>\n\n<p>It&#8217;s hard not to think of <a href=\"https:\/\/tesliens.com\/interieur\/tesla-model-s-plaid-elle-depasse-les-1-000-chevaux-mais-pourquoi-faire\/\">the Tesla Model S Plaid and its impressive performance<\/a> when one realizes that Tesla is turning the page on this iconic model capable of exceeding 1,000 horsepower.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/tesliens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/tesla-cybertruck-arret-production-02.jpg\" alt=\"Tesla: Should the Cybertruck be discontinued rather than the S and X?\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"why-the-cybertruck-remains-in-the-plans\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why the Cybertruck remains in the plans<\/h2>\n\n<p>If Musk maintains the Cybertruck despite its disappointing figures, it&#8217;s because it occupies a <strong>unique position<\/strong> in the lineup: the only Tesla vehicle in the pickup segment.<\/p>\n\n<p>Its strategic role for local <strong>goods transport<\/strong> with autonomous driving justifies its retention. The vehicle&#8217;s architecture, designed from the outset to integrate <strong>autonomous driving<\/strong> systems, makes it an ideal platform for future robotic delivery services. <\/p>\n\n<p>Despite modest volumes today, the Cybertruck dominates its electric segment. Its growth potential is linked to the arrival of full autonomous driving, which would radically transform its use and profitability. <\/p>\n\n<p>Musk&#8217;s argument therefore holds true: the Cybertruck fits into the <strong>long-term vision<\/strong> of a multi-functional autonomous fleet, whereas the Model S and X represent a glorious but bygone past in this new strategy.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"my-analysis-two-visions-one-tesla\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">My analysis: two visions, one Tesla<\/h2>\n\n<p>Both positions have their legitimacy. Gary Black defends a logic of immediate financial and brand image: why sacrifice profitable and appreciated models for a controversial vehicle? <\/p>\n\n<p>Elon Musk takes a more radical gamble: to transform Tesla from a premium car manufacturer into a leader in autonomous driving and robotics. A <strong>calculated risk<\/strong> that requires painful trade-offs. <\/p>\n\n<p>The Model S and X embody <strong>established profitability<\/strong>, Tesla&#8217;s technical expertise, and a loyal high-end clientele. Their abandonment is not insignificant: it marks a symbolic break with the brand&#8217;s historical DNA. <\/p>\n\n<p>For us, Tesla owners, the question arises: can the company afford to abandon its premium models without losing a part of its soul? In Europe, where the Cybertruck remains unapproved, this debate indirectly concerns us but reveals the brand&#8217;s future priorities. <\/p>\n\n<p>Our interest lies in observing this trade-off between <strong>immediate profits<\/strong> and <strong>disruptive vision<\/strong>. Tesla has always operated this way: by taking bold bets that defy classic industrial logic. <\/p>\n\n<p>Beyond the Model S and X, Tesla is developing other foundational projects such as <a href=\"https:\/\/tesliens.com\/actualite\/compacte-tesla-25000-vendue-monde-entier\/\">the future $25,000 compact car<\/a> intended for the global market, or <a href=\"https:\/\/tesliens.com\/exterieur\/quand-commence-vraiment-la-production-de-la-tesla-roadster\/\">the long-awaited Tesla Roadster<\/a>, whose production is slow to materialize.<\/p>\n\n<p>The year 2025 will be revealing: will Musk&#8217;s choices bear fruit with the arrival of autonomous driving, or will Black have been right to point out the risks of too radical a strategy? Industry observers, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tesla.com\/fr_fr\/AI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">industry analysts<\/a>, are closely following this major transformation of Tesla. <\/p>\n\n<p>And you, which vision seems most accurate? That of financial prudence or that of the transformational gamble? One thing is certain: Tesla never does things by halves, for better or for worse.  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A surprising debate is stirring the Tesla community: Gary Black, an influential former investor and Future Fund manager,&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6312,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","csco_singular_sidebar":"","csco_page_header_type":"","csco_appearance_grid":"","csco_page_load_nextpost":"","csco_post_video_location":[],"csco_post_video_location_hash":"","csco_post_video_url":"","csco_post_video_bg_start_time":0,"csco_post_video_bg_end_time":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[98],"tags":[89,90],"class_list":{"0":"post-6311","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-news","8":"tag-model-3","9":"tag-model-y","10":"cs-entry","11":"cs-video-wrap"},"acf":[],"onesignal_meta_box_present":null,"onesignal_send_notification":null,"onesignal_modify_title_and_content":null,"onesignal_notification_custom_heading":null,"onesignal_notification_custom_content":null,"_yoast_wpseo_title":null,"_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":null,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":null,"modified_by":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tesliens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6311","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tesliens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tesliens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tesliens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tesliens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6311"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/tesliens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6311\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6313,"href":"https:\/\/tesliens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6311\/revisions\/6313"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tesliens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6312"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tesliens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6311"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tesliens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6311"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tesliens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6311"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}