FYI: Tesla grapples with an inventory challenge, holding thousands of unsold Cybertrucks amidst rising global protests against the automaker and its CEO, Elon Musk.
Tesla’s Inventory Struggle in 2025
Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
Tesla is navigating a complex year in 2025. Despite the continuous popularity of its Model Y, the company is experiencing unprecedented challenges with its Cybertruck model. Notably, Tesla is left with thousands of unsold Cybertrucks, an issue compounded by the heated global protests against CEO Elon Musk’s controversial actions and pronouncements.
While Tesla had previously boasted of securing over a million pre-orders for the Cybertruck, the current reality tells a different story. Approximately 2,400 units remain unsold, accumulating an estimated value of around $200 million. This is especially disconcerting for a model heralded as a revolutionary entrant into the pickup segment meant to rejuvenate Tesla’s product lineup.
Trade-In Turmoil and Resale Value Decline
In addition to struggling with unsold stock, Tesla has made the unusual move of not accepting Cybertrucks as trade-ins. This decision stems from the difficulty in reselling the model and has forced some owners to leverage the Lemon Act to return their vehicles. Such developments signal troubling waters for the electric vehicle manufacturer’s vision for the Cybertruck.
Last September marked the peak of Cybertruck sales at 5,308 units, though demand plummeted subsequently. Add to this a sweeping recall affecting the majority of sold units, and Tesla’s predicament becomes clear—only 46,000 stainless steel pickups have made it to consumers so far. Elon Musk’s contentious political alliances, including associations with Donald Trump, have further tainted the company’s image, driving consumer distances from the Tesla brand.
Impact on Resale Values and Consumer Sentiment
Amidst this turmoil, used Cybertruck prices suffer, having dipped by 55% year-on-year. Injust three months, values fell by 13%, and notably 6% in just the past month alone. With Tesla declining to accept the Cybertruck in trade-ins, other dealerships exhibit hesitancy, providing below-market offers while awaiting price stabilization.
Reports from Electrek back these insights, reflecting owner frustrations over the lack of viable trade-in options. Tesla’s strategy in this arena only emphasizes the need for a rethink in managing its customer retention and trade-in policies.
A Brand Under Siege
Even as global "Tesla Takedown" protests gain momentum, involving 253 cities worldwide, Tesla faces additional uncertainties from fluctuating stock markets influenced by ongoing political and economic pressures, including tariffs imposed by Donald Trump.
Conclusion
Navigating Tesla’s evolving challenges requires a comprehensive approach, balancing innovative product strategies with healthier public relations efforts. As Musk’s decisions continue to stir public debate, the company must pivot to reclaim the Cybertruck’s potential as a disruptive, desirable product within the EV market.
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