Following initial reports of SpaceX acquiring over 1,000 Tesla Cybertrucks (potentially up to 2,000, valued at $100-200 million), deliveries are now visible at SpaceX sites in Texas and California. The move draws mixed reactions as Tesla grapples with Cybertruck sales declines, recalls, and inventory buildup.
Videos on X confirm large fleets of Cybertrucks at SpaceX's Boca Chica launch site in South Texas, with additional sightings in California. This follows Electrek's December 18 report on the intercompany deal, amid Tesla's Q3 US Cybertruck registrations dropping 62% to 5,385 units—far below projections. The model has faced eight recalls, quality issues, and criticism over range and costs.
Tesla's US sales hit a nearly four-year low in November. Elon Musk recently tweeted defending the Cybertruck as Tesla's "best ever." Supporters cite synergies for SpaceX's rugged needs, like towing at remote sites with Starlink integration; this echoes xAI's October absorption of unsold units and SpaceX's $2 billion xAI investment.
Critics call the scale a bailout to inflate Q4 figures, questioning necessity amid softening demand and a potential 30-day California sales ban over Autopilot claims. Tesla stock rose on the news, though X opinions split on synergy vs. manipulation. As Tesla eyes robotaxis and Optimus, Cybertruck's future is unclear.