The Cybertruck is Dead?

Back in May 2023, I described the Tesla Cybertruck's appearance as hideous and futuristic amateurism. I just couldn't see it selling but I could have been wrong. In this case, I wasn't. 

My negative feelings toward the vehicle isn't universal. It has its apologists as well as its critics. Its handling and acceleration are strengths. Stainless steel is a major negative, although there are advantages to that as well. That material also limited the design to a Tonka toy image. 

Deliveries started at the end of 2023, about two years later than originally planned. Tesla has never given sales figures but it is estimated that about 70,000 were delivered over three years. Its peak year was 2024, when something like 34,000 were sold. Considering Elon Musk apparently predicted 250,000 per annum, it is safe to say actual deliveries were underwhelming. 

It has been announced that the factory where they are being made is going to be repurposed. The Cybertruck will presumably end in the middle of 2027. Unless production is moved to another plant, it's the end of the line. Surely, Tesla knows when something isn't working.

From looks to execution, the whole thing was a disaster. Delays, broken windows at presentations and styling.....well, I guess the last one is subjective. It may not be dead just yet but it would be humane to put it out of its misery. 

Colombia Car Sales : 2026 (Jan-Oct)

The speed and detail of data for Colombia is an example of efficiency and openness. Registrations were up 43% YTD, which is impressive. 

Kia is enjoying its third year at the top and the gap is widening. Renault took over from Chevrolet in 2017 and held the top spot for seven consecutive years. Now it is falling away. 

Tesla has had a remarkable upturn in sales after several years of doing next to nothing. The Model Y is the top selling model in 2026, with 14,400 units delivered. The Mazda CX-30 and Kia Picanto are next. 

Data source: ANDEMOS. Photos: Tesla (Model Y) & Kia (Picanto).

NZ Lower Volume Brands (Europe - Mainstream) : 2026 (Jan-Oct)

Kiwis go more for Asian brands, but there are still those who prefer European. Škoda sells well enough as a cheaper, better value VW. SEAT was dropped here as they weren't popular whereas Cupra is more so. 

Škoda is well ahead here, with 631 sales. Over 300 short of 2025, the competition from China may have eroded the volume for many of the brands listed here.  

Peugeot also has a loyal following, unlike Renault that doesn't sell cars here. With only half of the 2025 total with two months to go, another one down in numbers. 

Cupra is at the 300 mark but will have to exceed 400 to reach last year. Fiat is having a relatively good year, in 10 months well up in the 67 sales for the previous 12 months. 

Ineos is down over half. The Grenadier should be popular here but numbers suggest otherwise. Supply issues and a lack of a broader dealer network (just four) not helping. 

I wonder how much longer Citroën will be around, although officially still imported. Opel has left. It arrived in 2022 as an EV brand but the end of rebates ended sales here.  

Data source: NZTA. Photos: Škoda (Superb) & Cupra (Terramar).