The sales figures for Tesla’s Cybertruck have dramatically declined, with a staggering 62.6% drop reported in the third quarter of 2025. Tesla managed to sell approximately 5,400 Cybertrucks during this period, a significant decrease from the same quarter last year. This downturn comes despite the overall electric vehicle (EV) market experiencing robust growth as consumers rushed to purchase electric cars before the expiration of federal EV tax credits.
Tesla’s struggles with the Cybertruck highlight challenges faced by the company, particularly under the leadership of CEO Elon Musk. The futuristic stainless steel pickup truck, which launched in November 2023, has not met sales expectations, with only around 16,000 units sold throughout 2025. This figure pales in comparison to the Ford F-150 Lightning, Tesla’s main competitor, which sold 10,000 vehicles in the same quarter.
Several factors contribute to the Cybertruck’s lackluster performance in the market. The starting price, initially advertised at $39,990, has escalated to around $100,000 for early models, making it less accessible to potential buyers. Additionally, consumer perceptions of the vehicle, often linked to Musk’s public persona, have not helped its appeal. Many view the Cybertruck as impractical, expensive, and lacking in reliability.
General Motors Faces $1.6 Billion Charge for EV Production
In related news, General Motors (GM) announced a substantial charge of $1.6 billion related to its electric vehicle production in the third quarter. This figure primarily results from unused equipment intended for EV manufacturing, amounting to $1.2 billion. The remaining $400 million is attributed to contractual cancellation fees with suppliers.
As part of a strategic shift, GM plans to enhance production of gas-powered vehicles while adjusting its EV capacity. The automaker has already laid off hundreds of workers at its Factory Zero EV plant and expects many to remain on furlough until at least the end of the year. According to GM filings, recent changes in U.S. government policies, including the termination of certain consumer tax incentives for EV purchases, have led the company to anticipate a slowdown in EV adoption.
The decision to reassess its EV production comes after GM reported a net income of $1.89 billion in the second quarter of 2025, a 35% decline compared to the previous year. Factors contributing to this decrease include rising costs associated with tariffs implemented by the Trump administration.
Ford Cuts Production Following Aluminum Plant Fire
Meanwhile, Ford is temporarily halting production of several key vehicles, including the Expedition and Lincoln Navigator, due to a fire at an aluminum supplier plant in September. This disruption affects Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant, which relies heavily on aluminum supplied by Novelis, the largest supplier in the U.S. auto industry. Analysts warn that the ongoing supply issues could lead to losses of up to $1 billion in operating profit for Ford, particularly impacting the production of its F-series pickups.
The fire at the Novelis plant has raised concerns about aluminum availability, as it supplies approximately 40% of the aluminum sheet required by the U.S. auto industry. While Ford has managed to continue production of some models, it has implemented temporary shutdowns at other facilities to mitigate supply chain disruptions.
In a broader context, these developments are occurring alongside rising tensions between the United States and China. The Chinese government recently announced new port fees targeting U.S.-owned vessels as retaliation for U.S. tariffs. This escalation could further complicate the automotive supply chain, impacting manufacturers like Ford and GM.
As the automotive industry navigates these challenges, the future of electric vehicles remains uncertain, and companies are forced to recalibrate their strategies in a rapidly changing market landscape.
