Photo: Tesla Asia, @DriveTeslaca via X
Elon Musk recently promised to showcase the Cybertruck in China, and the action proved more popular than anyone expected. The electric pickup emerged as Tesla's most efficient PR tool, judging by the crowds conquering Tesla showrooms where the Cybertruck was displayed.
While the long delays in Cybertruck deliveries were mostly perceived as a negative for Tesla, they could also prove beneficial. Like distant dreams, Cybertruck's qualities and appeal were blown out of proportion. Everything containing "Cyber" in its name is now an instant hit with customers. Despite a higher-than-expected price and some underwhelming characteristics, the Cybertruck is the auto industry's most important product.
Starting with the polarizing design and groundbreaking features, the Cybertruck has a lot to keep the conversation going indefinitely. Right before the Delivery Day event, Tesla brought the electric pickup to various showrooms across the US. This caused a pilgrimage among Tesla fans, who started touring the country to be among the first to see the Cybertruck with their own eyes.
It's easy to understand how the idea of bringing the Cybertruck to China became popular at Tesla, if only for PR purposes. Musk confirmed on January 14 that Tesla would ship "some prototypes" to China for display at its showrooms. Tesla's original plans for the Cybertruck included a launch in China and Europe. Tesla even allowed people from these markets to place a reservation for the Cybertruck, but it stopped accepting new reservations in 2022.
Musk also revealed that getting the Cybertruck road legal in China would be very difficult, although it's unclear what makes it so. Many people have argued that the sharp edges could make the Cybertruck a danger to vulnerable road users. The truck is also heavier than most passenger vehicles in those markets, and local legislation would mandate a professional driver's license to drive it. Whatever the case, Tesla should seriously consider overcoming these barriers.
At least this is the conclusion of the recent tour Tesla Cybertruck started in China. Tesla shipped eight Cybertrucks to China, and they have been on display since January 28 in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Xi'an, Chengdu, and Chongqing. People crowded these locations on the first day, showing an immense interest in Tesla's pickup truck. Even though they can't buy a Cybertruck, the pickup creates a halo effect that will benefit Tesla sales tremendously. Judging by the tons of videos posted on the Chinese social media channels, the Cybertruck is the most incredible PR stunt Tesla has ever pulled off.
Tesla Cybertruck is undoubtedly hugely popular in China and Europe, and I bet private customers will try to import it and certify it. Given the prohibitive costs of doing this for a single vehicle, only the wealthiest would afford to do so. Tesla should seriously consider a way to offer the Cybertruck officially, either by tweaking the design or pushing for a legislation change.
Pickup trucks are not very popular in China, mainly because of the many restrictions that put people off. For instance, pickups must be driven in the slow lane and not exceed 100 kph (62 mph). Pickups are also required to be scrapped after 15 years. Many Chinese cities have restrictions on pickup trucks entering the urban areas.
Starting with the polarizing design and groundbreaking features, the Cybertruck has a lot to keep the conversation going indefinitely. Right before the Delivery Day event, Tesla brought the electric pickup to various showrooms across the US. This caused a pilgrimage among Tesla fans, who started touring the country to be among the first to see the Cybertruck with their own eyes.
It's easy to understand how the idea of bringing the Cybertruck to China became popular at Tesla, if only for PR purposes. Musk confirmed on January 14 that Tesla would ship "some prototypes" to China for display at its showrooms. Tesla's original plans for the Cybertruck included a launch in China and Europe. Tesla even allowed people from these markets to place a reservation for the Cybertruck, but it stopped accepting new reservations in 2022.
Musk also revealed that getting the Cybertruck road legal in China would be very difficult, although it's unclear what makes it so. Many people have argued that the sharp edges could make the Cybertruck a danger to vulnerable road users. The truck is also heavier than most passenger vehicles in those markets, and local legislation would mandate a professional driver's license to drive it. Whatever the case, Tesla should seriously consider overcoming these barriers.
At least this is the conclusion of the recent tour Tesla Cybertruck started in China. Tesla shipped eight Cybertrucks to China, and they have been on display since January 28 in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Xi'an, Chengdu, and Chongqing. People crowded these locations on the first day, showing an immense interest in Tesla's pickup truck. Even though they can't buy a Cybertruck, the pickup creates a halo effect that will benefit Tesla sales tremendously. Judging by the tons of videos posted on the Chinese social media channels, the Cybertruck is the most incredible PR stunt Tesla has ever pulled off.
Tesla Cybertruck is undoubtedly hugely popular in China and Europe, and I bet private customers will try to import it and certify it. Given the prohibitive costs of doing this for a single vehicle, only the wealthiest would afford to do so. Tesla should seriously consider a way to offer the Cybertruck officially, either by tweaking the design or pushing for a legislation change.
Pickup trucks are not very popular in China, mainly because of the many restrictions that put people off. For instance, pickups must be driven in the slow lane and not exceed 100 kph (62 mph). Pickups are also required to be scrapped after 15 years. Many Chinese cities have restrictions on pickup trucks entering the urban areas.
Just a few people lining up to see the Cybertruck at various locations in China pic.twitter.com/bP6ueOt1Ni
— Drive Tesla (@DriveTeslaca) January 28, 2024
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