BBC: 'end of the road', SABC: 'refund deposits': Cybertruck winds down in Texas
Elon Musk has announced the wind-down of Tesla's Cybertruck production in Texas to focus on the Cybercab. The BBC frames it around the model's fate and reputation, while SABC focuses on deposits, timelines and sales figures.
What Western media report
BBC World (UK) reports Musk said Cybertruck production in Texas is 'winding down' so the company can focus on its self-driving Cybercab. It notes the model is built only at Austin and that Musk did not clarify whether production would move elsewhere or simply end. The BBC describes a mixed reception since 2023 (some praise its individuality, others call it ugly) and cites disappointing sales, quality problems and recalls.
What media from these countries report: South Africa
SABC News (South Africa) reports Tesla will have to refund Cybertruck deposits for many customers because orders far exceed production capacity. It quotes Musk on X saying Tesla will try to build as many as possible before shutting the line in about eight months. SABC reports an extra shift, dismantling of the line next year and a wind-down slated for mid-2027. It adds that US sales fell 48% to 20,237 units according to Kelley Blue Book, far below Musk's earlier projection of 250,000 a year.
Differences
- The BBC stresses uncertainty: Musk did not say whether production would move or stop. SABC says the line will be shut and dismantled next year.
- SABC gives timelines (about eight months, mid-2027) and figures (20,237 units, a 48% fall, the 250,000 projection). The BBC text contains neither.
- The BBC highlights design, quality and recalls. SABC focuses on deposits and orders exceeding capacity, and mentions weak demand through sales data.
- The BBC's headline asks whether it is the 'end of the road' and uses 'winding down'. SABC relays Musk's words on returning deposits and adding a shift.
Where they agree
- Both outlets report that Musk announced the end of Cybertruck production in Texas.
- Both cite the shift to the Cybercab as the reason.
- Both say sales have fallen short of expectations and that the model has been on sale since 2023.
Sources: read the originals
- Tesla
- Cybertruck
- Elon Musk
- Cybercab
- auto industry
North America
North America
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