KEY POINTS
- Tesla is struggling with waning demand for its products amid the economic setback.
- The launch of the Cybertruck could just be the catalyst to lift its sagging stock.
Tesla Inc.’s Cybertruck is the electric vehicle maker’s next major product and this long-awaited truck is expected to move into production in 2023.
What Happened: Tesla has taken delivery of a large order of Kuka robots, Electrek reported, citing a bill of lading spotted by a Twitter user going by the handle @greggertruck.
The 66 robots indicated by the bill may not be a significant number for automotive production lines but it could be one of the several shipments planned, the report said.
Tesla used massive numbers of German-made Kuka robots at its Giga Texas to build Model Y vehicles last year, Electrek said.
Although Tesla has signaled Cybertruck production would start in mid-2023, an earlier start date could not be ruled out given Model Y production has ramped up significantly, the report pointed out.
Model Y production per week ramped up to 3,000 units, Tesla said in a tweet on Dec. 18. The company is shooting for a goal of 5,000 units per week. Once this target is achieved, the focus could shift to Cybertruck production, Electrek said.
The Giga press, a casting machine used for putting together the Cybertruck body, has reportedly arrived in pieces at the Giga Texas factory. The parts of the 9,000-ton equipment made by IDRA Group were being assembled at the plant site now.
Why It’s Important: When it is finally launched, the Cybertruck will compete against Ford Motor Company’s F F-150 Lightning EV pickup truck and Rivian Automotive, Inc. RIVN's truck.
Given the disruptive potential of Tesla’s products, the Cybertruck is expected to give its predecessors a run for their money. The electric vehicle pioneer has a track record of strong execution and it could fare better with the production ramp-up.