Unplugged Performance Offers to Take Over Tesla Cybertruck Production
An Unexpected Proposal for Tesla
Unplugged Performance (UP), one of the most prominent Tesla tuning firms, has publicly announced its readiness to take over the Cybertruck production line. This move follows Elon Musk's official statement that Tesla will cease assembly of the Cybertruck at its Texas factory by mid-2027. The company's decision stems from low demand for the model, with only 12% of the planned production targets being met.
Ben Schaffer, founder of Unplugged Performance, posted an open offer on X, stating that a consortium of investors would provide funding for the project. The tuning studio claims it can continue manufacturing the Cybertruck without requiring Tesla to allocate additional space, staff, or divert attention from its primary priority: the Cybercab program.
Potential Benefits for Tesla
Under the proposal, Tesla would not need to participate directly in the manufacturing process but would receive a licensing fee for every vehicle produced. Furthermore, Tesla would retain revenue from its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system and the Robotaxi network. Unplugged Performance is also prepared to wait in line for battery supplies to ensure that Cybercab production remains the priority.
According to Ben Schaffer, their goal is to preserve the Cybertruck as a brand. Moreover, UP plans to produce not only the pickup but also a three-row "CyberSUV" and an unmanned "CyberCargo" model, both of which previously existed only as concepts. While this represents a significant risk for Unplugged Performance, the company already has experience adapting Cybertrucks for law enforcement and manufacturing specialized equipment.
Why is Tesla Discontinuing the Model?
Officially, Musk attributed the production halt to a "lack of space" required to scale up Cybercab manufacturing. However, given the size of the Texas factory, many experts remain skeptical of this argument. The real issue is low sales figures. Despite price adjustments and the release of various versions, demand for the Cybertruck has proven unstable.
Although Tesla has yet to respond to the offer, the initiative has generated significant public interest. Many customers and shareholders support saving the project. If Unplugged Performance manages to reach an agreement with Tesla, it would be an unprecedented event in the automotive industry, where a manufacturer hands over its project to a tuning company. For now, however, this remains more of an optimistic scenario than an imminent reality.