During an interview with CNBC, Ford CEO Jim Farley expressed confidence that Tesla’s Cybertruck would not pose a threat to Ford’s F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck. He referred to the Cybertruck as a high-end product, comparing it to an impressive display outside a hotel.
“The reality is, America loves an underdog — and we are the market leader for EV trucks and vans, and we know those customers better than anyone,” Farley said. ‘”And if he wants to design a Cybertruck for Silicon Valley people, fine.”
Cybertruck is Tesla’s first oickuo truck whereas Ford has been one of the few automakers producing electric pickup trucks. Despite Tesla’s dominance in the overall electric vehicle (EV) market, the pickup truck market is highly profitable.
Last year, Ford said it delivered over 13,000 electric F-150 trucks as the company worked to ramp up production and fulfill about 200,000 reservations.
“I don’t make trucks like that,” Farley said. “I make trucks for real people who do real work, and that’s a different kind of truck.”
Farley’s remarks followed Tesla’s failure to respond to inquiries about the matter. The official pricing for the Cybertruck is still unknown, but estimates suggest it may start around $50,000, which is approximately $10,000 less than the price of the 2023 F-150 Lightning.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has repeatedly changed the Cybertruck’s delivery date since its announcement in 2019, with the current plan aiming for deliveries to commence later this year. However, it remains uncertain if the Cybertruck will offer the same functionality as a Ford pickup truck. A leaked Tesla report highlighted design flaws in the Cybertruck’s suspension, handling, and braking, potentially limiting its appeal to working professionals.
Some observers speculate that the Cybertruck has the potential to redefine the concept of a pickup truck, comparing it to the impact of the Hummer in the 2000s. Tesla has received over 1.5 million pre-orders for the Cybertruck, requiring only a $100 deposit. Ford’s recent decision to adopt Tesla’s charging standard and utilize a portion of Tesla’s Supercharging network further indicates a cooperative approach between the two companies.
The Ford CEO told CNBC that he didn’t hesitate on the partnership because it’s “good for customers.”
