Elon Musk faces scrutiny as the Tesla Cybertruck potentially eclipses the Ford Edsel as the automotive industry's greatest commercial flop.
Elon Musk has faced significant criticism as the analysis suggests the Tesla Cybertruck may have surpassed the Ford Edsel as the most significant commercial failure in American automotive history. While the Ford Edsel was mocked for its design and failed to reach one-third of its first-year sales target, the Cybertruck has performed even worse relative to its ambitious projections. Elon Musk projected annual sales of 250,000 units, yet the vehicle sold fewer than 40,000 units in its first full year. Recent data shows a steep decline in sales volume, with the Cybertruck posting the steepest sales decline of any EV nameplate in the U.S. in 2025. This performance led to a significant stock drop, as Tesla's Q2 earnings report missed consensus expectations for adjusted EPS and operating income. The administration of the company's finances shows a 48.1% year-over-year decline in 2025 sales. Analysts suggest that while the Musk-led vehicle may not be discontinued immediately, it may eventually fade away as a growth driver.