Tesla Cancels Cybertruck Launch in Australia, New Zealand
· Automobile · Engadget, InsideEVs
Tesla has informed customers in Australia and New Zealand that it will not release the Cybertruck in these markets, discontinuing its production plans for the regions. The company will refund all deposits made by customers within 30 days and offer a free year of Full Self-Driving (Supervised) for new Model 3 or Model Y orders. The Cybertruck's availability in Australia had been uncertain for years, primarily due to the Texas factory not being configured for right-hand drive manufacturing. Without a right-hand drive version, the vehicle cannot be legally driven in countries like Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Japan, and Ireland. Additionally, the Cybertruck has not received regulatory approval in the European Union, with specifications like its sharp-edged, stiff stainless-steel body violating EU safety standards for vulnerable road users.
Why it matters
This decision affects customers who had pre-ordered the Cybertruck in these countries, highlighting regulatory challenges and manufacturing limitations for global vehicle distribution. It also indicates potential difficulties for Tesla in expanding the Cybertruck's market reach to other right-hand drive and strictly regulated regions.
Read the original report — Engadget
Join us on Telegram
Breaking news the moment it lands. At 10,000 members we ship the Android app.