Created unprecedented hype with a radical design that polarized consumers. The launch event went viral — broken glass and all — generating massive buzz. Over a million people eventually put down deposits for a truck that looked like Blade Runner.
Manufacturing hell delayed delivery by years while competitors beat them to market. The promised sub-$40K truck launched at $60K+, with 320-mile range instead of 500. Quality recalls (falling panels, stuck accelerators) destroyed trust. Then Musk's political involvement tainted the brand — 60% of buyers now avoid Tesla for political reasons.
Selling 4,200 units per quarter versus 250,000 projected annually. Ford and GMC EVs outsell it by 50%+. Parking lots filled with unsold inventory. The radical design that was supposed to revolutionize trucks became a cautionary tale about building what you want versus what customers need.
