Tesla has paused production of its Cybertruck at its Austin, Texas factory, sending workers home with pay for three days this week.
Employees are set to return to work on Friday.
The reason behind the unexpected shutdown remains unclear.
Temporary Shutdown
An internal message informed workers that they would have Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday off with pay.
While the pause may seem like a welcome break, some employees expressed dissatisfaction, particularly those who hoped to earn overtime in December.
“When I started at Tesla, overtime was expected. Now I feel lucky to hit 40 hours,” an employee told Business Insider.
Cybertruck’s Rollercoaster Demand
Launched just over a year ago, the Cybertruck garnered immense attention, with around two million reservations placed before production began. The futuristic design and bold entry into the electric truck market set it apart.
Initially, demand far outstripped supply.
Early deliveries were met with overwhelming enthusiasm, and some vehicles were resold at inflated prices despite Tesla’s clause barring resale in the first year.
However, the market now appears to be cooling. Reports indicate that Cybertruck deliveries can now be scheduled relatively quickly via Tesla’s website, a stark contrast to the long wait times of the past.
Tesla has not offered an official explanation for the temporary halt.
Speculation ranges from logistical issues to potentially weaker demand, though no confirmation has been made. The long-term impact on production is still unknown.
Tesla isn’t alone in scaling back operations. Opel has also shut down production, citing a lack of orders as the primary cause.
