Sales of the Tesla Cybertruck have dramatically declined, with figures dropping by over 62% in the third quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year. According to data from Cox Automotive, Tesla sold approximately 5,400 Cybertrucks from July to September, a stark contrast to the more than 14,000 units sold in the third quarter of 2024. This plunge is particularly surprising as the broader electric vehicle (EV) market experienced a record-setting quarter, with consumers rushing to make purchases before the expiration of federal EV tax credits.
Despite CEO Elon Musk‘s ambitious projections that Tesla could produce up to 250,000 Cybertrucks annually, the reality has proven to be far less optimistic. The company has only managed to sell around 16,000 Cybertrucks in 2025, significantly trailing behind its main competitor, the Ford F-150 Lightning, which sold approximately 10,000 units in the same quarter. The Cybertruck, initially launched at an advertised starting price of $39,990, has been criticized for its high price, with early models reaching around $100,000.
The lack of sales is attributed to several factors, notably the public perception of Musk himself, who is often viewed as synonymous with the Cybertruck. Many consumers reportedly associate the vehicle with Musk’s controversial public persona. Critics describe the Cybertruck as unsafe, unreliable, and impractical, which has contributed to its poor market performance.
General Motors Faces $1.6 Billion Charge
In a separate but equally troubling development for the automotive industry, General Motors (GM) reported a staggering $1.6 billion charge related to its EV business in the third quarter. This figure reflects a $1.2 billion loss from unused equipment intended for EV production, alongside $400 million owed to suppliers from contract cancellations. These significant financial setbacks come as GM shifts its focus back to gas-powered vehicles, cutting production shifts and laying off hundreds of workers at its Factory Zero EV plant.
In an official filing, GM stated, “Following recent U.S. government policy changes… we expect the adoption rate of EVs to slow.” The company has altered the status of nearly 900 workers at its Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas City, switching many from temporary to indefinite layoffs while it retools the facility for gas-powered vehicle production. Despite this, GM remains committed to its EV lineup, and the company has indicated that its production capacity may still be utilized in the future.
Ford Halts Production Due to Supply Chain Issues
Meanwhile, Ford is temporarily halting production of five key vehicles due to a fire at an aluminum supplier’s plant. The Kentucky Truck Plant has ceased production of the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator as the company grapples with aluminum supply shortages. The fire at the Novelis plant in upstate New York, which provides about 40% of the aluminum sheet used in the U.S. auto industry, is expected to keep operations down until early next year.
This disruption comes at a time when Ford is already facing substantial financial challenges, including $2 billion in costs linked to tariffs imposed under President Donald Trump‘s policies and a reported $5 billion loss from its electric vehicle division this year. Analysts have indicated that Ford could lose up to $1 billion in operating profit if the production of its F-series trucks is significantly affected.
In response to the aluminum shortage, Ford is exploring alternative supply options and has restructured its production schedules to mitigate further disruptions.
China Implements New Port Fees on U.S. Ships
In a related development, China has begun imposing special port fees on U.S.-owned ships as part of its retaliation against U.S. tariff strategies. The new fees will affect vessels that are U.S.-owned, operated, built, or flagged, while ships built in China will be exempt from these charges. This move follows President Trump’s announcement of increased tariffs on Chinese imports, escalating tensions between the two economic powers.
According to reports from Reuters, the fees are to be collected at the first port of entry for U.S. vessels, with annual billing cycles starting on April 17. Failure to pay these fees could result in stalled import and export procedures, further complicating trade relations.
As the automotive industry navigates these turbulent waters, the future of both traditional and electric vehicles remains uncertain. With declining Cybertruck sales, significant losses at GM, and production challenges at Ford, the landscape of the automotive market is poised for significant changes in the coming months.
