Tesla’s ambitious bet on the futuristic Cybertruck has hit a bump in the road. With sales slipping in recent quarters, the company is now grappling with a growing stockpile of unsold vehicles — and is turning to unusual locations to store them.
Unconventional Storage Raises Eyebrows
According to Crain’s Detroit Business, dozens of Cybertrucks and other unsold Tesla vehicles have appeared in the parking lot of a shopping center in Detroit. The lot — previously home to retail stores like Bed Bath & Beyond and Torrid — is now drawing attention for violating city codes. The only remaining tenant, Buffalo Wild Wings, continues operating next to what now resembles a dystopian graveyard of stainless steel trucks.
Possible Link to Nearby Showroom
The location’s proximity to a new Tesla showroom in West Bloomfield may explain the unusual choice of storage. Still, the decision to use a commercial lot for vehicle overflow has prompted a formal warning from city officials. While the shopping center’s landlord has been notified of the violation, enforcement may not be swift.
Declining Sales and Lingering Setbacks
Despite remaining the top-selling electric truck, the Cybertruck has not lived up to Elon Musk’s lofty expectations. With eight recalls in less than a year and a notable dip in Tesla’s brand image — partly tied to Musk’s controversial political activity — the vehicle’s future remains uncertain.
A Shiny Symbol of Tesla’s Current Struggles
The rows of unsold Cybertrucks glinting under the Detroit sun are more than just excess inventory; they may be a reflection of broader issues facing Tesla — from quality concerns to shifting consumer sentiment in the EV market.
