“Tesla’s Chief Designer dismisses the idea of the Cybertruck as an experiment, highlighting its serious design intent”.
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Tesla’s Chief Designer, Franz von Holzhausen, defended the distinctive design of the Cybertruck, stating that its polarizing look serves as a powerful brand conversation starter. Speaking at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, von Holzhausen emphasized that despite opinions, the Cybertruck is not an experimental venture.
The long-anticipated Cybertruck, starting at $60,990, has faced delays and a higher-than-expected price compared to initial projections by CEO Elon Musk in 2019. Von Holzhausen acknowledged the deviations but highlighted the Cybertruck’s ability to attract interest from non-traditional truck owners, with potential buyers queuing up at Tesla showrooms.
Addressing concerns about the Cybertruck’s unconventional design, von Holzhausen expressed confidence in its performance, stating, “Just because it looks different doesn’t mean that it can’t be potentially a high-volume vehicle.” He emphasized that the truck competes with traditional rivals and is not merely an experiment.
The Cybertruck’s angular design, clad in stainless steel, draws inspiration from the Lamborghini Countach and Lockheed’s F-117 Stealth Fighter jet. Von Holzhausen credited intelligent engineering for making the design functional despite its unconventional appearance.
The Tesla designer revealed that the 1977 James Bond movie “The Spy Who Loved Me” and Elon Musk’s purchase of the car-turned-submarine featured in the film also influenced the Cybertruck’s design.
Despite the Cybertruck’s high-profile launch glitches, including shattered windows during the 2019 unveiling, von Holzhausen defended its performance. He shared personal experiences, noting that his kids enjoy being picked up from school in the Cybertruck, and he has been mistaken for Musk while driving it.
In conclusion, von Holzhausen reiterated that the Cybertruck’s unique design has successfully brought new customers into the market, countering skepticism about its potential success.
