Tesla’s Chief Designer, Franz von Holzhausen, defended the unique and polarizing design of the Cybertruck, asserting that it serves as a significant brand booster. Addressing concerns about the delayed launch and pricing variations, von Holzhausen emphasized the truck’s capacity to generate conversations about the Tesla brand.
“Love it or hate it, it’s a conversation starter, and it gets people talking about the brand,” remarked von Holzhausen, as the Cybertruck models find their place in a Tesla exhibit at the museum. Despite its delayed release and a starting price of $60,990, exceeding earlier projections, the Cybertruck is gaining attention from individuals who have not previously owned a truck, with prospective buyers reportedly showing up at Tesla showrooms.
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Von Holzhausen dismissed the notion that the Cybertruck is an experimental venture, stating, “Just because it looks different doesn’t mean that it can’t be potentially a high volume vehicle.” He asserted that the pickup matches the performance of traditional rivals, addressing any skepticism surrounding its unconventional design.
The Cybertruck’s angular aesthetics, attributed in part to the challenges posed by bending stainless steel into curves, drew inspiration from the Lamborghini Countach and Lockheed’s F-117 Stealth Fighter jet. Von Holzhausen acknowledged the influence of the 1977 James Bond movie “The Spy Who Loved Me,” featuring a car-turned-submarine, which Elon Musk subsequently purchased.
Despite glitches during its launch, including shattered windows from a metal ball thrown by von Holzhausen himself, the designer remains supportive of the Cybertruck. A recent viral video showcasing the truck’s difficulty in climbing a slope while towing a Christmas tree with a gasoline-powered car sparked further discussion.
See also: Tesla Appears to Accelerate Cybertruck Production at Gigafactory Texas
Von Holzhausen defended the Cybertruck, noting personal experiences like his kids enjoying rides in it and instances where he’s been mistaken for Elon Musk while driving. As the Cybertruck continues to captivate attention, its unconventional design appears to be positioning it as more than just an experimental addition to Tesla’s lineup.
