I Think The Problem With The Cybertruck Is The Name Tesla Marketing Gave It. It Should Have Been Called A CyberTownCar

Is Tesla's Cybertruck misnamed? One EV enthusiast argues it’s more of a luxury town car than a rugged pickup - here’s why this matters for buyers.

Tesla’s Cybertruck has stirred excitement and controversy since its unveiling, but one Tesla enthusiast, David Rosing, argues that its branding may be misleading. While marketed as a rugged truck, the Cybertruck’s design and features align more closely with an upscale town car than a traditional pickup. This perspective highlights a gap between expectations set by its name and its actual functionality, raising questions about how Tesla’s marketing shapes consumer perceptions.

Watch the video of why Tesla perhaps made a mistake naming the truck as Cybertruck instead of CyberTownCar at the Torque News Youtube channel.

A few weeks ago when Torque News published an article discussing Tesla adopting a new and aggressive sales strategy, one of our readers, David Rosing, made a very interesting comment suggesting Tesla's marketing department made a mistake when naming the Cybertruck.

David writes:

I think the problem with the vehicle is the name given to it by the Tesla marketing department. As a ‘truck’ it’s lacking, namely, one can’t get a 4x8 sheet of plywood home with it, nor tow with anything that puts more than 100 pounds on the tow hitch without ripping the bumper off, nor be able to stand next to the ‘truck’ and reach over the side of the bed to get something in the bed.

But the Cybertruck does carry 5 people quite comfortably, gets from 0 to 60 quickly, and has enough room for at least 5 sets of full golf bags, so I think it should have been named the “CyberTownCar.” So I’d think Tesla should push this onto livery and taxi services as it could do very well.

The only problem is, would any customer WANT to be seen getting out of one at an exclusive event?

Personally, I don’t want one because the driver-machine interface is abysmal and one must take their eyes off the road to adjust HVAC, radio, or other controls. And I prefer the Silverado EV’s midgate option that can let me take some 4x8 sheets of plywood home with the midgate option.

So, meh, no CyberTeslas for me.

Why Does This Matter?

For EV enthusiasts and potential buyers, understanding the Cybertruck’s strengths and limitations is crucial. Traditional truck users often value functionality, such as the ability to haul 4x8 sheets of plywood or tow heavy loads. Rosing points out that the Cybertruck may fall short in these areas due to its unconventional design. However, when viewed as a luxury vehicle for urban and suburban use, the Cybertruck shines with benefits like seating for five, a spacious interior, impressive acceleration, and unique style.

By mismatching the vehicle’s branding with its intended use, Tesla risks alienating both truck enthusiasts and urban drivers. This discrepancy is particularly important for buyers who need clear insights into how a vehicle aligns with their lifestyle.

Advantages of the Cybertruck

Despite these criticisms, the Cybertruck offers several notable advantages. It offers exceptional acceleration, thanks to Tesla’s renowned electric powertrains, and features a durable stainless steel body. The vehicle is well-suited for transporting passengers comfortably and carrying items like golf bags or small cargo. For urban users who value innovation, the Cybertruck’s futuristic aesthetics make it a statement vehicle.

Key Takeaways for Buyers

While the Cybertruck may not satisfy traditional truck users, it has a compelling value proposition for those seeking a high-performance, eye-catching EV. Tesla might find success marketing the Cybertruck as a premium lifestyle vehicle rather than a utility workhorse. By rethinking its branding strategy, Tesla could tap into a broader audience while addressing misaligned expectations.

Would you consider the Cybertruck as a luxury town car rather than a pickup? Share your thoughts below!

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.