Tesla is expanding Cybertruck sales to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar in an effort to boost demand for its underperforming electric pickup outside North America.
Since its launch in 2023, Cybertruck sales have lagged far behind initial expectations, with fewer than 50,000 delivered and only 6,406 sold in the first quarter of 2025. These numbers fall short of Elon Musk’s earlier projection of 200,000 units annually, despite high pre-release reservations.
The truck’s unconventional design and large size have limited its viability in key markets like China and Europe, where regulations and infrastructure pose significant challenges. In some cases, Cybertrucks have even been seized by authorities for not meeting road standards.
With major markets out of reach, Tesla is targeting smaller, affluent regions in the Middle East. Industry analysts suggest the company may reposition the Cybertruck as a luxury or niche product to justify the costs of entry into these areas.
While this global push may not fully reverse declining sales or repair Tesla’s brand image, it represents a strategic attempt to find new opportunities for the Cybertruck in select international markets.