Cybertruck designer says Tesla stainless steel pickup is no experiment

LOS ANGELES, Dec 21 (Reuters) – Tesla’s Chief Designer, Franz von Holzhausen, defended the unique design of the Cybertruck, emphasizing that its angular and polarizing aesthetics serve as a conversation starter, contributing positively to the Tesla brand. Speaking at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, where Cybertruck models are being added to a Tesla exhibit, von Holzhausen stated, “Love it or hate it, it’s a conversation starter, and it gets people talking about the brand.”

Despite the Cybertruck’s delayed launch and a starting price of $60,990, over 50% higher than initially touted in 2019, with a reduced range, von Holzhausen highlighted its appeal to a broader audience. He mentioned the truck’s ability to draw interest from individuals who have never owned a truck before, with potential buyers even queuing up at some Tesla showrooms. “Just because it looks different doesn’t mean that it can’t be potentially a high volume vehicle,” he added, asserting that the pickup’s performance matches traditional rivals.

Von Holzhausen addressed skepticism surrounding the Cybertruck, emphasizing its role in bringing new consumers to the truck market. “We’re bringing people into the market that never would have owned a truck before,” he said, dismissing the notion that the Cybertruck is an experimental venture.

The Cybertruck’s distinctive appearance, characterized by stainless-steel cladding and sharp angles, results from manufacturing constraints, as traditional presses can’t bend the steel into curves. Von Holzhausen revealed that the design drew inspiration from the aggressively angular Lamborghini Countach and Lockheed’s F-117 Stealth Fighter jet. He noted, “It looks like it shouldn’t do what it does, yet, intelligent engineers figured it out.”

The design studio at Tesla also found inspiration in the car-submarine featured in the 1977 James Bond movie “The Spy Who Loved Me,” which was later purchased by Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

While the Cybertruck’s launch encountered hiccups, including shattered windows during a 2019 event, von Holzhausen stood by the vehicle’s performance. He mentioned personal experiences, such as his kids enjoying rides in the Cybertruck and instances where he was mistaken for Elon Musk while driving it.