Tesla Tuner Unplugged Performance Offers to Take Over Cybertruck Production
The proposal follows Elon Musk’s statement that Tesla will wind down Cybertruck manufacturing at Giga Texas by mid-2027.
Unplugged Performance, a prominent Tesla aftermarket tuner, has publicly offered to assume control of the Cybertruck production line from Tesla. The proposal comes days after CEO Elon Musk indicated the company would cease manufacturing the vehicle at Giga Texas around mid-2027.
What Happened
Unplugged Performance founder Ben Schaffer posted the proposal on X as an "open offer to Tesla," stating the company would run Cybertruck production "at no cost to Tesla’s floor space, headcount, or focus." The tuner proposed funding the initiative through a consortium of investors. In exchange, Tesla would collect a license fee along with Full Self-Driving (FSD) and Robotaxi network revenue for every vehicle produced. Unplugged also offered to give the upcoming Cybercab priority access to battery cells, noting it would "wait our turn" for components.
The offer extends beyond the current pickup truck. Unplugged stated it would produce the existing Cybertruck, a three-row "CyberSUV," and an unmanned "CyberCargo" hauler. The latter two vehicles have been referenced by Tesla in the past but were never officially unveiled. As of the latest reports, neither Musk nor Tesla had publicly responded to the proposal.
Why It Matters
The offer arises against the backdrop of declining Cybertruck demand. Musk framed the potential wind-down as a necessary step to "make room for increased Cybercab production." However, industry data suggests low sales volume may be the primary driver. Tesla delivered approximately 8,295 "Other Models" in Q3, with estimates indicating 7,000 to 8,000 were Cybertrucks. This pace translates to roughly 30,000 units per year, a fraction of the 250,000 annual units Tesla originally planned for the truck.
For owners and the aftermarket industry, the proposal highlights the financial stakes involved in the Cybertruck's potential discontinuation. Unplugged Performance has invested heavily in the platform, selling lift and armor kits and securing contracts to convert Cybertrucks into police vehicles. If Tesla proceeds with the wind-down, these investments and the existing owner community face uncertainty regarding long-term support and the availability of the vehicle’s unique steer-by-wire driving experience.
The Bottom Line
Unplugged Performance’s offer to take over Cybertruck production remains a public proposal without a confirmed response from Tesla. While the tuner argues it can sustain the program independently, Tesla has yet to indicate whether it will transfer the line or continue with its stated plan to wind down manufacturing at Giga Texas.
