MindBullets 20 Years

Cybertruck outsells Ford F-150 for the first time

Ford gives way to Tesla as king of the pickups

The most predictable thing about the American auto industry is that the Ford F-150 is the top-selling pickup truck, every year. In fact, Ford has claimed this title for an astonishing 45 years, peaking at a million vehicles in 2019.

The Ford F Series was the quintessential American pickup for over 70 years, and the F-150 reliably dominated this sector, with innovative improvements like the aluminium alloy body shell. Until now.

It comes as something of a shock to the system, but Tesla’s Cybertruck has topped the sales charts for the first time. Launched in 2019, the super-ugly Cybertruck was a complete departure from traditional truck design, fully electric, and bullet proof. But despite, or perhaps fueled by, the universal criticism of its looks, Cybertruck pulled in 250,000 pre-orders within a week!

Unlike the Ford, which appeals to traditional truck owners, the Cybertruck reinvented the concept of a pickup. Its fully electric battery powered platform, or ‘skateboard’, can support any number of SUV or pickup designs, but Tesla chose to go with a radical Blade Runner-inspired triangular body in stainless steel; and Tesla fans loved it.

Which only goes to show, that the market leader in a sector is often the most vulnerable, secure in their success and complacency; they know what the market wants. Until a new competitor comes from left field and reinvents the industry, and eats their lunch! As Cybertruck gained momentum and market support, Ford saw sales decline for the F-150, proving that the traditional truck customer had moved on.

Now Cybertruck is the undisputed king of the hill, and the future of the American pickup is outrageous, contrarian, and electric!

Warning: Hazardous thinking at work

Despite appearances to the contrary, Futureworld cannot and does not predict the future. Our Mindbullets scenarios are fictitious and designed purely to explore possible futures, challenge and stimulate strategic thinking. Use these at your own risk. Any reference to actual people, entities or events is entirely allegorical. Copyright Futureworld International Limited. Reproduction or distribution permitted only with recognition of Copyright and the inclusion of this disclaimer.