Tesla CEO Elon Musk boasted that the company’s new Cybertruck is “apocalypse-proof” at a live event for new owners. Videos of the vehicle show it withstanding fire from handguns, an armour-piercing arrow and a submachine gun.
Key Facts
The first Tesla Cybertrucks were delivered to new owners Thursday at an event at the company’s headquarters in Austin, Texas, where Musk delivered remarks while standing in the bed of one of the trucks.
To showcase the strength of the new body, Musk showed videos of demonstrators firing handguns and a Thompson submachine gun at the vehicle—“If you’re ever in an argument with another car, you will win,” he said.
Musk also showed a video of podcast host Joe Rogan firing an armour-piercing arrow at the Cybertruck’s door, which seemed to bounce off.
Musk bragged that the truck is “apocalypse-proof” for the present day’s “late civilization vibes.”
In order to manufacture the Cybertruck, Tesla developed its own stainless steel alloy, which Musk claims is corrosion resistant and aerodynamic.
Crucial Quote
“The apocalypse can come along any moment, and here at Tesla we have the best in apocalypse technology,” Musk said while laughing.
Key Background
Tesla’s Cybertruck was debuted at an infamous live event in 2019. After Musk boasted the Cybertruck could withstand a sledgehammer, he invited a Tesla executive to throw a baseball at the vehicle—which promptly smashed one of the car’s “armor glass” windows. On Thursday, he invited the same executive to try the stunt again. This time, the baseball bounced off the window without leaving a mark. According to Musk, the windows are also “rock-proof,” and make the driving experience quiet. “It’s smooth as silk and silent while you’re driving,” he said.
Tangent
Even after the botched initial announcement, Musk claimed just two days later that the company already received over 200,000 preorders. Several new Cybertruck owners appeared at Thursday’s live event, where they were introduced to their new vehicles by Musk. The monochromatic silver trucks drove through a futuristic tunnel from the Tesla Gigafactory in Austin. “I haven’t slept in three days,” one eager new owner told the billionaire as he shook his hand. Musk chuckled before responding, “I hope you enjoy your car.”
Forbes Valuation
We estimate Musk’s net worth at $245.3 billion, making him the wealthiest person in the world. He owns about 21% of Tesla.
This article was first published on forbes.com and all figures are in USD.
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