Elon Musk, founder, CEO, and chief engineer of SpaceX and CEO of Tesla. By Frederic Legrand – COMEO via Shutterstock. In an automotive wonder that only Shaquille O’Neal can achieve, the NBA Hall-of-Famer and pop culture icon is set to take delivery of his third Tesla (TSLA) Cybertruck. Dubbed the “Cyberbeast,” this latest addition has been designed by California-based Effortless Motors in collaboration with Waido Kits, being even more extravagant and customized than his previous models. The story began when Shaq found that his Las Vegas-based Cybertruck wasn’t accessible enough for his Atlanta lifestyle. Unwilling to transport the large truck across state lines, the basketball star took action by commissioning another. Soon after, Shaq called Effortless Motors, the shop he trusted to perfect his second Cybertruck, with one instruction: don’t call back until it’s finished.
In just two weeks, Effortless Motors presented a glossy black widebody Cybertruck with 26-inch Forgiato wheels. It also has customizations such as carbon fiber fender flares, a color-shifting LED strip on the front, and unique underglow lighting. Now, Shaq is getting an even more unique ‘Shaqcat’ edition. Wrapped in maroon, it has a massive rear wing, air diffuser, and a powerful tri-motor setup expected to deliver 845 horsepower. Although this is Shaq’s third Cybertruck, it’s not a gift. According to sources close to Effortless Motors, the transaction was a trade for a Dodge Charger Hellcat that Shaq gave to Effortless Motors founder Ahmad Abdelrahman. The customizations on this latest Cybertruck highlight Shaq’s demand for creativity and scale in his rides, making it a one-of-a-kind in Tesla’s limited 100-run ‘Cyberbeast’ series.
On Instagram, Shaq reportedly discovered his latest Cybertruck customization after Effortless Motors shared a preview video. Social media reactions were swift, with Tesla fans and celebrity influencers like Elon Musk playfully commenting, “Well, they clearly have great taste!” The Tesla Cybertruck has become a cultural sensation among high-profile individuals, including Lady Gaga and Pharrell Williams. However, Shaquille O’Neal appears to be the Cybertruck’s most dedicated fan, proving that this electric beast is as adaptable as the icon who owns it. With Shaq’s tri-motor “Cyberbeast” soon to be on Atlanta’s roads, it’s no surprise that the Tesla Cybertruck remains a top choice among trendsetters in the EV world. Tesla’s continued dominance is highlighted by Shaqille O’Neal’s love affair with the Tesla Cybertruck, which is not only a win for his personal fleet but also showcases Tesla’s unique position in the automotive market.
Tesla, renowned for its absence of traditional advertising, has successfully relied on word of mouth, brand prestige, and influencer enthusiasm to drive demand. This strategy has proven remarkably effective, particularly for the Cybertruck, which has become a status symbol without the need for conventional ads.
In July 2024, Tesla achieved a significant milestone by selling over 5,000 Cybertrucks, representing a 61% increase from the previous month. This sales figure surpassed all direct competitors in the electric pickup market. According to S&P Global Mobility, the Cybertruck has established itself as the most popular electric pickup, outperforming rivals such as Rivian’s R1T and Ford’s F-150 Lightning.
This trend is not an isolated incident. Tesla sold nearly 17,000 Cybertrucks in Q3 2024, which, by October, brought the total sales to over 27,000 units. This places the Cybertruck as the third best-selling electric vehicle in the United States.
The Tesla Cybertruck has been gaining popularity. It is currently behind only the Model 3 and Model Y. The success of the Cybertruck is fascinating considering its high price point. The Cybertruck Foundation Series, on sale now, has a premium of $20,000 over its expected MSRP. Yet, demand is strong. Cox Automotive reported it as the best-selling vehicle over $100,000 in June, with over 3,200 units sold. This shows consumers are willing to pay a premium for exclusivity and innovation. When the Foundation Series ends and prices drop closer to $80,000 for the AWD and $100,000 for the tri-motor Cyberbeast, the Cybertruck will be more competitive in the market, possibly still above its rivals. Tesla’s brand equity depends on its product positioning, where vehicles are symbols of cutting-edge technology and status.
Elon Musk has strategically courted celebrities like Shaquille O’Neal, leveraging their organic social media reach to promote the Tesla Cybertruck. Shaq’s enthusiasm for Tesla is evident as he is set to receive his third Cybertruck, showcasing the brand’s influence.
Tesla’s approach to attracting high-profile endorsements without payment is a testament to their marketing prowess. Each Cybertruck sighting and celebrity endorsement serves as a free advertisement, inspiring consumer aspiration. This strategy highlights Tesla’s unique market position, as the Cybertruck stands out for its ability to drive demand without relying on incentives, unlike most other electric vehicles (EVs). S&P analyst Tom Libby has noted the dependency of most EVs on incentives to remain competitive, but the Cybertruck sells at MSRP with an added premium. The Cybertruck’s 845-horsepower tri-motor setup and its futuristic design have carved a niche in the electric pickup segment. This appeals not only to traditional truck buyers but also to tech enthusiasts and luxury consumers, setting it apart in the market.Elon Musk might have identified Tesla Cybertruck’s most ardent supporter in Shaquille O’Neal, who is set to receive the third Cybertruck. Shaq’s inclination towards owning three Cybertrucks could be seen as a status symbol that most enthusiasts cannot emulate. However, it mirrors the high demand and appeal that have positioned the Cybertruck at the forefront of the electric pickup market. There is no need for an advertising campaign when such endorsements are received.
