Tesla Bets on 'Cybercab' and 'Robotaxi' as European Sales Slide and Chinese Rivals Surge

On May 14, Tesla Inc. filed U.S. trademark applications for CYBERCAB and ROBOTAXI, signaling its intent to formalize a bold future in autonomous, shared electric mobility. These trademarks encompass not only electric vehicles and structural components but also a sweeping array of services, including ridesharing, vehicle rentals, and peer-to-peer fleet coordination—hinting at an integrated robotaxi platform. The filings come at a precarious moment for the EV pioneer, as Tesla’s market share in Europe continues to erode. April marked the fourth straight month of sharp declines in EU new-car registrations, which plummeted 53% year-over-year despite a growing EV market. In contrast, Chinese automakers such as BYD and SAIC Motor outsold Tesla in the region, buoyed by competitive pricing and aggressive expansion strategies. Compounding the challenge is CEO Elon Musk’s polarizing political involvement, which has raised investor concerns over strategic distraction. As European rivals recalibrate and Chinese firms gain momentum, Tesla’s twin trademarks suggest a strategic pivot: not merely selling cars, but reinventing mobility itself—if it can reassert control of the wheel. The following visualization shows detailed information on the newly filed U.S. trademarks by Tesla.