Conservative commentator and Daily Wire co-founder Ben Shapiro has reached out to Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk, requesting that the company consider manufacturing larger vehicles to accommodate bigger families.
The Need for a Family-Friendly Vehicle
In a recent post, Shapiro expressed his difficulty in fitting his growing family into the Tesla Model X. With five children and two parents, the current Model X and Tesla’s new SUV do not provide sufficient seating. Shapiro jokingly asked Musk to build a 7- or 8-seat minivan or SUV, saying:
“On behalf of those who are doing our best to repopulate the West, any chance Tesla can make a minivan or SUV with 7 or 8 seats?”
Elon Musk’s Stance on Family and Population Growth
Elon Musk has consistently expressed concerns about the declining birth rate, particularly in Western countries. He argues that high housing costs alone do not explain declining U.S. birth rates and that fertility rates have historically fallen as countries become wealthier. Musk believes that young Americans should not let financial concerns discourage them from having children, as fears of financial hardship are largely unfounded.
Recent Developments at Tesla
Tesla recently ended production of its Model S and Model X at its Fremont factory in California, marking the end of two vehicles that helped bring electric cars into the mainstream. The company’s current vehicle lineup consists of the Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck. With the discontinuation of the Model S and Model X, Musk has shifted the company’s focus toward AI and robotics, repurposing the Fremont facility to manufacture the Optimus humanoid robot.
The Future of Family-Friendly Vehicles at Tesla
As Tesla continues to evolve and expand its product lineup, it will be interesting to see if the company responds to Shapiro’s request and creates a family-friendly vehicle that can accommodate larger families. With Musk’s emphasis on supporting population growth and providing alternatives to traditional gas-powered vehicles, a 7- or 8-seat minivan or SUV could be a great addition to the Tesla lineup.