Tesla Halts Production of Model S and Model X, Shifts Focus to Autonomous Future
Tesla has decided to discontinue production of its Model S and Model X. The company is abandoning these two premium models to focus on autonomous vehicles and the Optimus robot.
Tesla is closing an era in the electric vehicle market. The company announced it will end production of its long-standing premium models, the Model S and Model X, in the next quarter. The decision came to light during CEO Elon Musk's remarks in the company's earnings call and was later confirmed via Tesla's official social media account.
The Transition Process to an Autonomous Future
The announcement stated, "As we transition to an autonomous future, Model S and X production will end in the next quarter." This move is seen as part of Tesla's strategic shift towards autonomous vehicle technologies and AI-focused projects. It is known that the company has recently increased its investments in robots and artificial intelligence.
Decline in Sales Figures and the Gap in the Product Portfolio
Sales of the Model S and X had been overshadowed by the company's more affordable and popular Model 3 and Model Y. Tesla had been reporting sales of its premium models collectively under the "other models" category in its sales reports. In the last quarter of 2025, sales in this category fell by 51% compared to the same period the previous year, remaining at 11,642 units. This situation reveals the economic rationale behind the decision.
While the Model S holds historical significance as the company's first mass-produced family sedan, the Model X was its sole model in the luxury SUV segment. With the discontinuation of these models, a gap will form in Tesla's luxury and large vehicle segment. The company's only current alternative in this segment is seen as the Cybertruck, whose sales performance has not met expectations.
Fremont Factory Shifts to Optimus Robot Production
Another concrete outcome of the decision will be felt at the Fremont factory in California. The production lines for the Model S and X will be converted into a production line for the company's humanoid robot, Optimus. This change is a clear indicator of Tesla's strategy to move beyond its identity as an automaker and become a force in the field of robotics.
Future Plans: Robotaxi and Roadster
Regarding future vehicle production, Elon Musk stated, "The only vehicles we will produce, except for the new generation Roadster, will be autonomous vehicles." This statement confirms that the company's primary focus is the Robotaxi (Cybercab) project, which will provide driverless taxi services. In the robotaxi market, besides Tesla, companies like Waymo and Waabi are also actively conducting work.
Musk indicated that the new Tesla Roadster, planned for launch in 2027, will be an extreme sports car that "not everyone should own." There is no official statement from the company regarding work on a new consumer-focused passenger car model.
The technology and automotive world is closely watching how Tesla's radical decision will shape the company's future and the direction of the industry. This transformation is interpreted not just as the end of a vehicle's production, but also as a large-scale strategic pivot towards an autonomous and robotic future.
