Tesla, Inc. has officially ended production of the premium Model S and X lines. This decision was announced by CEO Elon Musk, marking the end of an era for the company.
The Ending Of An Era
Musk shared the news via a post on the social media platform X, stating that custom orders of the Tesla Model S & X have come to an end. However, Tesla still has units left in inventory. The company will host a ceremony for the outgoing models, with Musk expressing his love for the cars. A picture of himself during the product launch of the vehicles 14 years ago was also shared.
Tesla Model S and Model X Inventory, History
The official Tesla website still shows several Model S and Model X units in inventory, which can be ordered by customers. The All-Wheel Drive trims of both models are offered with the Luxe package, providing access to Tesla’s Supercharger network for free and a free Supervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) subscription. Many of the models shown on the website are being offered at a reduced price since they are demo vehicles.
The Model S and Model X were early models of the company, following the original Tesla Roadster. Deliveries of the Model S began in 2012, with the first 1,000 units offered as a “Signature” limited edition trim level. Deliveries for the Model X began in 2015 and featured Falcon wing doors for the rear passengers.
Tesla’s Shift Towards AI, Autonomous Driving
Musk announced that Tesla was sunsetting the Model S and X during the company’s Q4 earnings call earlier this year. The Fremont, California, production facility will focus its efforts on the Optimus Humanoid Robot production instead. Tesla is targeting the production of a million units of the Optimus.
The company is also testing the Cybercab, which will be offered without a steering wheel or pedals. The Cybercab will retail for around $30,000. Tesla’s AI and autonomous driving efforts are further enhanced by the Terafab AI Chip project, which will focus on producing AI5 chips for Tesla cars.
A New Model On The Horizon?
Tesla’s current lineup includes the Model 3, Model Y, and the Cybertruck. The EV giant’s sales have been poor for more than a year, and the aging lineup could do with some fresh blood. Interestingly, a new model could be on the cards for the automaker, as Musk recently teased the possibility of a brand-new model amid leaks showcasing a new frame at Tesla’s Gigafactory in Texas.
Rumors suggest that the upcoming model could be a 3-row vehicle and would be in line with the leaked frame, which showed enhanced space in the rear.
Conclusion
The discontinuation of the Model S and X production marks a significant shift in Tesla’s focus towards AI, autonomous driving, and new models. As the company continues to evolve and innovate, it will be interesting to see how the market responds to these changes.