Free NewsletterPro Login

Tesla Ends Production of Model S and X, Shifts to Robot Manufacturing

A stylized illustration of a cylindrical cup with blue arrows and lines indicating a swirling or rotational motion inside the cup.
Published Jan 28, 2026
Share:
Industrial robots assemble cars, such as the Tesla Model S, on a factory line (left), while humanoid robots are assembled on a separate line (right); both scenes showcase advanced robot manufacturing and automation in industry.
Summary:

  • On January 28, 2026, Elon Musk announced Tesla will stop making Model S and X vehicles.
  • The Fremont factory will be repurposed to produce Optimus humanoid robots, with a production capacity of 1 million units per year.
  • The Model S debuted in 2012 and the Model X in 2015; both are being phased out due to rising competition in the EV market.

Elon Musk's Announcement

During a call on January 28, 2026, Tesla CEO Elon Musk stated that the company is ending production of its Model S and X vehicles.

Musk mentioned that it's time for these models to conclude with what he called an "honorable discharge." He encouraged potential buyers to order these models while they are still available.

Transition to Robot Manufacturing

The Fremont factory in California will be converted to manufacture Optimus humanoid robots. Musk disclosed that the new line is designed to produce 1 million units per year.

He emphasized that this new production line will require a completely new supply chain, distinct from what was used for the Model S and X.

Impact on Tesla's Sales

Tesla's decision to phase out the Model S and X comes amid increased competition in the electric vehicle market.

The Model S was first sold in 2012, followed by the Model X in 2015. Over recent years, Tesla has cut prices on these models as competition has intensified.

In its 2025 earnings report, Tesla experienced its first annual revenue decline in history, with sales falling in three of the last four quarters.

The company revealed that its Model 3 and Model Y accounted for a staggering 97% of its total 1.59 million deliveries last year.

Future Plans for Optimus

Tesla aims to unveil the third generation of its Optimus robot in the first quarter of 2026.

This new version is intended for mass production and is part of Musk's vision for the company's future, which includes a shift away from traditional electric vehicles toward advanced robotics.

What’s Next for Tesla?

With the shift away from the Model S and X, Tesla plans to increase its workforce at the Fremont facility. Musk stated that this will lead to a significant increase in output, focusing on the development and production of the Optimus robots.

As Tesla pivots to this new venture, it will be interesting to see how this impacts the company's overall strategy and market position.

Disclosure

Get Market Briefs delivered to your inbox every morning for free!

No fluff. No noise. No politics. Just finance news you can read in 5 minutes.

Blogs

May 30, 2026
Financial Literacy Books That Actually Build Wealth
  • The best financial literacy books don't just teach budgeting, they shift how you think about money.
  • Two classics stand out: The Intelligent Investor for valuing investments, and Rich Dad Poor Dad for the owner's mindset.
  • Reading is only step one. The real wealth comes from acting on what you learn.
Read More
May 30, 2026
What Is a Roth Conversion? A Simple Guide
  • A Roth conversion moves money from a traditional retirement account into a Roth account.
  • You pay taxes on the money now, in exchange for tax-free growth and withdrawals later.
  • It can pay off if you expect higher taxes or more income in the future, but the timing and tax hit matter a lot.
Read More
May 30, 2026
Trailing Stop Loss: How to Protect Your Gains
  • A trailing stop loss is an order that automatically sells a stock if it falls a set percentage from its recent high.
  • As the stock rises, the sell point rises with it, locking in gains while capping losses.
  • It's most useful for active strategies like momentum investing, not for long-term buy-and-hold.
Read More
May 30, 2026
5 Types of Wealth: Why Money Is Only One of Them
  • Real wealth is more than a bank balance. It spans your finances, health, mind, purpose, and freedom.
  • Money is powerful, but it amplifies the life you already have rather than fixing a broken one.
  • True financial wealth means your cash flow covers your expenses, so your money works while you live.
Read More
May 30, 2026
How to Invest in Private Equity: A Beginner's Guide
  • Private equity means investing in companies that aren't listed on the stock market.
  • Traditional private equity is built for experienced, high-net-worth investors with large amounts to invest.
  • New rules have opened more accessible paths, like startup crowdfunding and real estate deals, often starting around $100.
Read More
May 30, 2026
What Is a Call Option? A Simple Guide With Examples
  • A call option gives you the right to buy a stock at a set price by a set date.
  • Investors buy calls when they expect a stock to rise, using less money than buying the shares outright.
  • The most you can lose buying a call is the premium, but time works against you, so it's an advanced tool.
Read More
May 30, 2026
EBITDA Formula: How to Calculate It Step by Step
  • EBITDA stands for Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization, a measure of a company's core profit.
  • The formula adds those four items back to net income to show what the underlying business earns.
  • Investors use EBITDA to compare companies and to judge how many times earnings a stock is selling for.
Read More
May 30, 2026
What Is a Stock Option? A Plain-English Guide
  • A stock option is a contract giving you the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a stock at a set price by a set date.
  • There are two types: calls (the right to buy) and puts (the right to sell).
  • Options are powerful but risky, so they suit investors who already have the basics down.
Read More
May 30, 2026
Put Option: What It Is and How It Works
  • A put option gives you the right to sell a stock at a set price by a set date.
  • Investors use puts to bet a stock will fall, or as insurance to protect shares they own.
  • The most you can lose buying a put is the premium you paid, which makes it a defined-risk tool.
Read More
May 30, 2026
Operating Margin: What It Is and How to Calculate It
  • Operating margin shows how much profit a company keeps from its core business after paying its running costs.
  • The formula is operating income divided by revenue, shown as a percent.
  • A strong, steady operating margin signals a well-run business that controls its costs.
Read More
1 2 3 22
Share via
Copy link