Elon Musk has confirmed that Tesla will be retiring its iconic Model S sedan and Model X SUV, marking the end of an era for two cars that played a pivotal role in popularizing electric vehicles. The decision comes as the company shifts its focus towards humanoid robots, with production of the Optimus robot set to begin at the Fremont plant.
While the Model S and X will continue to be supported by Tesla, their production will cease next quarter, paving the way for the company's new direction. The Model S, launched in 2012, was a game-changer in the EV world, offering a luxury sedan with impressive performance capabilities.
Its successor, the Model X, followed with its distinctive falcon wing doors and family-friendly space. However, as Tesla's sales numbers revealed, the Model S and X had become niche models, overshadowed by the company's more volume-driven offerings, such as the Model 3 and Model Y.
With time waiting for no car, especially in the EV world, Tesla has decided to move on from its iconic sedans and SUVs, opting instead to invest in a new technology with the potential to make an even bigger impact than its predecessors did a decade ago. The company's CEO, Elon Musk, acknowledged that the news was 'slightly sad,' but emphasized the need for change as Tesla moves forward into a future based on autonomy.
With 1 million units of Optimus robots expected to be produced annually, the company is looking towards a bright future with its new direction. As the EV world continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Tesla's decision to shift focus from cars to humanoid robots plays out in the market.
This move marks a significant shift for Tesla, as it transitions away from its core electric vehicle business and towards more autonomous technologies. While this change may come as a surprise to some, it is a natural progression for a company that has always been at the forefront of innovation.
