Production of Tesla’s flagship Model S sedan and Model X SUV is winding down, with the electric vehicle manufacturer beginning to reduce available customization options. The first sign of this shift is the removal of the Lunar Silver paint color from the online design studio for both models, marking the initial thinning of exclusive choices as the cars approach their production closure.
Exclusive Color Option Disappears from Design Studio
The Lunar Silver paint, a hue unique to the Model S and Model X, is now listed as “Sold Out” on Tesla’s official Online Design Studio. This marks the first instance of an exterior color option becoming unavailable, signaling a transition period for these long-standing models.
This development follows recent confirmations from Tesla CEO Elon Musk regarding the phasing out of the Model S and Model X programs. The company is making strategic adjustments to its Fremont Factory operations.
Fremont Factory Reallocation for Optimus Robot Production
The Fremont Factory, currently the production hub for the Model S and Model X, is being repurposed to accommodate the manufacturing of Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robot. This transition is expected to streamline operations and align with Tesla’s broader future objectives.
Given that the Model S and Model X are lower-volume vehicles, contributing a small percentage to Tesla’s overall annual deliveries, their discontinuation is seen as a strategic move. This reallocation of production capacity is intended to support the ambitious scaling of Optimus robot manufacturing, with plans to produce one million units annually.
CEO Elon Musk Confirms Program End
In January, during the Q4 Earnings Call, Elon Musk officially confirmed the impending end of the Model S and Model X production cycles. He stated, “It is time to bring the Model S and Model X programs to an end with an honorable discharge. It is time to bring the S/X programs to an end. It’s part of our overall shift to an autonomous future.”
The gradual reduction in available customization options is an anticipated consequence of this production phase-out. It simplifies the logistics of transitioning the manufacturing lines and ensures that remaining resources are focused on fulfilling existing orders and preparing for the new production focus.
Strategic Production Adjustments
Industry observers note that the removal of less popular color options, such as Lunar Silver, is a logical step in managing inventory and production flow during such a transition. Tesla’s strategy appears to prioritize maintaining options that see consistent customer demand while discontinuing those with lower uptake.
The move also aims to facilitate a smoother operational pivot for the Fremont plant. By reducing the complexity of available configurations for the Model S and Model X, Tesla can more efficiently prepare the facility for the large-scale production requirements of the Optimus robot. This strategic realignment underscores Tesla’s forward-looking approach to manufacturing and product development, emphasizing innovation in robotics and artificial intelligence.
As Tesla shifts its focus towards new ventures like the Optimus robot, the discontinuation of the Model S and Model X marks the end of an era for the company’s pioneering luxury electric vehicles. The phasing out of these models is a significant step in Tesla’s evolving product roadmap and manufacturing strategy.