Tesla Ends Model S and Model X Production at Fremont Factory
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FREMONT, Calif. (AP) — Tesla Inc. has ceased production of the Model S and Model X at its Fremont Factory, marking the end of an era for the electric vehicle manufacturer's flagship sedan and SUV lines.
The final vehicles rolled off the assembly line early Sunday, May 10, 2026, at approximately 2:00 a.m. local time. The shutdown concludes a production run that began over a decade ago, during which the Fremont facility became synonymous with Tesla's rise as a global leader in electric mobility.
No official statement from Tesla executives has been released regarding the specific reasons for halting production of the two models. The company has not announced immediate plans to repurpose the assembly lines or the broader facility. Production of the Model 3 and Model Y continues at the plant, which remains Tesla's primary manufacturing hub in North America.
The Model S and Model X were central to Tesla's early market penetration. The Model S, introduced in 2012, established the company's reputation for high-performance electric sedans with long range and advanced software capabilities. The Model X, launched shortly after, introduced the controversial falcon-wing doors and positioned Tesla in the luxury SUV segment.
Industry analysts note that the decision to end production of these vehicles aligns with Tesla's broader strategy to focus on mass-market vehicles. The Model 3 and Model Y have consistently accounted for the majority of the company's global deliveries in recent years. However, the discontinuation of the high-margin flagship models has raised questions about Tesla's long-term product mix and pricing strategy.
Employees at the Fremont plant were not immediately available for comment. The factory, located in the San Francisco Bay Area, employs thousands of workers across various shifts. The transition of production lines will likely involve retraining or redeployment of staff, though no specific details have been provided by management.
The future of the Model S and Model X brands remains unclear. While manufacturing has ended, Tesla has not confirmed whether existing inventory will be sold or if the models will be discontinued entirely. Some industry observers suggest the company may transition the names to new platforms in the future, while others believe the models will be phased out completely.
Tesla's stock price showed minimal movement following the announcement, suggesting investors had anticipated the shift in production focus. The company's next major product launch, expected to be a lower-cost vehicle aimed at the mass market, remains under development.
Questions remain regarding the timeline for the complete phase-out of the Model S and Model X from Tesla's lineup. The company has not addressed whether the decision is permanent or if production could resume at a different facility. As the final units leave the Fremont lot, the focus shifts to how Tesla will maintain its premium brand identity without its original flagship vehicles.