CEO Elon Musk says the company will close down production of two older car models, S and X, and convert the Fremont factory to produce its Optimus robots instead.

East Bay officials are reacting to the news Tesla will stop producing its Model S and X vehicles at its Fremont factory, and switch to building Optimus humanoid robots, by year’s end.

Prior to being appointed Director of Vehicle Operations and Engineering at Fremont in 2023, Bate was Director of Manufacturing for both Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. ・Electrek noted that the departure is the latest of a streak of exits at the EV giant.

On Tesla’s earning call, Elon Musk described how some car models were being discontinued to make way for robot manufacturing, giving investors a new look at Tesla’s future with humanoid robotics. CNN’s Hadas Gold reports.