Tesla Pauses Production of Model S and X Vehicles
In a significant move, Tesla has announced the discontinuation of its Model S and Model X vehicles in Europe, following a similar decision in China. The electric car manufacturer is focusing on higher-volume, mass-market models like the Model 3 and Model Y, as evidenced by the removal of these premium models from the European online configurator [1][3].
The decline in sales and a strategic shift towards more affordable and popular vehicles are driving this decision. Tesla delivered approximately 23,275 units globally of "Other Models" (which includes the Model S, Model X, Cybertruck, and Semi) in the first half of 2025. This is in stark contrast to nearly 700,000 deliveries for the more popular Model 3 and Model Y combined. Sales of Model S and X have dropped to about 10,394 units globally, signalling their diminishing role within Tesla's lineup [1][3].
The discontinuation follows Tesla's earlier decisions to halt sales of right-hand drive versions of these vehicles (affecting markets like the UK) and cease sales in China. Europe now joins those markets where new orders for Model S and Model X are no longer accepted, with only the U.S. and Canada still allowing new orders. Tesla's production strategy is concentrating on scaling up North American output while cutting capacity elsewhere due to weakening demand for these premium models [1][3].
In Europe, both models have sold "only around 60 units each" according to ADAC. A few new Model X vehicles are still available in Europe, but clicking the order button for the Model S and X redirects buyers to a page with available used or pre-owned vehicles. The Model S was offered by Tesla since mid-2012 and was the world's best-selling electric vehicle in 2015 and 2016 [2].
The Model X, first introduced in 2012 and hitting the market in September 2015, received loud cheers when then-Tesla CEO Elon Musk presented it in Los Angeles. However, industry analysts suggest it may be only a matter of time before Tesla fully discontinues the Model S and Model X globally as they prioritize more affordable and higher-demand vehicles [1].
Sources:
[1] ntv.de [2] abe/sp-x [3] Tesla's Q2 2025 Quarterly Report
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- In light of the declining sales and a strategic focus on more affordable vehicles, Tesla's community policy has been revised to prioritize vocational training for its workforce in the areas of automotive technology and transportation, aiming to streamline production for models like the Model 3 and Model Y.
- As Tesla looks to finance its expansion into the mass market, the discontinuation of the Model S and Model X in Europe could free up capital that can be channeled towards improving vocational training programs and investing in cutting-edge technology in the automotive industry.
- With the discontinuation of the Model S and Model X in Europe, buyers interested in electric vehicles may need to explore alternative options in the automotive industry or seek second-hand vehicles from Tesla's transportation services.
