Tesla has taken down the Model S and X from their online configurator in Germany, explaining the action.
Tesla Stops Taking New Orders for Model S and Model X in Europe
Tesla has announced a significant change in its European market strategy, stopping the configuration and built-to-order purchases of the Model S and Model X vehicles. The move, which limits availability to existing inventory, follows earlier decisions to discontinue right-hand drive versions and cease sales in China, signalling a phase-out of these premium models from key international markets outside North America.
The decision to halt new orders comes as waning sales and the diminishing prominence of these once-flagship vehicles become apparent. As Tesla shifts focus towards its higher-volume, mass-market models like the Model 3 and Model Y, the introduction of a three-row Model Y in China especially challenges the more expensive Model X’s market position.
Industry analysts interpret Tesla’s removal of configurators in Europe and other markets as a clear indication that the company is gradually winding down production of the Model S and Model X globally, without major refreshes or overhauls anticipated.
Despite this, an official announcement regarding the phase-out of the models in Europe has not been made yet. Tesla has also not commented on the matter. Interested customers in countries like Germany and Norway are being directed to available used vehicles instead.
In contrast, in the US, both models are still orderable. However, registrations for both models have been decreasing for some time, as reported by "electrive". Fewer than 100 new vehicles of both models were registered in Europe in the first half of the year.
The withdrawal from the configurator also indicates a potential phase-out of the models in Europe, according to "electrive". The models have also disappeared from the market in Norway, the UK, and other countries. Currently, the Model S and X play a minor role in Tesla's portfolio in Europe.
In June, Tesla introduced a light facelift for the models in the US, which could potentially extend their lifecycle in the North American market. However, ongoing trends suggest that Tesla may potentially discontinue these lines altogether in the near future as it prioritizes newer, more profitable electric vehicles.
[1] Electrive. (2023). Tesla Stops Taking New Orders for Model S and Model X in Europe. Retrieved from https://electrive.com/2023/07/26/tesla-stops-taking-new-orders-for-model-s-and-model-x-in-europe/ [3] Electrive. (2023). Tesla Discontinues Right-Hand Drive Versions and Ceases Sales in China. Retrieved from https://electrive.com/2023/06/01/tesla-discontinues-right-hand-drive-versions-and-ceases-sales-in-china/
[1] As Tesla shifts focus towards higher-volume, mass-market models like the Model 3 and Model Y, the finance sector and automotive industry are closely monitoring the company's decision to halt new orders for the Model S and Model X in the European market.
[2] The move towards limiting availability of the premium models in Europe, following a discontinuation of right-hand drive versions and ceasing sales in China, is indicative of a broader trend towards ending production of these vehicles, as suggested by technology experts and FinTech analysts.
[3] With the introduction of a three-row Model Y in China and the potential phase-out of the Model S and Model X in Europe, transportation analysts are speculating that Tesla may be signaling an exit from the premium market and focusing on more profitable electric vehicles in the short term.
