Tesla has officially marked the end of an era. On May 20, 2026, the company held a special farewell event at its Fremont factory for the final limited-run Signature Edition Model S and Model X vehicles, finished in a striking Garnet Red. The next day, Tesla Vice President of Vehicle Engineering Lars Moravy posted a heartfelt message on X that captured the deep emotion felt by the entire team.
In his post, Moravy wrote: “Each one built with love. When @elonmusk said that, it really choked me up. Every day, we make our products with our customers in mind. We love all of you more than you know. Thanks for CONSTANTLY lifting us up. ALL THE LOVE!!!!” Accompanying the message was a powerful photo showing rows of the final red Model S sedans lined up under a clear blue sky — a visual tribute to more than 750,000 vehicles built over 14 years.
The Emotional Farewell Ceremony
During the May 20 event, Elon Musk addressed the team and described the final vehicles as “designed with love.” The moment visibly moved everyone present, including Moravy and Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen. Video clips from the ceremony quickly spread across social media, showing the raw emotion as the last cars rolled off the line before the Fremont assembly lines shift focus to next-generation priorities like Optimus humanoid robots.
Moravy’s follow-up post the next morning amplified the sentiment, thanking Tesla owners for their unwavering support and reinforcing that every Tesla is built with customers front of mind.
The Legacy of the Model S and Model X
The Model S, launched in 2012, didn’t just put Tesla on the map — it redefined what an electric vehicle could be. It introduced the world to instant torque, over-the-air updates, Ludicrous Mode acceleration, and a range that made long-distance EV travel practical. The Model X followed in 2015 with its signature Falcon-wing doors and became the safest SUV ever tested by the NHTSA.
Together, these flagship vehicles proved that electric cars could be faster, safer, and more advanced than their gasoline counterparts. They pioneered Autopilot, Full Self-Driving hardware, and a luxury EV segment that competitors are still trying to catch up to. For millions of owners, these cars became more than transportation — they became part of their identity.
Why This Moment Matters to Tesla Fans
The end of current-generation Model S and Model X production isn’t the end of the road for these models. Tesla has confirmed ongoing support, software updates, and service for all existing vehicles. Many owners have already pledged to keep their cars for life, calling them “forever homes.”
The production shift frees up Fremont factory capacity for high-volume Optimus robot manufacturing and future vehicle platforms focused on autonomy and robotaxi technology. It represents Tesla’s evolution from groundbreaking EVs to a broader AI and robotics company — while still honouring the vehicles that started it all.
Owners Respond with Gratitude
The outpouring of love from the Tesla community has been overwhelming. Owners shared stories of how their Model S or Model X changed their daily lives, from turning commutes into enjoyable drives to creating family memories on road trips. Many highlighted the peace of mind that comes from driving the safest vehicles on the road and the joy of never visiting a gas station again.
One owner summed it up perfectly: “Every time I get into my Tesla I feel at peace no matter what’s happening in my life or in the world. You guys did that.”
What’s Next for Tesla
While the current Model S and Model X lines are winding down, Tesla continues to invest heavily in its vehicle lineup. Future updates, enhanced autonomy features, and entirely new platforms are in development. The company’s focus on Optimus robots signals an exciting chapter where humanoid robotics could transform industries far beyond automotive.
For now, the message from Lars Moravy and the Tesla team is clear: every vehicle that ever left the factory was built with passion, care, and genuine love for the customers who believed in the mission from day one.
