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.

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.

Tesla's Fremont factory named as the production site for the new Optimus robot while continuing vehicle production.

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.

The billionaire CEO’s disdain for California isn’t evident as Tesla grabs another 108,000 square feet in the Bay Area.