Jan. 29, 2026 | Tesla axes Model S and Model X; why kei cars are “doomed” in U.S.

Automotive News

29 January 2026

Tesla is ending production of its Model S and Model X to make room for a humanoid robot factory as the company shifts from being a carmaker to a “physical-AI provider.” Hyundai axes the Santa Cruz pickup after just one generation. Plus, Automotive News Asia Editor Hans Greimel explains the eight reasons Japanese kei cars are “doomed to flop” in the U.S. despite President Donald Trump’s push to bring them here.