--- title: "Tesla Just Killed 40% of Its Lineup so It Can Build Robots: TDS" date: "2026-01-29" modified: "2026-01-29" authors: - name: "Joel Feder" job_title: "Director of Content and Product" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/joel-feder" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/tesla-just-killed-40-of-its-lineup-so-it-can-build-robots-tds" categories: - "News" - "The Downshift" --- # Tesla Just Killed 40% of Its Lineup so It Can Build Robots: TDS ![Tesla Model S]() Good morning and welcome to *The Downshift*, or *TDS* for short. Quick, dense, and succinct, *TDS* gathers the latest automotive headlines from around the globe and places them in one spot. Stories are summarized in a single sentence accompanied by a link for those seeking more information. ๐Ÿ”ˆ As you may have seen, [we launched *The Drive*'s first podcast yesterday](). Called *The Drivecast*, the podcast's premiere episode is live, can be streamed on *The Drive*, Spotify, and imminently Apple Podcasts. We hope you'll give it a listen and feedback is welcome at feedback@thedrive.com. The first cup of coffee is gone, I'm definitely ready for a second, so let's get into it. ๐Ÿš˜ What Iโ€™m driving: Still spending time with the 2026 Honda Ridgeline Trailsport and am appreciating how it doesn't require three-point turns in parking lots but it's just as thirsty as a full-size pickup with a V8 engine. ๐Ÿชฆ [Tesla CEO Elon Musk said]() the automaker will end production of the Model S sedan and Model X SUV with no replacements set to arrive to fend off growing competition; the to EVs will be discontinued so Tesla can use the space at its Fremont, California factory to built Optimus robots. ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick attempted to convince Mercedes-Benz Group CEO Ola Kรคllenius the German automaker should [move its headquarters to the U.S.](), which was rejected. ๐Ÿ“ˆ Record sales once again solidified [Toyota's spot as the global sales champ](). ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ’ผ [Infiniti has a new boss]() and is being hailed as "the man we need" by the automaker's National Dealer Advisory Board. ๐ŸŽ๏ธ Lexus racing is [taking its last laps]() as the brand sunsets its track program, which will be replaced in 2027 by Gazoo Racing. ๐Ÿ˜ฌ Lincoln and Ford dealers are nervous about 2026 sales with the [death of the Corsair ]()and [Escape SUVs](). ๐Ÿ”Œ Audi confirmed a [next-generation RS 5 will arrive later this year]() with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. ๐Ÿ’ฐ Slate is still trying to figure out [how much its EV truck will cost](). ๐Ÿ”‹ A [new piece of tech the size of a pop can]() is claiming the ability to charge a 100-kWh LFP battery from 10-80% in just 10 minutes. โ€ผ๏ธ [Hyundai is recalling 568,567 Palisade SUVs]() due to improper deployment of side curtain airbags. *Got a news tip or feedback? Drop us a line at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Overseeing what you see, read, touch, hear, and interact with from the vast lakes of Minnesota, Joel Feder shapes how The Drive looks and operates as the head of content and product initiatives. On a daily basis, Joel leads the newsroom and editorial staff playing point on both short-term coverage and long-term strategic plans. His mission is to help ensure The Drive shapes the future of automotive media by helping the team execute original reporting, breaking news, and exclusive opportunities. Regarded as an industry insider and recognized by colleagues, fellow journalists, and manufacturers as a point-person and leader in the industry, Joel owns and runs the largest automotive professionals group on Facebook in an effort to serve and help others. Joel serves as a juror for the World Car Awards. In addition, he is the board chair and chair of the governance and nominating committee for Move Forward MN, a local non-profit that helps at-risk youth with barrier-free mental health and housing services. While youโ€™re reading this heโ€™s either on his computer or iPhone chasing the latest news or drafting a story. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() [Bluesky]() [Email]()