Tesla to Discontinue Model S and X, Convert Fremont Plant to Humanoid Robot Hub

*Editor's Note: 'AI PRISM' (Personalized Report & Insight Summarizing Media) is an 'AI-based customized news recommendation and summarization service' developed with support from the Korea Press Foundation. It selects and provides six customized news items by reader type.

1. Tesla Drops Model S and X for Optimus... Transforms into Annual 1-Million-Unit Robot Facility

- Key Summary: Tesla will discontinue Model S and X production in Q2 and convert its Fremont plant into a humanoid robot 'Optimus' production facility. CEO Musk reaffirmed his strategy to concentrate capital on autonomous driving and AI businesses, stating "80% of Tesla's value will come from Optimus." The move comes as Tesla's annual revenue declined for the first time last year with net profit plunging 46%, having ceded the global EV top spot to BYD. Hyundai Motor is also intensifying competition, deciding to deploy humanoid robot 'Atlas' at its U.S. plant by 2028 and recruiting Tesla executives.

2. Samsung: "HBM Sales to Triple This Year"... Quarterly Revenue of 100 Trillion Won in Sight

- Key Summary: Samsung Electronics set a Korean corporate record by surpassing 20 trillion won in quarterly operating profit, with approximately 16.4 trillion won from its semiconductor division. Fourth-quarter DRAM average selling price (ASP) rose approximately 40% quarter-on-quarter, with HBM sales projected to more than triple this year. The company plans to begin HBM4 mass production next month and start seventh-generation HBM (HBM4E) sample testing mid-year. Morgan Stanley forecasts DRAM prices to surge 62% and NAND prices 75% this year, with financial industry analysts suggesting Samsung's annual operating profit could exceed 150 trillion won.

3. LG Energy Solution Supplies Batteries to Six Robot Makers... Doubles ESS Production

- Key Summary: LG Energy Solution (373220.KS) is reorganizing its business around ESS in response to slowing EV demand, doubling global production capacity to 60GWh by year-end. The company is concentrating more than 80% of ESS lines in North America and has set a record new order target of 90GWh or more. It is supplying cylindrical batteries to six or more global humanoid robot companies including Tesla, with a 2030 target for commercializing all-solid-state batteries. However, the company has shifted to a conservative investment strategy, cutting capital expenditure by more than 40% from last year to maximize existing asset operational efficiency.

4. Meta Up 7%, Microsoft Down 6%... Markets Diverge on AI Blueprints

- Key Summary: Both Microsoft and Meta reported strong Q4 results, but their stock prices moved in opposite directions. Meta announced AI infrastructure investment plans of up to $135 billion this year and tripled smart glasses sales, rising 6.6% in after-hours trading. Microsoft recorded $37.5 billion in Q4 capital expenditure but fell more than 6% as cloud revenue growth slipped from 40% to 39% quarter-on-quarter. Shares of semiconductor manufacturers and equipment makers including ASML, Micron, and Intel surged 6-11%, pushing the S&P 500 above 7,000 intraday for the first time, indicating AI benefits are concentrating on semiconductor production.

5. SK hynix: "Overwhelming HBM4 Competitiveness to Defend Top Position"... DRAM Inventory to Shrink Further

- Key Summary: SK hynix (000660.KS) is already in HBM4 mass production, targeting "overwhelming market share." Vice President Kim Ki-tae dismissed competitor catch-up possibilities, stating "mass production experience and quality trust cannot be replicated in a short period." DRAM inventory declined in Q4 and is expected to decrease further in the second half, solidifying a seller's market. The company diagnosed structurally explosive demand for ultra-high-performance eSSD due to expanding AI inference, announcing a strategy to evolve from component supplier to AI data center ecosystem partner through establishing AI Co.

6. Trump: "Will Work Out Solution with Korea on Tariffs"

- Key Summary: President Trump notified Korea of tariff increases from 15% to 25% on automobiles, lumber, and pharmaceuticals, but left room for negotiation the next day, stating he would "work out a solution with Korea." He cited Korea's National Assembly not approving the bilateral trade agreement as the reason for the increase. Various interpretations have emerged including calls to accelerate U.S. investment, willingness to complete negotiations before midterm elections, and pushback against digital barrier regulations. Major exporters including Hyundai Motor and Samsung urgently need to reassess their trade risk response strategies.