Polestar Begins Operations in France
Polestar, the premium electric vehicle (EV) brand backed by China's Geely and spun out of Volvo, has officially entered the European premium EV market with its launch in France. This move marks Polestar's 28th global market across four continents, and France is one of the brand's top three European targets, alongside the UK and Sweden.
The French debut was initially delayed due to a logo dispute with Stellantis-owned PSA, but the issue was resolved in 2022. Polestar drivers in France will now have access to over 100 Volvo service points nationwide. Customers can purchase vehicles online or through retail partners leveraging Volvo Cars' existing network.
Polestar is betting on its premium design, direct-to-consumer model, and strong European brand identity to set it apart. The brand is offering its full lineup, including the Polestar 2, 3, and 4, with prices starting at €46,800.
In a strategic move, Polestar will build the Polestar 7 at a new manufacturing facility in Slovakia, targeting European markets, including Central Europe, to avoid tariffs and leverage local production advantages. This is part of a regional production strategy alongside Volvo, Polestar’s Geely-affiliated brand.
Central Europe's automotive industry, notably in Slovakia, is growing rapidly due to skilled labor, investment incentives, EU funding, and strategic location, making it a key hub for Polestar’s European expansion. The brand is also reinforcing its presence in Germany (Europe’s largest auto market) through high-profile partnerships like the three-year official mobility partner deal with Borussia Dortmund starting in 2025/26, which supports growth in Central Europe.
However, Polestar is facing headwinds including slower global EV demand and tariff pressures. As a result, the company has put further rollouts on hold in 2022. Despite these challenges, Polestar plans to reignite its expansion efforts in 2026, with Central Europe and Latin America in its sights. The brand is deliberately prioritizing more profitable and receptive markets, particularly in Europe.
No explicit plans for Latin America expansion by Polestar in 2026 were found in the sources, indicating the company’s current focus may be primarily on Europe, especially Central Europe.
In Canada, there is a large $25,000 discount on the Polestar 3 SUV for customers who either pay cash or arrange their own financing. A referral link is also available for buying a Tesla, which could provide three months of Full Self-Driving (FSD) if used.
Polestar accounts for 75% of its global sales in Europe, making the continent a crucial market for the brand. The company's expansion in Central Europe and potential entry into the Latin American market in 2026 reflect its commitment to growth and its confidence in the future of the electric vehicle industry.
- Polestar's decision to build the Polestar 7 at a new manufacturing facility in Slovakia, a key hub for Polestar’s European expansion, is strategic, aimed at targeting European markets, especially Central Europe, and avoiding tariffs.
- In France, Polestar drivers now have access to over 100 Volvo service points nationwide, where customers can purchase vehicles online or through retail partners leveraging Volvo Cars' existing network.
- Despite the recent delay in the Latin American market expansion, Polestar plans to reignite its efforts in 2026, with Central Europe and Latin America in its sights, prioritizing more profitable and receptive markets.
- The automotive industry in Central Europe, particularly in Slovakia, has been growing rapidly due to factors such as skilled labor, investment incentives, EU funding, and strategic location, making it an attractive destination for Polestar’s expansion.
