Swedish electric carmaker, Polestar, has announced that its first all-electric sports utility vehicle (SUV) will be manufactured in the United States. The forthcoming Polestar 3, which will be an aerodynamic electric performance SUV, will be manufactured alongside new Volvo vehicles at the Volvo Cars production centre in Ridgeville, South Carolina.
Polestar was launched in 2017 by Volvo Cars and Geely Holding. The Ridgeville plant was opened in 2018 by Volvo Cars. Polestar’s ability to share a production facility with Volvo Cars highlights the industrial and financial synergies it generates as a result of its ownership structure. Polestar vehicles built in South Carolina will be for sale in the United States.
This latest move transforms Polestar into a truly global brand. It will have industrial capacity in the two largest single markets for electric vehicles in the world, namely the USA and China. This will be alongside its headquarters and established sales and distribution capabilities in Europe.
Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO, said: “Polestar 3 will be built in America, for our American customers. I remember the great response when I first shared Polestar’s vision here in the USA.
“I am proud that our first SUV will be manufactured in South Carolina. From now on, the USA is no longer an export market but a home market.”
Alongside the manufacturing plant in South Carolina, Polestar will also open around 25 retail ‘Spaces’ in the USA. These will offer home test drives, free pick-up and delivery servicing and mobile service for consumers in markets still awaiting the opening of a Polestar Space.
Dennis Nobelius, Polestar COO, said: “Production in the USA reduces delivery times as well as the environmental impact associated with shipping vehicles around the world.
“It will even have a positive impact on the price of Polestar 3. All of this makes the brand even more competitive in the critical American sales market.”
Polestar 3 will debut the new generation of electric vehicle architecture from the Volvo Car Group. This has been designed from scratch for full electrification. It will feature industry-leading connectivity features based on Google’s native Android Automotive OS infotainment system, as well as high-end, safety-focused autonomous driving features.
The news of the expansion of Polestar’s manufacturing footprint follows the recent announcement that the company raised $550 million (£400 million/€460 million) from a group of long-term external investors in April. The company has confirmed that it will explore potential future funding opportunities.
Production of Polestar 3 is expected to begin globally in 2022. Full product details will be made available at a later date.
