Polestar expands

Polestar is expanding its commercial footprint and retail operations across existing and new markets, as its model line-up continues to grow.

 The company is widening its retail footprint with existing and new partners, as part of a shift to a non-genuine agency sales model across Europe.

Customers will still be able to configure and order their Polestar online, as well as through the expanding network of Polestar Spaces and service locations.

Sweden and Norway have switched to a non-genuine agency sales model with other key markets set to follow suit in the second half of the year, says Polestar.

The brand plans to enter seven new markets during 2025. France is the largest volume market for electric cars in the European Union (EU) after Germany, it adds.

Polestar says it will also look to launch in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Thailand and Brazil via local distribution partnerships.

 “Expanding our retail operations with new and existing partners will enable us to reach more customers,” says Polestar chief executive Thomas Ingenlath.

“Through these partnerships and expansion, we will capitalise on our strong brand and growing model line-up.”

Polestar says Winfried Vahland is appointed board chair with Håkan Samuelsson to retire while Carla De Geyseleer won’t stand for re-election as director, instead focussing on her executive role.

Christine Gorjanc and Xiaojie (Laura) Shen are proposed as new directors, subject to approval at the company’s shareholders AGM.

Polestar management appointments have been made, reporting to commercial head Kristian Elvefors who says the appointments strengthen Polestar’s sales teams and bringing in additional expertise at a pivotal point in its development as Polestar’s model line-up expands to include two new SUVs.

 Anders Gustafsson succeeds Gregor Hembrough as North America head, having spent 13 years at Volvo Cars, including six years as senior vice president Americas and Volvo Cars USA president and chief executive.

Hembrough becomes Polestar global sales operations head.

 Matt Galvin replaces Jonathan Goodman as United Kingdom managing director with Goodman retiring. Galvin was previously Nio UK managing director and his 22-year career in the automotive industry includes senior UK roles at Volvo Cars and Mercedes-Benz.

In Norway, Marius Hayler succeeds Alexander Hørthe. Hayler was Nio Germany and Norway general manager. In addition to leading Polestar’s business in Norway, Hayler will also head up the Nordic region. He was previously Jaguar Land Rover Norge country director, Møller Bil Sweden managing director and Volvo Car Norge vice president.

Polestar intends having five performance EVs by 2026.

Polestar 2 launched in 2019, Polestar 3 in late 2022, Polestar 4 in phases through 2023 and into 2024 and Polestar 5 (four-door GT) and Polestar 6 (roadster) are coming soon.