Polestar Commences Operations in France
Polestar, the electric performance brand owned by Volvo Cars, has officially launched in France, marking a significant milestone in its European expansion. This move comes after a pause in market expansion and a delayed French debut due to a logo dispute with Stellantis-owned PSA, which was resolved in 2022.
Polestar's sales in Europe already account for an impressive 75% of its global sales, making the continent a prime focus for the brand. France, as Polestar's 28th global market, is no exception. The company aims to make France one of its top three European markets, alongside the UK and Sweden.
From launch, Polestar drivers in France will have access to over 100 Volvo service points nationwide. Customers can purchase vehicles online or through retail partners leveraging Volvo Cars' existing network.
Polestar's full lineup, including the Polestar 2, 3, and 4, is now available in France, with prices starting at €46,800.
Looking ahead, Polestar plans to reignite its expansion efforts in 2026, targeting Central Europe and Latin America. In Central Europe, Polestar is focusing on establishing production of its upcoming Polestar 7 electric SUV in Slovakia, with a launch scheduled for 2028. The new European manufacturing footprint is centered on the Volvo Cars’ plant under construction in Košice, Slovakia. Production at this plant was originally planned to start in 2026 but has been delayed to early 2027 to optimize the product launch timeline.
Regarding Latin America, no explicit information about Polestar’s expansion plans for that region in 2026 or beyond is currently available. As of mid-2025, Polestar operates in 27 markets globally, with an emphasis on growing production capabilities and sustainability commitments, but no detailed timeline or goals for Latin America expansion were disclosed.
Polestar's expansion plans for Central Europe are strategic, leveraging Volvo's shared platform (SPA3) and technology stack, aligning with Polestar’s asset-light production model. The strategic focus is to strengthen Polestar’s position in its home European market and avoid EU tariffs on Chinese-made cars by local production.
As more details about Polestar’s Latin American strategy become available, they are expected to specify target countries, market introduction timelines, and potential partnerships. Until then, Polestar's European expansion continues, with plans to establish a retail presence in Le Mans in July, followed by up to ten additional cities by year-end.
[1] Polestar's European Expansion: Slovakia Plant and Polestar 7 [2] Polestar's Latin American Expansion Plans for 2026 [3] Polestar's European Expansion: Focus on Central Europe [4] Polestar's European Expansion: Sustainability Commitments
- The Polestar 7, an upcoming electric SUV from Polestar, is set to be produced in Slovakia, marking a significant move in Polestar's European expansion strategy, which aims to strengthen its position in the home market and avoid EU tariffs on Chinese-made cars.
- Details about Polestar’s Latin American strategy for 2026 are yet to be announced, with no clear target countries, market introduction timelines, or potential partnerships disclosed as of mid-2025.
- Polestar is focusing on Central Europe as part of its expansion efforts, leveraging Volvo's shared platform (SPA3) and technology stack, aligning with Polestar’s asset-light production model.
- Sustainability commitments form a crucial part of Polestar's European expansion, with the brand aiming to grow its production capabilities while adhering to stringent environmental standards.
