Polestar Launches Production of Its First Utility Vehicle, the Polestar 3

Polestar, the electric performance brand spun off from Volvo in the late 2010s, has commenced production of its first utility vehicle, the Polestar 3, at the Volvo Cars factory in Charleston, South Carolina. This marks a significant milestone for the brand, which has previously offered only two models: the low-volume plug-in hybrid Polestar 1 coupe and the Polestar 2 sedan. The Polestar 3 is set to expand the brand's offerings and appeal to a broader market. The Polestar 3 is built on the SPA2 architecture, which it shares with the upcoming Volvo EX90, also produced in Charleston. While the EX90 is a larger, three-row SUV, the Polestar 3 features a sportier design with a two-row, five-seater configuration. This new model represents a shift towards a more distinct Polestar identity, moving away from its Volvo roots, and is expected to evolve further with future models like the Polestar 4, 5, and 6. Initial production of the Polestar 3 began several months ago at a Geely factory in Chengdu, China, primarily for local sales and European exports. However, all units destined for the U.S. market will now be sourced from South Carolina. The Polestar 2 has seen fluctuating sales, peaking at just over 1,200 units in July 2023, and the brand hopes that the introduction of the Polestar 3 will invigorate sales in the competitive American market. As Polestar aims to establish a stronger presence in the utility vehicle segment, the success of the Polestar 3 will be crucial. If the model fails to gain traction, it could jeopardize the brand's future in the automotive landscape.