Swedish electric vehicle manufacturer Polestar will begin sales in France this year, aiming to make the country one of its top three European markets, the company’s local executive said, as it focuses on core regions amid global EV headwinds.
The company, majority-owned by China’s Geely Holding, has shifted its attention back to Europe following pressure from tariffs, reduced demand, and funding constraints. France marks the automaker’s first new market since 2022, as its expansion efforts had slowed in recent years.
Michael Lohscheller, Polestar CEO says: “We are very excited to bring our portfolio of performance EVs to France, one of Europe’s fastest growing EV markets. Our cars are already receiving fantastic media reviews in France, and we look forward to seeing more and more Polestars on French roads during the second half of the year.”
“We are a young company,” said Stephane Le Guevel, managing director of Polestar France. “Given we have had a very steady rhythm of launches and market openings, it is good too, at some point to pause for a moment, before launching again a cycle of market openings.”
Le Guevel said the French launch is part of a broader plan to resume market expansion in 2025, with possible entry into Central Europe and Latin America. Europe already accounts for 75% of the company’s global sales, and Polestar hopes France will join Britain and Sweden as its key regional markets.
Sales of Polestar’s 2, 3, and 4 models will begin this week in France, with prices ranging from €46,800 ($53,474) to €79,800 ($91,180). Its first showroom in the country is set to open in Le Mans in July, with vehicle deliveries expected in October. The company will continue to rely on Volvo Cars, its former parent company, for manufacturing and servicing support.
Polestar’s entry into the French market was delayed by a legal dispute with PSA – now part of Stellantis – over logo similarities with the DS brand.