Polestar Resumes European Sales Development
Polestar, the Swedish premium electric vehicle brand, has officially entered the French market, marking its expansion into its 28th global market across four continents[1][2]. The company offers its full lineup in France, including the Polestar 2, Polestar 3, and Polestar 4 models, with plans to introduce the Polestar 5 four-door GT later in 2025[1][3].
France is recognized as one of Europe's fastest-growing electric vehicle markets, making it an attractive market for Polestar[1][2]. The demand for EVs is rising quickly, supported by expanding charging infrastructure and governmental incentives promoting clean mobility, creating a favorable environment for new EV entrants like Polestar.
Polestar's entry strategy in France combines direct-to-consumer online sales with a physical retail presence to maximize reach and customer experience[1][2]. Key points of their French expansion include the opening of the first retail "Polestar Space" in Le Mans in July 2025, capitalizing on the city's iconic racing heritage[1][2]. Plans are in place to open up to 10 retail locations in major French cities by the end of 2025, with ambitions to accelerate expansion further in 2026[1][2].
The company will leverage the Volvo Cars network to establish retail partnerships and provide extensive after-sales support through over 100 service points across France from day one[1][2]. Polestar enters a competitive but rapidly expanding French EV market where established players like Tesla, Volkswagen, Renault, and premium German brands (BMW, Audi, Mercedes) are active[2][4]. Polestar positions itself in the performance electric vehicle segment, highlighting performance, design, and sustainability as core brand values that appeal to French consumers seeking premium electric cars[1][2].
While precise sales figures are not disclosed, Polestar's aggressive retail rollout combined with the comprehensive service network suggests confidence in capturing a notable share of the market[1][2]. The company’s global strategy to introduce five performance EV models by 2026, along with continuous investments (e.g., $200 million raised recently to boost expansion and technology development), supports an optimistic growth trajectory in France and beyond[4].
Polestar's CEO and France country manager emphasize the brand’s readiness to compete strongly by offering attractive EV products tailored for the French market, with a focus on accelerating sales momentum in the second half of 2025 and expanding presence further in 2026[1][2].
Polestar's launch in France comes after a three-year halt in European expansion due to slowing consumer demand for premium battery-electric vehicles[4]. The company's entry into France may find a market gap following Tesla's sales decline on the Continent, which could be potentially impacted by Elon Musk's political support for Germany's far-right AfD party, perceived by many in Europe as a neo-Nazi, Holocaust-denying political movement[5].
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**In summary**, Polestar aims to firmly establish itself in the growing French EV market by combining a powerful product portfolio, a hybrid sales strategy with up to 10 retail points planned in 2025, and a robust nationwide service network. It faces strong competition but leverages its premium performance positioning, ongoing investments, and strategic market entry to pursue significant sales growth in France[1][2][4].
References: [1] Polestar Press Release (2025). Polestar announces entry into the French market, opening the first retail space in Le Mans. Retrieved from https://www.polestar.com/uk/press-releases/2025/06/polestar-announces-entry-into-the-french-market-opening-the-first-retail-space-in-le-mans
[2] Autocar (2025). Polestar enters France with a focus on performance and sustainability. Retrieved from https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/polestar-enters-france-focus-performance-and-sustainability
[3] Electrek (2025). Polestar plans to expand in France, including direct-to-consumer online sales and the addition of several Volvo retail sites across the country. Retrieved from https://electrek.co/2025/06/10/polestar-plans-to-expand-in-france-including-direct-to-consumer-online-sales-and-the-addition-of-several-volvo-retail-sites-across-the-country/
[4] Car Magazine (2025). Polestar relaunches European expansion plans after three-year halt. Retrieved from https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/industry/polestar-relaunches-european-expansion-plans-after-three-year-halt/
[5] The Guardian (2025). Elon Musk's support for far-right party sparks concerns about Tesla sales in Europe. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/may/01/elon-musks-support-for-far-right-party-sparks-concerns-about-tesla-sales-in-europe
- The French electric vehicle market, identified as one of Europe's fastest-growing, seems an attractive destination for Polestar's expansion, considering the rising demand for EVs, expanding charging infrastructure, and governmental incentives for clean mobility.
- To further solidify its presence in the French market, Polestar plans to introduce up to 10 retail locations across major cities by the end of 2025, including a "Polestar Space" in Le Mans, leveraging the city's iconic racing heritage.
- In a competitive electric vehicle industry, Polestar positions itself within the performance electric vehicle segment, signaling performance, design, and sustainability as core brand values that appeal to French consumers seeking premium electric cars.
- With an aggressive retail rollout and a comprehensive service network, Polestar anticipates capturing a notable share of the French electric vehicle market, backed by its global strategy to introduce five performance EV models by 2026, augmented by continuous investments in expansion and technology development.
