Volvo Cars’ Polestar 1, shown publicly at the Geneva show this week, following its global media reveal in Shanghai, China, in late 2017, will now initially be sold in 18 markets, up six from the 12 announced last month.
The automaker will open pre orders for the Polestar 1 at 08:00 CET on 13 March 2018 with a request to the list of potential customers to pay a fully-refundable deposit of EUR2,500 (US$3,104). Pre-orders will open in China, the US, Sweden, Germany, Norway and the Netherlands, the initial six announced first but the UK, Switzerland, Belgium, Finland, France, Poland, Austria, Spain, Italy, Denmark, Portugal and Canada have now been added and order books for those will open at the same time.
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“This is the public launch of the new Polestar 1, and our new electric performance brand. Electromobility is the main focus of today’s automotive industry, and Polestar is at the centre of this development, introducing world-class electrified cars and ground-breaking, customer-focussed services and offers,” said CEO Thomas Ingenlath in a statement.
“To date, we have received interest from more than 6,000 potential customers wanting the Polestar 1 – a number which began gathering momentum from the moment the car was revealed. With our current plans to produce 500 cars per year, it’s possible that we have exceeded our production potential in these early stages.”
He said the 18 markets cover around 95% “of the geographical interest from potential Polestar 1 customers”.
“The deposit acts as a placeholder in the queue and we are excited to see how the initial response translates into pre-orders.”
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By GlobalDataThe automaker is introducing a new subscription model where customers will be able to subscribe to their car for two or three years.
“Linked to a host of connected and on-demand benefits such as pick-up and delivery servicing, the no-deposit, all-inclusive subscription model has been designed to take the traditional hassle out of vehicle ownership with one monthly fee that includes sundries such as insurance and maintenance, and allows the customer to focus on the enjoyment of driving,” Polestar said.
“Customers will also be able to purchase the Polestar 1 outright if desired.”
Following its Geneva showing, other regional ‘reveal’ events are planned in China, the US and elsewhere in Europe prior to the start of production in China in mid-2019.
Development at the Polestar Production Centre in Chengdu, China, is progressing. Ground was broken in November 2017, construction is on track for tooling installation and pre-production will begin as planned towards the end of 2018.
“The beautiful new Polestar Production Centre in Chengdu will become our manufacturing hub and the centre of manufacturing operations,” said COO Jonathan Goodman.
“With its Scandinavian design principles, expertly executed by Snohetta of Norway, and its roots quite literally set in one of our main markets, the centre serves not only as the birthplace of all [our] cars but also a brand experience facility with a dedicated test track and other client-focused facilities which contribute to the world-class customer experience.”
See also: [interview with Goodman]: GENEVA SHOW – Volvo Cars’ Chinese Polestar plant on schedule
