Introduction
Polestar, the electric vehicle brand under the umbrella of Geely-owned Volvo, is gearing up for a significant milestone as it initiates mass production of its much-anticipated electric coupe SUV, the Polestar 4. The production will kick off next week at Geely’s plant in Hangzhou Bay, China, marking a pivotal moment for the brand’s expansion into the electric vehicle market.
China Debut and Global Launch Timeline
Chinese consumers will be the first to experience the Polestar 4, with deliveries slated to commence in December 2023. The rest of the world can anticipate the global launch in early 2024, followed by deliveries starting in the summer of the same year. This staggered timeline reflects Polestar’s strategic approach to market penetration.
Production Strategy: China and South Korea
To navigate the complexities of global markets and tariffs, Polestar has devised a production strategy. The China-made Polestar 4 will primarily be available in China and Europe, while the US market will receive vehicles manufactured in Korea. This strategic move is aimed at sidestepping the 25% tariffs on Chinese vehicle imports, ensuring a competitive edge in the US market.
Polestar’s Global Manufacturing Network
Polestar boasts a global manufacturing network, with five factories spanning three countries: the United States, China, and South Korea. Despite being dubbed a Swedish-China automaker, there’s no official announcement about a European factory. Speculations about a potential European factory in 2027 linger, but details remain uncertain.
Embracing Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
Polestar is not just about electric vehicles; it’s also at the forefront of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving. The Polestar 4 is set to make history by becoming the first production car featuring Mobileye Chauffeur ADAS, integrating Luminar lidar specifically for autonomous highway driving. This underlines Polestar’s commitment to cutting-edge technology and safety.
Q: When will Polestar 4 go into mass production?
A: Polestar 4 is set to start mass production next week at Geely’s plant in Hangzhou Bay, China.
Q: When will deliveries of Polestar 4 begin in China?
A: Deliveries of Polestar 4 in China are scheduled to commence in December.
Q: When will the global launch of Polestar 4 take place?
A: The global launch of Polestar 4 is expected in early 2024, with deliveries starting in the summer of the same year.
Q: Why is Polestar adopting a staggered launch strategy for different markets?
A: Polestar is adopting a staggered launch strategy to cater to different markets efficiently. The China-made Polestar 4 will be primarily sold in China and Europe, while the US market will receive vehicles manufactured in Korea, avoiding 25% tariffs on Chinese vehicle imports.
Q: How many factories does Polestar have, and in which countries are they located?
A: Polestar has five factories located in three countries: the United States, China, and South Korea.
Q: Is there any information about Polestar building a factory in Europe?
A: As of now, there is no official announcement about Polestar building a factory in Europe. Speculations suggest a potential European factory in 2027, but details remain uncertain.
Q: What advanced features does Polestar 4 offer in terms of autonomous driving?
A: Polestar 4 is set to be the first production car featuring Mobileye Chauffeur ADAS, integrating Luminar lidar specifically for autonomous highway driving, showcasing Polestar’s commitment to advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving technology.
Conclusion
As Polestar’s electric journey advances, the initiation of mass production for the Polestar 4 marks a crucial step in the brand’s global expansion. The dual approach of catering to the Chinese market first and then the rest of the world showcases Polestar’s thoughtful market strategy. With a focus on advanced technology and a global manufacturing network, Polestar is positioning itself at the forefront of the evolving electric and autonomous driving landscape.
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