Polestar Finally Arrives in France After Several Years of Struggles

The Sino-Swedish brand of premium electric vehicles Polestar is finally starting its commercial activities in France.

Polestar, an automotive manufacturer with a Swedish passport but owned by the Chinese group Geely, specialized in premium electric vehicles, announces the official launch of its sales in France. Its entire range of Polestar 2, 3, and 4 is now available for order, either online or through a physical network currently under development. France thus becomes the 28th active market for the brand worldwide.

This launch, however, comes much later than expected. Since its introduction in other European markets, Polestar had been prevented from operating in France due to a legal dispute with Citroën, a subsidiary of Stellantis. The issue centered around a challenge to Polestar’s visual identity, deemed too similar to Citroën’s logo. This lawsuit had led, as early as 2020, to a ban on all communication and sales of the brand within French territory. The dispute was ultimately resolved out of court in 2022, but the effects of this blockage have persisted.

In addition to the legal conflict, Polestar had to deal with significant delays in local commercial and logistical development. Unlike other markets where the brand was able to quickly establish its sales and service infrastructures, the prolonged absence in France hindered the formation of its distribution network, slowed down brand awareness, and delayed strategic partnerships.

Today, Polestar begins its establishment with an omnichannel strategy: direct sales via its website and the gradual opening of physical sales points, relying on partners from the Volvo network. The first location will open in July in Le Mans, followed by around ten other sites in major French cities by the end of 2025. At the same time, a network of over 100 authorized service points is already operational for the maintenance and servicing of vehicles.

This launch marks a new phase for Polestar, which now intends to make up for lost time and establish itself sustainably in the French automotive landscape undergoing energy transition.

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