Skip advert
Advertisement

Volvo’s hot Polestar brand will have exclusive models

Polestar is set to follow Mercedes’ AMG brand in creating bespoke high-performance models

Polestar, Volvo’s performance brand, is preparing to launch its first standalone model, possibly by the end of 2017.

The Swedish manufacturer has confirmed its performance car arm will offer Polestar branded cars without the Volvo badge, as well as providing tuning packages under the Polestar Engineered brand.

Speaking exclusively to Carbuyer, a senior source at Geely – Volvo and Polestar’s parent company – said there was a desire to build a portfolio of brands in an attempt to rival the Volkswagen Group. And, showing just how serious Geely is taking Polestar, its new CEO will be former Volvo design chief Thomas Ingenlath, the former Senior Vice President of Design at Volvo. Ingenlath has been described as "the inspiration behind Volvo’s award winning design renaissance in recent years".

Advertisement - Article continues below

The first Polestar model is understood to be an electric performance model based on Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. Smaller models based in its Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) technology will follow. SPA technology underpins Volvo’s large models, including the XC90, S90, V90 and new Volvo XC60. CMA will form the basis of new smaller Volvos, including the new 40-series models: the XC40, S40 and V40.

This offers the potential for Polestar to launch cars ranging from the size of a family hatchback to a large saloon or SUV. Both SPA and CMA are able to accept plug-in hybrid and fully electric power systems, making Polestar’s engineering challenge more straightforward. Mr Ingenlath said: “I am really excited to take up the challenge of establishing this exciting brand, developing a fabulous portfolio of bespoke products and channelling the passion we have throughout the Polestar team. The next chapter in Polestar’s history is just beginning.”

Polestar will continue to engineer and produce performance enhancements for existing Volvo models, but will also lead Geely’s motorsport projects. It already prepares Volvo Polestar models run in the Word Touring Car Championship by Cyan Racing and Polestar’s involvement in electric cars could trigger talk of involvement in the electric Formula E championship.

Volvo is fast cementing its position as an upmarket brand to rival Audi, while Polestar will become the sporty brand. Geely wants Polestar to mirror AMG in producing standalone models as well as performance versions of Volvo’s own cars.

Geely, itself a major player in the Chinese domestic market, is also readying new brand LYNK & Co for launch. This will offer a range of models through car sharing and subscription schemes as well as more conventional finance packages.

Geely also has plans for the London Taxi Company, which it acquired in 2013, and it’s in talks with Lotus to secure a majority stake.

Polestar is based in Gothenburg, Sweden and is run by former Volvo UK boss Nick Connor. It has been involved with Volvo’s motorsport efforts since 1996, before being bought by Volvo in 2015.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Volvo to update 2.5m cars with easier-to-use Google-based infotainment
Volvo infotainment upgrade
News
5 Sep 2024

Volvo to update 2.5m cars with easier-to-use Google-based infotainment

Volvo V90 estate review
Volvo V90 front quarter
In-depth reviews
10 Jul 2024

Volvo V90 estate review

New Volvo EX60 premium electric SUV to replace the XC60
Volvo EX60 render front quarter
News
5 Jun 2024

New Volvo EX60 premium electric SUV to replace the XC60

Most Popular

New BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: details and first drive of the sleek executive four-door
BMW M235 Gran Coupe front quarter
News
26 Nov 2024

New BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: details and first drive of the sleek executive four-door

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s Black Friday offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
29 Nov 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s Black Friday offers

2025 Toyota Yaris announced with minor upgrades
2025 Toyota Yaris front quarter
News
29 Nov 2024

2025 Toyota Yaris announced with minor upgrades

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024