Today marks a significant milestone for Polestar as we commence production of our luxury SUV, the Polestar 3, in Ridgeville, South Carolina. This event is not just about the present—it’s a key step in shaping our future and enhancing our service to customers, particularly in the United States.
Why U.S. Production Matters
Producing the Polestar 3 in the U.S. reflects our commitment to one of our most crucial markets. The American affinity for SUVs—vehicles that balance power, versatility, and comfort—makes this a strategic move. With the Polestar 3, we introduce a luxury electric SUV that merges Scandinavian design with cutting-edge technology, now proudly manufactured in America.
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Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath emphasizes the importance of this milestone: “Manufacturing Polestar 3 in the USA is a crucial step for us. Now we offer customers in America an electric SUV that is built in America.” This local production not only strengthens our presence in the U.S. but also allows us to cater more effectively to American consumers, who are increasingly prioritizing sustainability alongside performance and design.
Innovation Meets Tradition
Located in South Carolina, a state with a rich automotive heritage, the Ridgeville plant is a symbol of the future of American manufacturing as it shifts towards electrification. This facility is now a leader in this transformation, combining advanced technology with the craftsmanship for which South Carolina is known.
By establishing production in Ridgeville, Polestar is not just participating in this evolution—we’re helping to define the future of automotive manufacturing in the state. However, getting production up and running here was a complex task, requiring meticulous planning and execution. Our asset-light manufacturing approach was key, allowing us to maximize efficiency and scalability by collaborating closely with Volvo, an industry leader with decades of experience. The Ridgeville factory, originally built by Volvo, has been adapted to meet our specific needs, highlighting the strength of our partnership.
The Power of Our Asset-Light Model
Polestar’s asset-light model is central to our strategy. By focusing on design, innovation, and brand development, we avoid the extensive overheads associated with owning large production facilities. The Ridgeville production line, built on a new all-electric technology base shared with the Volvo EX90, demonstrates how quickly and effectively we can establish state-of-the-art manufacturing processes. The synergy between Polestar and Volvo is evident in every Polestar 3 that rolls off the line, ensuring the highest standards of quality and performance.
What Polestar 3 Means for the U.S. Market
Polestar 3 is a luxury electric SUV designed for the modern age, blending sleek Scandinavian aesthetics with the latest automotive technology and driving dynamics. It’s a vehicle equally suited to the streets of New York City and the rugged backroads of Montana. As Thomas Ingenlath puts it: “I strongly believe this is the best-looking and best-driving SUV in the market today.” With features like centralized core computing powered by NVIDIA, advanced safety systems, and a dynamic yet comfortable driving experience, the Polestar 3 is tailored to meet the unique demands of American drivers.
Expanding Our Global Footprint
The decision to build the Polestar 3 in the U.S. is part of our broader global strategy to expand our presence in key markets. By producing vehicles in both the U.S. and China, we can better serve North America, Europe, and Asia, reducing lead times and costs while improving our ability to respond to regional demands. The Ridgeville facility will also play a crucial role in our export strategy, with vehicles produced here destined not only for American roads but also for Europe, further solidifying our global reach.
What’s Next?
While the launch of Polestar 3 production in the U.S. is a major achievement, it is just one element of our broader vision. With plans to begin building the Polestar 4 in South Korea by 2025, we remain committed to expanding our global footprint and continuing to innovate in the electric vehicle space.
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