Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath is thoroughly enjoying his time behind the wheel of the Polestar 3 SUV. During a drive near Spanish Bay, he praises the car’s comfortable and smooth ride, coupled with its engaging handling. The Polestar 3 represents a new direction for the brand in the United States, as it marks the first American-assembled Polestar SUVs being produced at the company’s plant in South Carolina. This move is significant because it allows Polestar to avoid the recently imposed tariffs on Chinese EVs. Ingenlath acknowledges that the EV market in the US is evolving, but he remains optimistic about the future, emphasizing the need for more consistent and stable political conditions to support the growth of the industry.
Despite facing challenges such as tariffs and changes in ownership, Polestar is determined to succeed. The company recently secured a $1 billion loan to ensure its operations remain on track. Ingenlath recognizes the importance of showcasing the company’s execution capabilities to its stakeholders and focuses on making Polestar self-sustaining.
The Polestar 3 is a crucial part of Polestar’s strategy, as it aims to appeal to families with its larger size and roomy interior. The SUV is expected to generate sales growth that will pave the way for future releases, including the Polestar 4 and Polestar 5. Ingenlath emphasizes the brand’s design-forward approach, stating that the goal is to create desirable cars that customers are eager to own.
Ingenlath acknowledges that technology sharing with Volvo has been instrumental in Polestar’s ability to iterate quickly. The partnership allows Polestar to leverage Volvo’s advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) technology, enabling the production of premium vehicles. Polestar also embraces Google’s Android Automotive for its in-car interface, a decision that has been well-received by customers.
The long-awaited release of the Polestar 3 is just weeks away, according to Ingenlath. Despite delays caused by software issues, the company remains committed to delivering a high-quality product to its customers. With its combination of performance, comfort, and sleek design, the Polestar 3 is poised to make a significant impact in the competitive SUV market.
