Who Makes Polestar Cars & Where Are They From?

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Quick Guide to Who Makes Polestar Cars

  • Debuted in 1996 in Sweden as Flash Engineering, a team that races Volvo cars
  • The team rebranded as Polestar Racing in 2005
  • Tuning division called Polestar Performance AB was also in operation
  • Polestar Performance AB was acquired by Volvo Cars in 2015
  • Gained brand independence in 2017, turning toward EV production
  • Produced the limited-edition Polestar 1 for the U.S. market in 2019

Minimalist, Elegant, and Agile: Polestar Cars Are Leading the Way

"Who makes Polestar cars, and where can I get one?" Tech enthusiasts and enviro-conscious consumers may champion the Polestar brand for its commitment to sustainability, but nearly every U.S. driver can agree that this Swedish nameplate also symbolizes thrilling automotive design and performance. After all, who wouldn't want a sleek, minimalist EV with cutting-edge propulsion and premium cabin designs?

Today, Polestar Marin is doing far more than discussing who makes Polestar cars; we're pulling back the curtain to acknowledge queries like, "When was the Polestar brand founded?" and "Where are Polestar cars made?" We'll also investigate the automaker's fascinating story of innovation to see how its current vehicle lineup is setting new standards in the EV world.

If you've ever pictured yourself behind the wheel of an ultramodern Polestar model, consider this your first step toward an electrified future. When you're ready, take your second step by visiting our dealership in Corte Madera, CA, for a tour and test drive of these gorgeous zero-tailpipe-emission models.

P Stands for Performance: Exploring Polestar Origins and History

In case you've ever asked yourself, "Where is the Polestar brand from?" the answer is simple: Sweden. The Polestar company launched in 1996 as a Swedish racing team. First called Flash Engineering, the organization won multiple Swedish Touring Car Championship titles while racing Volvo 850, S40, and S60 models. Years later, Flash Engineering was rebranded as Polestar Racing, and a Volvo tuning performance division called Polestar Performance AB was in full operation. This division was responsible for developing and testing performance components for Volvo vehicles.

Who Made Polestar Cars: The Volvo Legacy Expansion

In 2015, Volvo made moves to acquire Polestar Performance AB and formally crowned the company with its modern Polestar name. The Polestar division's first job as a Volvo subsidiary was to enhance Volvo performance and driving dynamics. This partnership led to the creation of the breathtaking Volvo C30 Polestar Performance Concept Prototype, a race car turned roadster, along with the Volvo S60 Polestar Concept, a speed machine that set an unforgettable Nürburgring lap record.

Are the Polestar and Volvo Brands the Same?

Although the Polestar team spread its non-racing wings under the umbrella of its Volvo parent company, it was ready to take independent flight just two years later. In 2017, Volvo announced that its Polestar subdivision would become its own sub-brand and develop a family of all-electric, performance-driven vehicles, meaning that they were no longer the one who owns Polestar cars. At this time of writing, Geely Holding Group is the parent company that primarily owns the Polestar brand.

For two years after becoming a standalone automaker, Polestar engineers worked diligently until they were ready to release the first-ever Polestar 1, a limited-production plug-in hybrid grand tourer coupe that showcased the company's focus on striking design and sustainable materials. This 2019 PHEV set the tone for the company, and although it has been retired, it paved the way for future Polestar creations, including the Polestar 2, Polestar 3, and Polestar 4 EVs.

Powertrain Differences, Design Similarities: Volvo vs. Polestar Cars

Polestar and electrified Volvo powertrains share DNA – they rely on similar electric motors, battery packs, and platforms, and some Polestar models are still produced in Volvo factories – but these brands differ immensely in tuning and intent. While Volvo prioritizes comfort, efficiency, and safety across its mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric lineup, the Polestar entity is competition-inspired with sharper acceleration, sportier handling, and more power. In short, Volvo focuses on family life, while the Polestar brand dedicates its builds to fans of full-force, all-electric speed.

Where Are Polestar Cars Made?

The very first Polestar racing models were produced and built in Sweden as Volvo-modified high-performance vehicles. Though Polestar headquarters remain in Gothenburg today, new Polestar cars are now made in China, South Korea, and the U.S. Until late 2025, the brand also had a Research and Development site in the U.K., but this location has been closed in an effort to consolidate operations.

As for specific, U.S.-market vehicles, the Polestar 2 is primarily manufactured in China, the Polestar 3 at the Volvo factory in South Carolina, and the Polestar 4 in South Korea. The Polestar 5, a high-performance electric grand tourer sedan that's also built in China, is not slated to be sold in the U.S. just yet, though pricing and availability for North America may be announced at a later date.

Meet the Current Polestar Collection of Vehicles

Polestar 2

While no longer in production in the U.S. at this time, older iterations of the Polestar 2 are available and have a deliciously trendy fastback designed for pure driving enjoyment. Launched in the U.S. as a 2021 model, this all-electric family car seats five passengers and shows off a responsibly sourced, minimalistic interior. A Google-powered voice assistant gives you command of infotainment, while a tablet-style touchscreen places apps and navigation front and center.

Polestar 3

Touting sports-car agility in an SUV frame, the new Polestar 3 for sale mixes classic contouring with aerodynamic design to create a confident attitude and extended driving range. A full-length panoramic roof gives both passenger rows blue-sky access, and a completely flat floor maximizes legroom.

Polestar 4

Released in the U.S. as a 2026 model, the Polestar 4 is a dynamic, coupe-like SUV that's in a class all its own. Generous both in its interior space and its standard features, every Polestar 4 comes with Pilot Pack technology – including Pilot Assist and Lane Change Assist. All Polestar 4 trims are also equipped with a panoramic glass roof, Adaptive Cruise Control, a 360-Degree Camera with 3D View, and wireless device charging.

Start Your Polestar Adventure at Polestar Marin Today

Now that we've uncovered who makes Polestar cars, where they're produced, and the brand's ongoing relationship with Volvo, are you ready to drive one? The Polestar Marin showroom has gorgeous Polestar variants available to test drive, and we pair these avant-garde models with premium new Polestar specials to make them even more accessible.