Confirmed: Polestar to launch in NZ in 2022

Former Volvo performance arm and current standalone electric car marque, Polestar, has been confirmed as a starter for the New Zealand market from 2022 onwards.

The news was confirmed in a statement issued to the press by Giltrap Group. The illustrious dealership chain is set to become Polestar’s official local distributor, joining the likes of Audi, Porsche, and other premium European marques.

The first Polestar to be offered locally will be the Polestar 2, with orders opening up before the end of the year. The performance sportback will come in three flavours; a Standard Range 69kWh base variant, a single-motor Long-range 78kWh variant, and a flagship dual-motor 78kWh variant.

The 69kWh model has a motor that produces 165kW/330Nm. Power gains in the mid-range model are limited to 5kW, with no extra torque offered. The top-end dual-motor model, meanwhile, makes 300kW/660Nm. Pricing and more information on spec is set to come later in the year.

The 2 will eventually be joined by the Polestar 3, a performance SUV rival set to face off against the likes of Tesla’s flagship Model Y. The brand’s local arm has also confirmed that New Zealand will get the production version of the handsome Precept concept.

“We are excited to bring Polestar to New Zealand, which is one of the world’s leading producers of renewable electricity. As a premium electric brand, we found a natural partner in Giltrap Group, and we are pleased to join their portfolio of premium and luxury automotive brands,” says Nathan Forshaw, Head of Polestar in the Asia Pacific region.

“I believe that as a dedicated EV brand, Polestar is a true challenger to the industry, and Giltrap Group is super excited to be the official representative of Polestar in New Zealand,” adds Bruce Fowler, Brand Manager for Polestar in New Zealand.

“We cannot wait to introduce Kiwis to the Polestar experience, and there is no doubt that a car like the Polestar 2 will establish itself as a market-leading, premium electric vehicle. The timing couldn’t be better, with the recent introduction of the government’s Clean Car Discount scheme.”

“Polestar 2 is a very attractive, powerful car with an avant-garde, modern design that really stands out, and our customers are very passionate about it. It has that perfect combination of key attributes: electric, sustainable, digital, outstanding aesthetics and superb handling – the best of all worlds,” says Polestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath.