Polestar, the Swedish electric performance car manufacturer, has announced it will establish its UK commercial headquarters and a new customer test drive hub at Bicester Heritage in Oxfordshire.
This follows the recent news that the Swedish automaker will launch the Polestar 6 roadster electric convertible. It will join Polestar’s hugely Polestar 2 electric crossover, the Polestar 3 electric sports utility vehicle (SUV) that launches in October and the Polestar 5 in 2024.
Opening in December 2022, Polestar Bicester will be a new multi-purpose location following the development of one of the existing two-storey buildings in the Heritage Quarters.
The headquarters will include operational staff supporting the approximately 8,000 customers with Polestar electric vehicles (EVs) on UK roads. This includes the recent move to in-source all customer care centre staff.
Sales, operations, marketing and communications functions will also operate out of Bicester. The move supports Polestar’s global ambition to deliver 290,000 vehicles by 2025.
The customer test drive hub will offer a welcoming environment for customers to experience the Polestar electric cars, interact with Polestar specialists and experience a test drive. Polestar Bicester will also host customer events throughout the year.
Polestar is partnering with Bicester Motion, due to the strong alignment in company vision to create a destination unlike any other. Offering an authentic collection of dynamic and inclusive visitor experiences, including on-track and off-track immersive experiences celebrating automotive and aviation culture and technology, past, present and future.
Polestar plan to supercharge Bicester Heritage with its unique approach to automotive retail, electric performance, sustainability and the future of electric vehicles.
With Polestar’s focus on electric performance and sustainability, Polestar will be investing in the Bicester infrastructure. This includes the expansion of the electric vehicle charging network to support customers and employees.
Jonathan Goodman, Head of Polestar UK said: “Establishing a UK commercial Head Office, demonstrates the importance of the UK market reflecting the rate of pure EV adoption. Bicester has an approach to automotive and future tech that really resonated with Polestar.
“As the first large-scale original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to move to Bicester and as an enthusiast marque, we expect we will fit in well with the other fantastic brands already on site.
“We will be an open and welcoming head office and we look forward to seeing Bicester Heritage visitors, as well as existing and future Polestar customers too.”
Daniel Geoghegan, Bicester Motion chief executive, said: “Polestar’s committed approach to sustainability and the future of electric vehicles is truly inspiring. We are looking forward to their unique ethos contributing to the success of Bicester Motion.”
