Service After Sales
In a shocking move, the Department of Commerce has barred Polestar from selling cars in the U.S. starting with the 2027 model year. The decision was made under a rule targeting connected-vehicle manufacturers and technology tied to China or Russia, which the government fears could be used to collect data on U.S. drivers.
However, a report from the Detroit Free Press details how Polestar intends to respond to the ban. Polestar Detroit, one of the automaker’s 32 U.S. dealerships, said it will continue supporting customers by honoring warranties, providing service and repairs, supplying parts, and delivering over-the-air software updates. This stands in contrast to brands such as Fisker, whose bankruptcy left customers uncertain about continued support.
James Ochoa
Playing the Long Game
But the decision isn’t simply an act of goodwill. Polestar, which is majority-owned by Chinese automaker Geely, still hopes regulatory or technical changes will eventually allow it to sell EVs in the U.S. again. After all, corporate sibling Volvo received authorization from the Department of Commerce to continue selling vehicles despite also being owned by Geely.
In the meantime, the company is offering discounts of up to $25,000 on cash purchases. For instance, the rear-wheel-drive Polestar 4 normally starts at $56,400 but can now be had for $31,400 after the incentive. Meanwhile, the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version, which produces twice the power at 544 horsepower, effectively starts at $37,900, down from $62,900. The Tesla Model Y rival is also available to lease from $499 per month for 39 months.
Given the brand’s assurance that it will continue serving customers, taking advantage of these staggering incentives may feel less risky. However, doing due diligence remains important.
Polestar
Not Leaving Owners in the Cold
Greg Ostrowski, manager of Polestar Detroit in Royal Oak, said, “If you have questions, please reach out.” He added, “If you need help several states away, we can help. We still want you in the LaFontaine family.” LaFontaine Automotive Group is a Michigan-based dealership network selling vehicles from numerous brands, including Chevrolet and Toyota.
The impending ban follows the U.S. government’s continued pushback against the growing presence of Chinese automakers. Canada recently agreed to lower tariffs on a limited number of Chinese-made EVs, drawing criticism from U.S. officials. U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra said those vehicles won’t be allowed across the border.
