POLESTAR TO FOCUS ON ELECTRIC CARS

Volvo performance division Polestar has become a separate brand that will focus on electrified models.

The Swedish carmaker introduced its performance brand as an extension of its Polestar Racing team in 2012, using know-how from race engineers to increase the performance of its road cars.

However, Polestar has now been spun off into a separate entity that will produce electrified high-performance variants of Volvo’s road cars that will only wear Polestar badging. The two companies will share technologies, facilities and engineering knowledge, much like the set-up between AMG and Mercedes.

Thomas Ingenlath, Volvo’s former senior vice-president of design, is moving over to Polestar as CEO. He said: “I am really excited to take up the challenge of establishing this exciting brand and channelling the passion we have throughout the Polestar team. ”

Polestar will reveal more details about its plans for the future later this year. However, it is clear that the focus will be on making the most of hybrid platforms in a performance context. Volvo’s model line-up currently includes a ‘twin-engine’ hybrid powertrain that uses a 2.0-litre petrol engine and an electric motor to offer impressive performance and economy.