Polestar's 2026 US Inventory Nearly Depleted Amidst Imminent Ban
Michael Lohscheller, CEO of Polestar, has openly addressed the company's current situation, noting that almost all of their 2026 model year vehicles in the U.S. have been sold. This brisk sales activity comes as the company faces a looming restriction that will prevent the sale of most of its current lineup in the American market.
In the third quarter, Polestar saw a substantial increase in its U.S. sales, with 2,160 vehicles delivered, more than double the 966 units sold in the same period last year. This surge is largely attributed to buyers' eagerness to acquire a Polestar 3 or Polestar 4 before the new Connected Vehicle Rule impacts future availability. The regulation, enacted by the Commerce Department, targets vehicle software and hardware linked to China or Russia. Given Polestar's majority ownership by Geely and its Volvo underpinnings with Chinese manufacturing ties, the brand faces a ban on selling connected vehicles in the U.S. starting with the 2027 model year, though compliance options are still under review, including a Polestar 2 with updated connectivity.
While Polestar will not challenge the ban, the company has sought clarification on its enforcement. The automaker has committed to maintaining its U.S. service network and certified pre-owned program to ensure support for current vehicle owners. Globally, Polestar's third-quarter sales reached 14,371 units, a modest 1 percent increase from the previous year, with the strong U.S. clearance sales contributing to this growth. Despite lowering its full-year volume growth target due to softer international demand, Polestar continues with production plans, including the upcoming Polestar 7 compact SUV, which will be built at Volvo's new facility in Slovakia.
This period marks a pivotal moment for Polestar in the U.S. market. The robust demand for its vehicles ahead of the regulatory changes highlights consumer interest and adaptability. While the landscape for new sales of certain models is shifting, Polestar's commitment to its existing customer base and its strategic adjustments for future models demonstrate resilience and a forward-looking approach in a dynamic industry.