Latest news with #premiumcars
Reuters
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Reuters
Polestar restarts market expansion with France
PARIS, June 11 (Reuters) - Swedish premium carmaker Polestar will start delivering its electric vehicles in France this year with the goal of making it one of its three main European markets, its top executive for the country told Reuters. Confronted with a cash crunch, tariff pressures, and a broad slowdown in EV demand, the company, majority-owned by China's Geely Holding, has decided to focus its efforts more on profitable Europe. Even there, though, its initial rapid expansion has stalled, with the last new market launches dating back to 2022. "We are a young company, given we have had a very steady rhythm of launches and market openings, it is good too, at some point to pause for a moment, before launching again a cycle of market openings", Stephane Le Guevel, managing director for Polestar France, said. "We have decided this year to concentrate on France and to restart the tempo next year. We have talked about Central Europe and LatAm", he said. While the Sweden-based automaker has attempted to conquer the U.S. and Chinese markets, its premium cars have been better received in Europe, which accounts for 75% of its sales. Le Guével said that the automaker hoped France would, over the medium term, go on to become one of its top-selling markets in Europe, currently being Britain and Sweden. Polestar has tried to take on other premium brands, such as Mercedes, BMW, Audi, and Tesla, which it targeted in national ad campaigns seeking to entice Tesla owners to switch to Polestar. But its expansion has been on hold since it launched in Spain, Portugal and Italy about three years ago. In France, Polestar will start taking orders for its 2, 3 and 4 models on Wednesday, at starting prices ranging from 46,800 euros ($53,474) to 79,800 euros ($91,180). The first French showroom will open in Le Mans in July and first deliveries are expected from October. The company plans to have a robust servicing network and dedicated selling points still relying on its former owner Volvo Cars, which continues to manufacture some Polestar models. The company's French launch has been delayed by a complaint filed by PSA - now part of Stellantis ( opens new tab - arguing the Polestar logo looked too much like the DS brand logo. Both parties reached an agreement in 2022 without disclosing its financial details. ($1 = 0.8752 euros)
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Polestar restarts market expansion with France
By Gilles Guillaume PARIS (Reuters) -Swedish premium carmaker Polestar will start delivering its electric vehicles in France this year with the goal of making it one of its three main European markets, its top executive for the country told Reuters. Confronted with a cash crunch, tariff pressures, and a broad slowdown in EV demand, the company, majority-owned by China's Geely Holding, has decided to focus its efforts more on profitable Europe. Even there, though, its initial rapid expansion has stalled, with the last new market launches dating back to 2022. "We are a young company, given we have had a very steady rhythm of launches and market openings, it is good too, at some point to pause for a moment, before launching again a cycle of market openings", Stephane Le Guevel, managing director for Polestar France, said. "We have decided this year to concentrate on France and to restart the tempo next year. We have talked about Central Europe and LatAm", he said. While the Sweden-based automaker has attempted to conquer the U.S. and Chinese markets, its premium cars have been better received in Europe, which accounts for 75% of its sales. Le Guével said that the automaker hoped France would, over the medium term, go on to become one of its top-selling markets in Europe, currently being Britain and Sweden. Polestar has tried to take on other premium brands, such as Mercedes, BMW, Audi, and Tesla, which it targeted in national ad campaigns seeking to entice Tesla owners to switch to Polestar. But its expansion has been on hold since it launched in Spain, Portugal and Italy about three years France, Polestar will start taking orders for its 2, 3 and 4 models on Wednesday, at starting prices ranging from 46,800 euros ($53,474) to 79,800 euros ($91,180). The first French showroom will open in Le Mans in July and first deliveries are expected from October. The company plans to have a robust servicing network and dedicated selling points still relying on its former owner Volvo Cars, which continues to manufacture some Polestar models. The company's French launch has been delayed by a complaint filed by PSA - now part of Stellantis - arguing the Polestar logo looked too much like the DS brand logo. Both parties reached an agreement in 2022 without disclosing its financial details. ($1 = 0.8752 euros) Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Times
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- Times
Give this new BMW saloon car an Oscar!
Among elite carmakers, the prestige saloon has always been the ultimate expression of a brand's luxury status. Although they have been somewhat overshadowed by larger SUVs in recent years, premium saloon cars are still where many manufacturers like to introduce their latest luxury technologies. The BMW 7 Series, available with plug-in hybrid and fully electric powertrains, is the brand's flagship model packed with features and gadgets designed to enhance the driving experience and improve your journey. For instance, all doors can be automatically opened and closed from the central screen or the key fob, and the 7 Series does everything you would expect of a premium saloon — but the big surprise is reserved for the rear passengers. At first glance all appears fairly standard, if standard means business-class seats that recline to a class-leading 42.5 degrees when you opt for the executive lounge package. These seats have eight massage functions with three intensity levels to help soothe and relax any boardroom-stressed muscles. They are ventilated and heated seats, obviously, but they also include heated armrests in the rear doors. However, the real piece of theatre — quite literally — comes at the touch of a button. A screen, previously flat to the roofline, folds down just behind the front seats. This is no ordinary screen but a 31in 8K theatre display. The drama of the mechanical fold-down is accompanied by sun blinds being raised on the side and rear windows, as well as the roof shade closing. The effect is dramatic and is a game-changer for rear passenger entertainment. • Read more luxury reviews, advice and insights from our experts Once folded down it dominates the rear passengers' view. It comes with built-in Amazon Fire connectivity and runs Bowers & Wilkins surround sound with an optional upgrade that gets you a profligate 36 speakers and 1,965 watts of output, with shakers in the seat backrests, turning the audio into vibrations you can feel. This will enhance the watching experience of the screen — if you weren't already distracted enough by the full-body massage. Both rear seats have iPhone-like 5.5in screen controls built into the doors that control the theatre display as well as the climate controls and seat movement. And back to those seats. You can go further upmarket by dialling the standard leather seat coverings up to a wool/cashmere and Merino leather combination that looks as good as it feels. A Veganza vegan leather alternative is also available. They are topped with matching 'cuddle pillows' for your head and neck. It all contributes to making the rear of the BMW 7 Series a rather wonderful, cosseted place to recline and relax. If you prefer not to watch the biggest screen in any production car, you can fold it away and enjoy the view through the Sky Lounge panoramic glass sunroof with LED modules that create a pattern across the glass that will change colour depending on the selected mode. This all contributes to a Blade Runner-like vibe in the 7 Series, but without the dystopian overtones. • Read more expert reviews, news and insights on cars and motoring Do not fear — if you're the driver, you'll also get looked after in this vehicle, and the 7 Series gives a remarkable impression from behind the wheel of a smaller, agile car, particularly in Sport mode. Rear steering effectively reduces the wheelbase, and the Executive Drive Pro suspension control system uses a 48-volt motor for active body control, banishing all of the drama from the outside world to optimise driving and passenger comfort. However, the rear and its luxurious theatre-like experience truly steal the show. The cinematic theme continues with a collaboration with the Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer, who crafted the soundscapes for the car, from the welcome chime to the drive sounds of the all-electric i7. From the moment the doors open to greet you, everything you do in the 7 Series is theatre without the histrionics — futuristic but also calm and comforting. Is it the best interior in the automotive world? It's certainly in the conversation. From £105,620;
