Volvo-offshoot, Polestar, saw a successful 2020 with their UK-based test drive program. The campaign saw thousands of test drives being completely booked within a matter of hours.
Polestar UK evidently saw the potential to attract customers and has taken the opportunity to showcase the Polestar 2 in a “curated and personalised” experience, has decided to introduce a dedicated test drive hub. This location (that isn’t a showroom, of course) spans 8,000 square feet of land. Based in Milton Keynes, the facility will aim to serve up 28,000 test drives before the end of 2021.
The Milton Keynes test drive facility will supplement the newly re-opened Polestar spaces in London and Manchester. The hub is said to focus on allowing consumers to get behind the wheel of the electric Polestar 2, which is priced from £39,000. Drivers will be able to enjoy unaccompanied tests with the vehicle.
Polestar will supply the Milton Keynes facility with eight vehicles which will be dedicated specifically for demonstration purposes. The concept of unaccompanied drives will also mean that consumers can drive within a Covid-safe environment.
Read: Is The 2021 Polestar 2 Good Enough To Out Perform The Tesla Model 3?
Polestar UK’s CEO, Jonathan Goodman, explained how the company’s success with test drives the year before inspired them to create a new more premium and efficient testing facility. The town of Milton Keynes (which is also home to the Red Bull Racing F1 team) was selected for its outstanding transport links, its test drive routes, and its reputation of being the technological center of the UK.
“We saw such huge demand in 2020 for test drives, it was clear we needed to deliver more opportunity for consumers to experience our fully-electric Polestar 2 first-hand,” said Goodman. “But it had to be done in a high-quality way befitting the Polestar brand and be easy to book and access, and so Milton Keynes was an obvious choice.”
Polestar won’t limit themselves to just Milton Keynes. For 2021, they have also planned semi-permanent test drive hubs in Daventry, Cambridge, and Harrogate, with more to be announced. Polestar will also organize a series of pop-up events throughout the year, giving UK clients from over an opportunity to test their products.
See: Video Streaming App Added To Polestar2 Infotainmnent System
The Polestar brand has been designed to be Volvo’s chic, performance electric spin-off. However, Volvo themselves announced plans to transition into an EV-only automaker by 2030. The Polestar range currently consists of two models, the limited-edition Polestar 1 hybrid and the 78kWh Polestar 2.
Volvo itself announced similar sales strategies as Polestar earlier this year. By 2030 all Volvo purchases would be made online. However, Volvo stated it was not looking at closing down forecourts. Instead, existing showrooms would remain to service cars. They would also act as display units (like a showroom), serve as pick-up points, and feature representatives to advise. But those who opt to purchase in-store would be directed to follow the same online procedure as shoppers at home.