USAPolestar’s best third quarter yet owes its growth to the market it is about to lose. The brand sold an estimated 14,371 cars worldwide in July-September 2026, up 1% from 14,222 a year earlier. Without the US the picture is different: 12,211 cars, down 8% from 13,256.
What the US contributed
Polestar does not print a US line in its release, but subtracting the ex-US total from the global one gives it. US retail sales were about 2,160 cars, against 966 in the same quarter of 2025, more than double. That is the arithmetic behind the headline +1%: take the US out and the quarter shrinks.
The cause is a sell-off: CEO Michael Lohscheller confirmed to Reuters that by the end of the quarter Polestar’s US stock was nearly sold off, WardsAuto reports. Polestar describes its 2026 volumes as estimates subject to revision; the 2025 figures are final.
Why the US is closing
In June the Commerce Department declined to authorise Polestar to sell new cars from model year 2027, under the Connected Vehicle Rule, because of Geely’s controlling stake. We covered the decision in US bars Polestar from selling new cars, and the price cuts on remaining cars in the discount story. The ban covers the Polestar 3, built in South Carolina, as well as the Polestar 4. Polestar has said it will keep selling used cars in the US, including through its certified pre-owned programme.
Where growth has to come from
With the US gone, the 8% ex-US decline becomes the number to watch. Polestar’s release says production of the Polestar 7 is planned in Europe.
