Swedish electric vehicle maker Polestar, under China's Geely Holdings, is unveiling an intriguing plan.
They're gearing up to launch a smartphone in December, coinciding with the debut of their highly anticipated Polestar 4 electric SUV in China.
This strategy comes as a result of a collaboration formed in June with Chinese smartphone manufacturer Xingji Meizu, which Geely acquired last year.
In a fiercely competitive Chinese EV market, automakers are striving for a technological edge.
Polestar aims to make the transition from your smartphone to your car as seamless as possible, envisioning a world where your mobile app mirrors on your car's dashboard screen.
What sets Polestar apart is their choice of Meizu's FlyMe operating system, allowing for a tailored and fully integrated user experience.
This decision is influenced by the absence of Google's Android mobile OS in China, enabling automakers like Polestar to personalize their smartphone OS to align seamlessly with their vehicles.
Neil Shah, VP of Research at Counterpoint Research, emphasized that launching a smartphone provides Polestar the opportunity to bundle software, apps, services, and features, enhancing the overall mobility experience.
Polestar's flagship offering, the Polestar 4, priced at 349,800 Chinese yuan ($47,890), is positioned to rival Tesla's Model Y, emphasizing luxury and premium appeal to entice buyers from BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
This move aligns with a broader industry shift toward software-defined mobility solutions.
As China's electric vehicle market evolves, automakers are recognizing the importance of integrated digital experiences to capture consumer attention and gain market share.
