My focus as a local agent has always been on what makes the Bergen-Rockland area so special, especially how convenient it is for those of us who commute in and around New York City. But one of the glaring downsides is trying to find a financially efficient way to make it happen. I found myself spending over $300 on gas each month, and as gas prices continue to fluctuate, I knew it was time for a change. That’s where Polestar came in. The Swedish company Polestar is quickly making a name for itself in the American market. One of the best parts of owning a Polestar is knowing I can easily get where I need to go throughout the day, be it to a showing in Sloatsburg and then a client meeting in Paramus, on a single charge.
I’m not the only one in the area who’s been learning more about what Polestar has to offer: students in Ramsey High School’s “Design Thinking” class had the chance to work directly with Polestar representatives over the course of a semester. The elective class, inspired a course offered by Stanford University’s Hasso Plattner Institute of Design, is taught by Fine Arts Supervisor Kenneth Veit and Physical Education teacher Matthew Wynne.
“This semester, we worked with Polestar on the question: ‘How might we expand our appeal and increase brand awareness amongst the next generation of drivers?'” explained Veit, “The partnership lasted about twelve weeks.” Students in the class were given “messy, real-world” problems to figure out and provide solutions for. The Swedish brand has only been in the United States for about a year, so engaging local students in their marketing strategy development is beneficial for all parties involved. Veit himself was very thankful for the partnership, and how it was able to enrich a course that he has been steadily enhancing since its inception.
Even Gregor Hembrough, Head of Polestar USA, was impressed by the ideas these RHS students supplied in class. “We came away from the presentation with some fantastic insights, some of which we are even looking to implement!”
Matt Haiken, President and Retailer Principal of Polestar Short Hills, spoke with me about some of the benefits of an electric vehicle like a Polestar. He has found that many customers are looking for a “Tesla alternative” but don’t know exactly what to look for. “We have building brand awareness slowly and are getting there through our loyal following in the area,” Haiken said. “We’ve been selling cars in New Jersey for over forty years and now have an amazing property at the Mall at Short Hills.” One of the major “Polestar perks” Haiken mentioned is getting 249 miles per a single charge on the twin engine, which in the tri-state area, should be more than enough range.
If for some reason, this is not enough to keep you going throughout the week, Polestar has a partnership with Electrify America (with two years of complimentary charging upon vehicle purchase). Haiken also recommends the ChargePoint app to quickly located charging stations in the immediate area.
One of the biggest questions prospective buyers have include concerns with not having anywhere to charge in a pinch. Haiken mentions that investing in a charging port at home or the office is a good solution, as well downloading Electrify America’s and ChargePoint’s apps.
I am looking forward to learning more about my new Polestar and trying out new products to share with all of you!
