Polestar Targets Germany with a High-Profile Football Partnership
Polestar has made its next strategic move. The Swedish electric performance brand became the official mobility partner of Borussia Dortmund (BVB) starting the 2025/26 season. This deal positions the Polestar logo on BVB’s sleeves across all competitions—Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and UEFA Champions League.
The partnership runs for three years. Polestar aims to strengthen its brand awareness in Germany, Europe’s largest automotive market. CEO Michael Lohscheller confirmed this strategy: Germany drives growth in Europe, and the collaboration with BVB will push exposure to millions of fans.
Key Facts: The Polestar-BVB Deal
- Partnership duration: 3 years (2025-2028)
- Scope: Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, UEFA Champions League
- Fleet delivery: 60 Polestar vehicles provided to BVB
- Debut match: BVB vs. Juventus Turin, August 2025
- Brand visibility: Jerseys, pre-match kits, stadium advertising
Electric Vehicles Enter Football Culture
Polestar supplied 60 EVs to Borussia Dortmund. The cars serve players, staff, and club officials. These vehicles replace traditional combustion cars in the club fleet, aligning with both partners' CO2 reduction goals. The Polestar 5 prototype already made an impression during exclusive test drives by BVB players like Jobe Bellingham and Pascal Groß.
The Polestar 5, a four-door electric GT, premieres on September 8, 2025, at IAA Mobility in Munich. This model signals Polestar’s intent to challenge traditional manufacturers with performance and sustainability in one package.
Market Implications for Polestar
This partnership is more than sponsorship. It is market activation. Germany holds significant weight in Europe’s EV adoption. Polestar’s visibility in BVB’s network—stadiums, media, fan merchandise—translates into measurable exposure. The brand leverages football’s massive reach to increase EV adoption.
Key benefits for Polestar:
- Increased exposure in Germany’s largest football market.
- Brand association with a successful, globally recognized club.
- Consumer engagement through joint activations, including EV test drives.
Competitive Analysis: Positioning Against Rivals
Polestar competes with Tesla, BMW, and Mercedes in the premium EV segment. The partnership differentiates Polestar through cultural relevance and sports engagement. While Tesla focuses on tech leadership, Polestar mixes design, sustainability, and high-profile sponsorships.
Competitive Takeaways:
| Manufacturer | Market Strategy | Sports Partnerships | Sustainability Messaging |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polestar | Aggressive Germany push via BVB | Football (BVB) | Carbon-neutral by 2040 |
| Tesla | Direct-to-consumer sales | None major | Focus on tech |
| BMW | Expanding EV lineup | Golf, motorsport | Lower emissions |
| Mercedes | Broad EV strategy (EQ models) | Formula 1 | Decarbonization by 2039 |
Sustainability Commitment Drives Brand Messaging
Polestar targets halving greenhouse gas emissions per car by 2030 and achieving full climate neutrality by 2040. BVB shares similar sustainability ambitions. This alignment strengthens the authenticity of the partnership.
Polestar’s sustainability plan includes:
- CO2 reduction in manufacturing and supply chain
- Circular economy initiatives
- Transparency in material sourcing
These measures resonate with consumers demanding accountability from automakers.
Branding Power: Football Sponsorship as Growth Driver
Polestar’s sponsorship delivers year-round exposure to millions of football fans. Stadium visibility, media coverage, and fan engagement amplify its message. Marketing chief Michael Manske stated that joint actions will showcase Polestar cars outperforming many traditional brands. Test drives are the start.
Polestar also integrates with BVB’s pre-match clothing and stadium advertising, maximizing visual presence across multiple touchpoints. This cross-channel exposure accelerates consumer recognition, which often precedes purchase consideration in the EV market.
