Martin Gurney has been appointed as head of European fleet and business at Geely-owned luxury electric car brand Polestar.

He will specifically be looking after the UK and Benelux regions.

Guerney said: "Polestar is a brand I've been watching closely and when the opportunity arose to join I just had to grasp it. It's clear the automotive future is electric so I couldn’t think of a better place to be – the opportunity is huge”.

He joins the business from his fleet and used car directorship at PSA Group, a role he held since 2015. Gurney’s career with the French automotive group (now named Stellantis) started with a 13-year stint at Peugeot. He has worked in PSA's fleet operation since 2013.

With no dealerships, and no intentions to open any, Polestar is utilising an online sales model and has developed a robust corporate sales strategy to get the car into the fleet sector.

Jonny Miller, who was previously national leasing and residual value manager at sister company Volvo Cars UK, took on the role as Polestar’s head of sales development in the UK in February, 2020. He has developed the brand’s relationships with the leasing sector and larger corporates to ensure they have access to the new all-electric model.

Polestar’s global head of Sales Mike Whittington added: “During 2020 we focused on establishing our Fleet & Business infrastructure and launching Polestar 2. With a significant level of demand and momentum building, during 2021 we will focus even more intensely and demonstrate the importance of fleet sales to Polestar. I am delighted that Martin is joining us to strengthen the team, which will expand even further across Europe. With his considerable experience we will continue to build our fleet presence during the coming years.”