Polestar Bows Out of U.S. Market, Leaving Its Dealers in a Bind

S. government's ban on its vehicle sales, a move that has its small but invested dealer network fuming. The Commerce Department blocked the Geely-owned electric vehicle maker from selling cars in America due to its Chinese ties. A Polestar spokesperson said the company had extensive talks with officials and concluded that an appeal stood no realistic chance.

That leaves 32 dealerships across the country, many of which poured significant money into building out showrooms and service centers, suddenly facing an uncertain future.

The frustration among dealers is understandable. They signed on, spent on renovations and staffing, and now watch the brand walk away from the fight. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz is trying to soften the broader legislation behind the ban, which targets any automaker with Chinese ownership above 15%.

Mercedes itself sits at nearly 20%, so the company is lobbying hard ahead of a Senate committee hearing that was delayed from last week to this week. The outcome could ripple across the industry.

In other news, Acura is planning a three-row flagship SUV to top the MDX, with production set for 2029. GM posted a 31% drop in second-quarter net income due to EV restructuring costs, but raised its full-year guidance after North American profits jumped 43%. Mercedes also revealed a Maybach version of its GLS SUV, powered by a 603-horsepower twin-turbo V8.

Buzz a gas range extender but scrapped the idea because there is simply no room under the hood for an engine.