New electric car maker Polestar is donating the equivalent of 10,000 meals to food banks as part of an initiative involving journalists, celebrities and the general public.

The firm was set to open its Polestar Manchester ‘dealer’ in the city’s Trafford Centre several months ago, but was stopped from doing so because of lockdown restrictions. And to not waste its resources, including its staff and Polestar 2 cars that would usually be out for test drives, the firm creates a campaign known as ‘No Waste of Space’.

The Swedish manufacturer invited journalists, celebrities and the general public to get involved with the campaign, with the firm gathering more than 325 boxes of food, weighing an impressive 2.2 tonnes. However, Polestar also said it would match donations, so there is 4.4 tonnes in total, which the firm says is the equivalent of 10,000 meals.

Initially inspired by footballer Marcus Rashford’s efforts, Polestar has now begun driving its donations to be given to Fareshare, a charity that then distributes products to local food banks. In total, 10 of the firm’s electric cars are being used.

Jonathan Goodman, Head of Polestar UK, said: “We could never have envisaged the incredible response this campaign received, and the generosity of all who took part is truly heart-warming. In 2021 it’s awful to think that some of the nation’s most vulnerable are having to go without basic items, so I’m glad the Manchester team were able to use our resources to help such a worthy cause.

“We’re looking forward to continuing this effort once the Trafford Centre has re-opened, working with the other retailers and centre management to support the community around our latest Space.”

Well-known faces such as comedian Jason Manford and Manchester United footballer Victor Lindelöf were some of the stars to donate, too.

The Polestar 2 is the firm’s first mass-market model, and looks to rival the Tesla Model 3 with its claimed 292-mile range and £49,995 starting price.