Now this is disruptive.
At a private event in in Shanghai, Chinese manufacturer Lynk & Co. previewed its next model to some 800 invited guests. Dubbed the ’03,’ the saloon concept alludes to a family-saloon production model that we should see very soon. The company also detailed its new in-car ride-sharing functionality, which will see their cars used differently from every other car on the market.
Mr. Alain Visser, Senior Vice President of the company said, “Now with two cars in the Lynk & Co. family, just five months in to our company’s life, the promises we made of having a range of vehicles ready, high quality, unrivalled technology and connectivity as standard, and a unique brand identity, are being proven. On top of this we now add a lifetime warranty on every car, and free data traffic for connectivity, to further underline our determination to challenge the traditional business model of the car industry.”
The second car he’s referring to is the 03 saloon, a concept car that shows off the second product line for the Chinese marque. The saloon appears to be very similar to a prototype that we’ve spotted testing in Southern Europe, bearing the corporate design language that we saw once before with the 01 SUV. The 03 saloon is rumoured to sit on the same platform as the impending Volvo S40 compact saloon, and will likely feature similar engines as the ones we’ve seen bearing the Drive-E moniker from the aforementioned Swedish manufacturer.
The Lynk & Co. business isn’t just about cars, at least not as we know it. Along with online sales and doorstep delivery, the company is prepared to offer a “subscription model” that will give owners and users a flexibility and experience that is “right up to date with a new generation of car buyers, used to smartphone app service levels of convenience.”
Speaking further, Visser said, “We believe Lynk & Co. will offer the most connected cars in the world, with the world’s first in-car digital share function. We also offer a completely new business model, with a simplified product offer, transparent fixed pricing and an attractive purchase and ownership experience starting here in China this year. We will bring a unique offer of connected mobility, with the option to share your car, where everything is included. The key to everything we do is simplicity.”
This Wednesday, Lynk & Co. will be releasing full details of its 03 saloon, as well as showing to the world a production-ready version of its 01 SUV ahead of its official release. We’re looking forward to getting the details on the ride-sharing platform that Lynk & Co. intends to push, as it might just be the most solid preview of the future of motoring.
Stay tuned to CarShowroom as we bring you more details on Lynk & Co. from the Shanghai motor show.
