Newcomer to the automotive scene is the Lynk&Co brand, a global brand that stems from Chinese automaker Geely, the company bankrolling the resurgent Swedish marque, Volvo.
In their premiere outing, Lynk&Co wants to present itself as a different kind of carmarker. One that embraces their changing role in society and in our own lives. However, that future-facing sentiment was contrasted with the what looked to be a rather typical SUV - the Lynk&Co 01.
Under the skin, though, they claim it to be the “most connected car to date” and while it is still in its development phases, is due to reach buyers some time in 2017. According to Li Shufu, founder and chairman of Geely, the 01 is a car that was made to “address the needs and preferences of the new global and connected generation”.
It achieves this by an as-yet ambiguous always-on connection to the internet, supported by Lynk&Co’s own cloud service, allowing owners to be able have constant monitoring and some control over the vehicle via smartphone (as long as they’re within a cellular data connection).
Despite Geely being a Chinese company, the 01 was designed and made in Sweden and built upon the same modular architecture that will be underpinning future Volvos starting with the XC40 crossover.
There’s clearly some borrowed details in the 01 that have been lifted from Volvo’s design manifesto, especially the interior with its uniquely shaped gear lever, two-tone steering wheel, and pale wood accents. It is meant to have a well-appointed air to it, which is also reflected in its price. That said, it wants to offer the 01 and its eventual siblings - the 02 and 03 - at the “most accessible price points.”
Alain Visser, Lynk&Co senior vice president, said the company’s main aim is to approach the automotive industry from the perspective of an altered “distribution and ownership model. Our aim is to enrich and simplify ownership by redefining how cars are bought, owned, connected, serviced and used,” he said.
No mention was made to what type of powertrain lies under the 01’s bonnet, but seeing as how Geely is making liberal use of Volvo’s newly developed modular platform, it only makes sense for Volvo’s turbocharged engines be used too. Whether is will be the 1.5-litre three-cylinder or 2.0-litre four-cylinder is unknown, as is whether (or when?) Lynk&Co will be implementing hybrid drive.
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