Lynk & Co reveals Volvo-based SUV

Geely, the Chinese automaker that currently owns Volvo, has announced the introduction of an all-new brand named Lynk & Co. The new brand is a part of Geely's plans to expand its presence outside the Chinese market. Lynk & Co has also revealed its first product; a compact SUV called 01.

The Lynk 01 is built on Volvo's CMA (Compact Modular Architecture) Platform, which is also expected to underpin the upcoming Volvo XC40. Engine options on offer include a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol and a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol. Both these engines have been sourced from Volvo, and are mated to Dual Clutch Transmissions. Front wheel drive as well as all-wheel drive arrangements will be available. A plug-in hybrid will also be added at a later date, while chances about a pure-electric variant haven’t been rubbished either.

Interestingly, Lynk & Co is targeting to establish the brand as a leader in vehicle connectivity. In order to do so, the company has provided an open digital platform that allows third party developers to develop and submit apps for Lynk's own app store. The Lynk 01 also has a configurable 10.1-inch touchscreen display that helps the occupants interact with the car. This infotainment system remains connected to the company's servers via the Internet. Microsoft and Alibaba will be responsible for handling the car's software services and connectivity. The company has also equipped the SUV with telemetics that help in establishing vehicle to vehicle communication. Through this, Lynk cars can share data about available parking spaces, traffic conditions, etc.

Lynk & Co is also betting big on their new car sharing feature. Through this, an owner can rent his/her car by simply tapping a 'Share my Car' button on the touchscreen display. This system uses a digital key to allow a person gain access to your car for a pre-decided period of time.

The company is planning to follow Tesla's approach in selling cars. Hence, most of the orders will be taken online through Lynk's digital platform. Moreover, Lynk & Co will open a few co-owned stores in major markets to give a first-hand experience to prospective customers. However, there won't be any authorised dealerships sanctioned for the brand. This has been done to avoid dealer margins increasing the car's overall price tag. Customers will even be able to buy a limited use of the vehicle as part of the company's shared ownership policy.

The Lynk & Co.'s 01 will go on sale in China in 2017, and will then be introduced in Europe and America in the following year. The automaker is also developing a compact sedan, a hatchback and a crossover based on the same CMA platform.