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Lynk & Co 02: New car (electric!) and new distribution!

Lynk & Co returns: Up to 445 kilometers range according to WLTP for 35,495 euros is a statement. In addition, the sales model is changing, but the sharing option remains, with a twist!

With the electric 02 (closely related to Volvo EX 30, Smart#1, and Zeekr X), Lynk & Co is making a comeback. | Photo: Lynk & Co
With the electric 02 (closely related to Volvo EX 30, Smart#1, and Zeekr X), Lynk & Co is making a comeback. | Photo: Lynk & Co
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Gregor Soller

Connected to Geely’s SEA2 platform, the version of the well-known "Sustainable Experience Architecture" (SEA) optimized for smaller vehicles, the new Lynk is associated with Zeekr X, Smart #1 and #3, or the Volvo EX30, but does many things differently. It appears visually larger than its siblings and stretches out to a length of 4.46 meters. With a width of 1,845 millimeters and a height of 1,573 millimeters, it is slightly larger than the Zeekr X (4,450 mm length, 1,836 mm width, 1,572 mm height). It already fared well in its first comparison against the Volvo EX30, and now Lynk is also stepping up on this basis.

The 02 uses a 66 kWh NMC lithium-ion battery, which can be charged with up to 150 kW. The jump from 10 to 80% SOC is supposed to be done within 30 minutes. The "Core" can charge at 11 kW AC, while the "More" starting at 39,495 euros can also handle 22 kW AC. The 02 is offered with 5G connectivity and two wireless charging pads. The digital cockpit system was developed by ECARX and is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon SA8155p SoC of the third generation. The Infinity Light is intended to provide brightness, which is supposed to maximize the sense of space with an "endless light tunnel effect." There are also four different mood settings - Fireworks, West Coast, Moonlight Love, and Neo City. Propulsion is also extremely fast: with a 200 kW motor, it accelerates to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds.

Typical of Chinese design is the Journey camera, with which you can take selfies or group photos directly from the rearview mirror to capture memories on the go. Additionally, the 02 features a heated steering wheel and electrically heated memory seats in the front, which are thinly shaped to maximize interior space. The sound on board is already overwhelming: 1,600 watts from 14 speakers. And instead of a horn, special sounds emit to the outside. Speaking of the outside: you can take along the box in the center console, which is inspired by aviation.

Sales will be reorganized – with dealers, but the clubs will remain

Finally, a new push for the brand is coming, one might almost say: because the Lynk sales completely collapsed in Germany in 2024, requiring a response. The well-aged 01 will remain available as a hybrid or plug-in with a facelift, the 02 is new, and the sales strategy will be changed. Until now, the 01 was sold in Europe only through car subscriptions. As of July 2024, the vehicle is no longer sold due to EU cybersecurity legislation. So now, the restart, where they also want to involve Volvo dealers, suddenly gaining spatial penetration.

The new CEO Lopez Appelgren wants to establish a classic importer network for this purpose. This year, six to ten showrooms operated by dealers are expected to open with Lynk & Co models. In the medium term, this number should rise to 30 to 40. Probably, the Lynk & Co brand will be integrated as a secondary brand into existing trading structures. The so-called Lynk Clubs will remain with the manufacturer regardless.

 

The car-sharing element remains as the "core brand"

Each Lynk & Co model is equipped with a car-sharing function accessible through the Lynk & Co app on the vehicle's central screen. This function allows users to safely share their vehicle with others while earning money. In fact, there is said to be a 01 owner who earns up to 2,500 euros a month this way, as David Green, Vice President of Strategy, Products, and Offerings at Lynk & Co, revealed at the Automechanika in Frankfurt. In marketing speak, it sounds like this: “For Lynk & Co, car-sharing is a core part of community building and promotes more sustainable use of cars already on the road and access to mobility for everyone.”

With the 02, sharing is even easier, as it features a 'sharing strap' located next to the steering, one of the few physical controls in the car. A light pull leads the user directly to the sharing app on the vehicle's large central display, where you can share your 02 in just a few steps. Green, who truly values sharing, is also pleased with this:

“With all its new technology, the 02 makes car-sharing even easier than before. Currently, thirty percent of Lynk & Co owners use this feature, and this share will grow with the expanded product selection.”

Lynk & Co aims to quickly expand in Europe with the help of importers. This year, the number of European markets is set to increase from seven to 22. For 2024, Lynk & Co plans 7,000 to 8,000 new registrations across Europe. Lopez Apelgren also explains:

"2024 is a transition year for us in which we consciously accept low sales numbers."

This is why Lynk & Co should score at least triple-digit growth figures in Germany in 2025. The 02 has what it takes! We are eager for the first driving impressions!

What does that mean?

Back to the beginning in Europe: While Lynk & Co has a vast range in China, the hopeful sapling in Europe with the now slightly outdated 01 and "all-in subscription" only languished. It attracted some customers who were satisfied (the 01 is based on the Volvo XC40 platform), but in the long run, that wasn't a sustainable business model. That's why they're now taking targeted action!

Translated automatically from German.
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