Chine
Lynk&Co
Lynk&Co is a Chinese automaker founded on October 20, 2016, in Hangzhou, China. It emerged from a joint venture within the Zhejiang Geely Holding group, originally with shared ownership between Geely Auto (50%), Volvo Cars (30%), and Geely Holding (20%). The guiding idea was to position the brand between Geely and Volvo, as a so-called "near premium" (almost premium) offering, while adopting a commercial approach modeled on a young technology startup. The name combines "Lynk," evoking cars connected to one another, and "& Co," a commercial abbreviation added to give it a modern tone. The first product, the 01 crossover, was unveiled in production form at the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show and then built on the line of Volvo's Luqiao (Taizhou) plant, shared with the Volvo XC40 and the Polestar 2. From the outset, the brand bet on direct-to-consumer sales, a flexible monthly subscription, and strong digital integration rather than the traditional dealership network. Lynk&Co entered the European market in 2020, initially with the 01 plug-in hybrid, and established itself in several countries through a membership and sharing model. In November 2024, the ownership structure was revised: Volvo Cars divested its stake, and Zeekr became the majority shareholder with 51%, with Geely Auto retaining 49%, thereby integrating Lynk&Co more closely into Zeekr Group. On the European distribution side, Volvo Cars was designated as the importer, reinforcing the long-standing ties between the two brands. In North America, despite considerations that began as early as 2018 (a planned headquarters in San Francisco) and announcements around an electric vehicle, Lynk&Co never established a significant commercial presence; the brand remains absent from the Quebec and North American markets for official sales.
ActiveÉlectrique / hybrideChinoises
History
History of Lynk&Co
Lynk&Co is a Chinese automaker founded on October 20, 2016, in Hangzhou, China. It emerged from a joint venture within the Zhejiang Geely Holding group, originally with shared ownership between Geely Auto (50%), Volvo Cars (30%), and Geely Holding (20%). The guiding idea was to position the brand between Geely and Volvo, as a so-called "near premium" (almost premium) offering, while adopting a commercial approach modeled on a young technology startup. The name combines "Lynk," evoking cars connected to one another, and "& Co," a commercial abbreviation added to give it a modern tone. The first product, the 01 crossover, was unveiled in production form at the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show and then built on the line of Volvo's Luqiao (Taizhou) plant, shared with the Volvo XC40 and the Polestar 2. From the outset, the brand bet on direct-to-consumer sales, a flexible monthly subscription, and strong digital integration rather than the traditional dealership network. Lynk&Co entered the European market in 2020, initially with the 01 plug-in hybrid, and established itself in several countries through a membership and sharing model. In November 2024, the ownership structure was revised: Volvo Cars divested its stake, and Zeekr became the majority shareholder with 51%, with Geely Auto retaining 49%, thereby integrating Lynk&Co more closely into Zeekr Group. On the European distribution side, Volvo Cars was designated as the importer, reinforcing the long-standing ties between the two brands. In North America, despite considerations that began as early as 2018 (a planned headquarters in San Francisco) and announcements around an electric vehicle, Lynk&Co never established a significant commercial presence; the brand remains absent from the Quebec and North American markets for official sales.
Public founding or origin of Lynk&Co.
01: launch or first listed period.
03: launch or first listed period.
09: launch or first listed period.
Technologies
Technologies, innovations and platforms
Lynk&Co relies largely on Geely group architectures shared with Volvo and Polestar. Most compact models use the CMA (Compact Modular Architecture) platform, developed by CEVT, which also underpins the Volvo XC40 and the Polestar 2. Larger models, such as the 09, use the SPA platform, a cousin of the one in the Volvo XC90. On the powertrain side, the range combines turbocharged gasoline engines (notably 1.5L three-cylinders and 2.0L four-cylinders) with extensive electrification: plug-in hybrids (PHEV) from the Lynk E-Motive family, with a dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT), as well as mild-hybrid versions. The vehicles feature advanced connectivity, large-screen infotainment systems, and modern driver-assistance features inherited from the Volvo/Geely world of safety. CMA platform shared with the Volvo XC40. Turbocharged gasoline powertrains and, above all, Lynk E-Motive plug-in hybrids (1.5L three-cylinder with DHT hybrid transmission and electric motor), EM-F and EM-P versions of up to roughly 245 hp, advanced connectivity and driver assistance. CMA platform. Turbocharged gasoline powertrains, including a 2.0L turbo of more than 250 hp on the 03+/03++ and more radical Cyan versions; automatic transmission, sporting heritage rooted in WTCR racing (03 TCR). SPA platform, a cousin of the Volvo XC90. 2.0L turbo gasoline powertrains, a mild hybrid, and an EM-P plug-in hybrid version with a 2.0L turbo engine and a high-capacity battery (CATL cells), automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
Brand image
Identity, reputation, strengths and weaknesses
Positioning
A Chinese "near premium" brand within the Geely/Zeekr group, focused on electrification, connectivity, and a direct-sales and subscription model, absent from North America.
Reputation
Lynk&Co enjoys a positive technical perception thanks to its shared underpinnings with Volvo and Polestar, which guarantee platform quality and safety. The brand has also made a name for itself in motorsport: the Cyan Racing team won titles in the WTCR with the 03 TCR. In Europe, its flexible subscription model has appealed for its simplicity but has also raised doubts about its economic viability. As a young brand, Lynk&Co still has little long-term reliability history and limited established resale-value data, particularly outside China and Europe.
Strengths
Solid technical foundations shared with Volvo, Polestar, and Geely (CMA and SPA platforms), strong electrification (high-performing plug-in hybrids), modern design, and advanced connectivity. A "near premium" positioning at a contained price, an innovative direct-sales and flexible subscription model, and motorsport credibility earned through the 03's WTCR titles in competition.
Points to watch
A young brand with limited hindsight on long-term reliability and resale value, especially outside China. A limited service network and a near-total absence in North America, complicating maintenance and parts supply. A subscription model whose profitability remains debated, and an image still little known to the general public in Quebec and North America.
Models
Lynk&Co models
Current or active models by market
Production and compatibility
Plants, tires and wheels
Production
Lynk&Co's production is concentrated in China, across several Geely group plants: Luqiao (Taizhou) and Meishan, near Ningbo, for models such as the 01, 06, 08, and 09; Zhangjiakou for the 02 and 03; as well as the "CMA Super Factory" in Luqiao. These sites share lines and components with Volvo and Polestar, notably for the 01, which is assembled alongside the Volvo XC40. Lynk&Co has no plant in North America and carries out no official production or sales there. Its presence outside China remains centered on Europe, where distribution now relies on Volvo Cars as the importer.
Tires and wheels
Lynk&Co vehicles use tire and wheel sizes typical of their Volvo/Geely cousins. The CMA compacts (01, 03) generally run 17- to 19-inch wheels, while the large 09 SUV (XC90-based) commonly comes with 20- or even 21-inch wheels. The most common bolt pattern on these platforms is 5x108, widely used at Volvo. For use in Quebec, dedicated winter tires are essential and mandatory in season; a second set with a smaller wheel diameter (for example 17 or 18 inches) fitted with winter tires is a popular choice for comfort and cost. The exact figures depend on the model and trim.