Chinese-backed startup Lynk & Co has revealed the 02 hybrid SUV, a car described as a ‘smartphone on wheels’ and one tasked with spearheading the company's entrance into the European market.
The reveal was one of a series of announcements this week detailing how, when and where the electric brand will get their cars in front of the world's biggest new car market.
The 02 was unveiled in the Netherlands, whilst in Belgium the company announced all European Lynk & Co vehicles will be built sister company Volvo's Ghent production plant. All the while in Gothenburg, Sweden, plans were revealed for Lynk & Co’s market roll-out along with a novel retail approach across its initial target cities.
"From our headquarters in Sweden, we will roll-out sales with an initial focus on key European cities for our target audience of globally connected urbanites," said Lynk & Co Senior Vice President, Alain Visser.
"We will manufacture in Europe, for Europe, focusing initially on hybrid-only electrified derivatives of our new range of cars – further expanded today with the youthful 02.”
Lynk & Co describe the 02 as "Sporty, adventurous, dynamic, daring, confident and fun" with the SUV aimed at youth buyers with active lifestyles.
"A shorter wheelbase, lower ride height and centre of gravity – combined with two-tone colour-schemes and softer, voluptuous surfaces, muscular haunches and wheel-arches – give 02 a solid and confident stance while being agile and sporty in character," said Andreas Nilsson, head of design for Lynk & Co.
While specs for the 02 weren’t disclosed, it's expected it to be powered by the same three-cylinder hybrid unit from the Volvo XC40, with plug-in hybrid and full-electric models likely to follow.
The 02's cabin features a large touchscreen display and advanced telematics systems, connected to the Internet at all times as well as to the car’s own cloud.
Unlike any other traditional model range, there will be no base or luxury spec versions. All Lynk & Co cars will be fully-equipped, one price "collections" inspired by the fashion industry.
As such, Lynk & Co models will be packed with connected technologies like a ride-sharing function, wireless charging and a dedicated app store.
Lynk & Co’s first European store will open in Amsterdam, followed by new locations in Barcelona, Berlin, Brussels and London.
These ‘Offline Stores’ will be located in central fashion districts as easy-to-navigate, sociable boutiques.
The first stores are expected to open in 2019, with production of the first models expected to start in early 2019.
