Different attitudes bring different results
What struck me recently at the Lynk & Co Spaces event held at the Karrera showroom in Alabang was the strong sense of community among the owners and users of Lynk & Co vehicles. This brand has always approached things differently, right from the start. It’s a fascinating blend of Volvo’s legacy of engineering expertise and Geely’s technical prowess and production capabilities. That combination gives Lynk & Co a unique edge. While many newer car brands lean heavily on technology alone, Lynk & Co balances that with a deep understanding of car-building traditions and, more importantly, how their users interact with their vehicles.
One of the standout aspects of Lynk & Co is their “Spaces” concept which is part of a wider range of how they choose to interact. The “Spaces” aren’t your typical car showrooms, though they still do have those but actually pretty welcoming. The Spaces venues and events are designed to be hubs for interaction, not really for selling cars. They bring together people who are curious about the brand, the vehicles, or even just the ideas being shared. At this particular event, the highlight was a talk by RJ Ledesma, a well-known entrepreneur and speaker. RJ’s reputation alone could draw a crowd, and that’s the beauty of it. The event wasn’t just about cars; it was about sparking conversations and engaging with people who might not have even been thinking about Lynk & Co beforehand.
What I found particularly engaging was the active participation of Lynk & Co vehicle owners. They weren’t just there to listen; they were part of the dialogue. For instance, a young couple introduced themselves as one of the first owners of the Lynk & Co 01 plug-in hybrid. They ended up in a lively discussion with a member of the Sytin family, who also uses the 01 as a daily driver. It was a genuine exchange of experiences, and the brand representatives were right there, listening and taking notes. That kind of direct interaction is rare and refreshing.
On display at the event were the Lynk & Co and the new 08. The 08, a larger plug-in hybrid, caught my eye. It features a more refined and sleeker design language that signals the brand’s evolution. I had rather a long time to admire its silhouette while sitting in the rain outside the venue, and even from that limited perspective, the design stood out. It’s clear that Lynk & Co is pushing its aesthetic forward while staying true to its roots. Also thank you to them for having the forward thinking to meet us with umbrellas because of the sudden downpour.
What I appreciate about Lynk & Co is the same thing I admire about the Geely group as a whole. From the beginning, they’ve felt more global in their approach as opposed to strictly tied to their Chinese origins or only the strengths of large conglomerates. They’ve managed to combine different strengths such as heritage, innovation, and user-centric thinking into something that feels fresh and forward-looking. Of course, no brand is without its challenges, but Lynk & Co is a compelling example of how properly blending diverse perspectives can lead to something new.
