Spewing fire
Ever heard of Lynk & Co?
They are a premium automotive company co-owned by Geely and Volvo, targetting the tech savvy youth. Indeed, the ‘Co’ in Lynk & Co stands for ‘connected,’ thus putting heavy emphasis on connectivity to the internet and technology.
Headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, Lynk & Co utilizes a proprietary compact modular technology or CMA developed by China Euro Vehicle Technology or CEVT. This CMA platform is shared by Geely and Volvo as well, thanks to its versatile design, allows for a modular approach that is easily scaleable and utilizes many shared components which help drive cost down. Lynk & Co currently have a plug-in hybrid model called the 01 and will soon offer a fully battery-electric vehicle. Despite being of Swedish origin, Lynk & Co vehicles are made in China for easy, affordable, and efficient manufacturing, and distribution around the world.
In the Philippines, Lynk & Co is the latest and most prominent feather on UAAGI’s cap, joining brands like Foton commercial vehicles, Chery and Mutt Motorcycles.
At an exclusive preview held last Monday evening, March 11, 2024 at the glitzy Ayala Museum, the brand was formally launched to media and partners along with two models, the 01 PHEV compact cross-over and 06 subcompact cross-over. A bigger, grander launch for the general public will be held in a few weeks at the 2024 Manila International Auto Show.
Heading the brand will be industry veteran Froilan Dytianquin, UAAGI Managing Director and Lynk & Co brand head. Says Froilan, “We introduce Lynk & Co Philippines to the local market with much excitement and positivity, knowing that this brand affords Filipinos the opportunity to drive home a premium, global vehicle that ticks all the right boxes in terms of design aesthetic, safety, and modern connectivity.
Marketing efforts will be spearheaded by another industry stalwart, Senior Vice-President Lyn Buena who also heads marketing for all other UAAGI brands.
“Lynk & Co not only elevates UAAGI’s entire auto brand portfolio, but also allows us to cater to a wider audience of Filipino motorists and their discerning tastes and preferences. We believe Lynk & Co Philippines perfectly complements UAAGI’s existing offerings, providing Filipinos with a wider range of modern, stylish, safe, high-quality automotive choices,” says UAAGI Chairman Rommel L. Sytin, the visionary who has successfully acquired stewardship of all the brands under them.
The 01 PHEV is powered by a plug-in hybrid system pairing a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and an electric motor. The “Drive-E” system from the brand produces a total of 262 horsepower, with a pure EV range of 69 kilometers. It’s practically possible to be in full EV mode for most Metro Manila motorists. The hybrid system be charged using a Type 2 AC charger.
The Lynk & Co 01 PHEV features the trademark Aurora Borealis DRLs, Energy Cube rear lights plus massive 20-inch two-tone alloy wheels. Interior furnishings include a 12.3-inch multi-information display and a 12.7-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Infinity speakers play your audio tracks inside.
The 06 sub-compact cross-over gets a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and a punchy290 Nm of torque.
Other features include the same Aurora Borealis DRLs, Energy Cube rear lights, but also dual exhaust pipes, a panoramic sunroof and power tailgate.
Both cross-overs carry a plethora of of ADAS features including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, traffic jam assist, and lane keep assist with lane departure warning. On a sidenote, it’s good that many of these features, previously only the purvey of high-end luxury brands is finally becoming democratized and accessible to the greater majority.
Expect pricing of the 06 to be at P1.5 million and the 01 to be in the neighborhood of P2.4 million.
With the addition of Lynk & Co and soon BAIC, UAAGI is spewing fire in the Year of the Dragon.
