Lynk

Product brand

A Chinese-origin automotive brand combining Geely engineering with Volvo-related technology and direct-to-consumer retail models.

Last updated October 30, 2026

AI crawler reads

No AI crawler has read this profile since Oct 28, 2026.

Overview

Lynk & Co is an automotive brand established in 2016 within the Geely ecosystem. It was created originally as a three-party venture involving Zhejiang Geely Holding, Geely Auto and Volvo Cars, with the strategic aim of occupying a position between Geely's mainstream vehicles and Volvo's premium range. The brand has developed a distinctive identity around connected mobility, youthful design, shared vehicle technology and alternative retail models rather than relying exclusively on conventional franchised dealerships. The brand's name was developed from the internal concept of a connected car. The word “Lynk” was intended to suggest links between people, vehicles and digital services, while “& Co” was added to give the name a more informal, international and lifestyle-oriented character. Lynk & Co was conceived as a globally usable label, drawing on naming conventions associated with fashion and consumer technology as much as traditional automobile manufacturers. Its first production vehicle, the Lynk & Co 01 compact sport utility vehicle, entered production in China in 2017. The 01 and subsequent models were built on architectures and powertrain technologies shared within the Geely group, including the Compact Modular Architecture associated with Volvo, Polestar and Geely vehicles. The product range expanded into compact sedans, hatchbacks, coupe-style SUVs, plug-in hybrids and battery-electric vehicles. More recent models have targeted larger vehicle segments and have increasingly emphasized electrified propulsion. Lynk & Co also sought to differentiate itself through direct sales, online ordering, branded urban retail locations and vehicle-subscription programs. In Europe, the company introduced a subscription-oriented model that allowed customers to use vehicles without following a traditional long-term purchase structure. This approach was intended to reduce the distance between the brand and its customers, appeal to younger urban consumers and use digital services as part of the ownership proposition. The company opened a substantial retail network in China and began European expansion in 2020. International operations have included selected European markets, Middle Eastern countries and the Philippines. Europe has been strategically important, but the business has also faced the high costs and operational complexity of building an international distribution and service network. The European range has focused mainly on plug-in hybrid and battery-electric vehicles, while the Chinese business has continued to offer a broader mix of powertrains and body styles. The ownership structure changed substantially in November 2024. Zeekr acquired Volvo Cars' 30% stake and an additional 20% stake previously held by Geely Auto, giving Zeekr a 51% interest in Lynk & Co. Geely Auto retained 49%. The restructuring placed Lynk & Co and Zeekr under a more closely coordinated operating structure while preserving the brand's relationship with the wider Geely group. Volvo Cars remained relevant through technology links and European commercial cooperation, but no longer held an ownership stake after the transaction. Lynk & Co has also participated in international motorsport through Cyan Racing. Its competition program in the World Touring Car Cup helped establish the brand's performance credentials and gave it visibility as one of the first Chinese automotive marques to compete in an FIA world-level touring-car championship. The brand remains active, with a portfolio spanning internal-combustion, plug-in hybrid and battery-electric vehicles and an ongoing focus on connected, digitally enabled mobility.

History

Lynk & Co was introduced in 2016 as a new automotive marque within the Geely Holding Group. Its development was associated with Geely’s ownership of Volvo Cars and with an effort to create a brand that could use group engineering resources while maintaining a distinct design, marketing and customer proposition. Rather than presenting itself solely as a conventional Chinese manufacturer, Lynk & Co was framed as an international brand with an urban, connected and lifestyle-oriented identity. The brand’s first model, the 01, entered the Chinese market in 2017. As a compact crossover, it occupied a high-volume segment and served as the practical foundation for the new marque. The model emphasized connectivity, relatively comprehensive equipment and a modern cabin and exterior design. Its arrival was followed by additional vehicles designed to broaden the range, including the 02, 03 sedan, 05 coupe-style SUV, 06 compact SUV and 09 larger SUV. The 03 also became important to the brand’s performance image through motorsport and performance-oriented derivatives. A central part of Lynk & Co’s early identity was its attempt to rethink the conventional relationship between automaker, dealer and driver. In Europe, the company tested a membership and subscription model in which customers could access vehicles through flexible arrangements rather than relying only on outright purchase. The brand supplemented this proposition with digital ordering, online services and selected physical locations intended to function as customer and community spaces. The model differentiated Lynk & Co from traditional manufacturers, although its practical application varied by country and over time. International expansion began with Europe, where Lynk & Co established operations in selected markets and introduced vehicles adapted to local regulatory and consumer requirements. The brand later appeared in additional regions, including markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Its international development has been supported by Geely’s broader industrial footprint, while Volvo-related engineering connections and shared group platforms have helped provide access to modern vehicle technology. Electrification has become progressively more significant in the company’s portfolio. Lynk & Co has offered hybrid and plug-in hybrid products and has continued to add battery-electric vehicles as regulations and market demand have changed. This shift places the marque in direct competition with both established European and Japanese manufacturers and fast-growing Chinese electric-vehicle companies. In China in particular, the brand operates in a market characterized by frequent product updates, aggressive pricing, extensive connectivity features and rapid improvements in battery and software technology. The brand’s corporate position remains linked to Geely Holding Group rather than to a standalone stock-market listing. Geely supplies the group context, industrial resources and access to related automotive businesses, while Lynk & Co retains its own name, design language and market positioning. Its long-term development depends on balancing these shared resources with sufficient differentiation from other Geely and Volvo brands. It also must maintain a coherent international strategy while responding to different regulations, distribution systems and levels of consumer acceptance in each market.

2021
Lynk & Co 09 introduced
[1]Lynk & Coen.wikipedia.org
The 09 expanded the marque into the larger SUV segment and reinforced its move toward more substantial and electrified offerings.
2020
European customer operations expand
[1]Lynk & Coen.wikipedia.org
The brand broadened its European availability and continued testing subscription and digital-first distribution models.
2018
European expansion begins
[1]Lynk & Coen.wikipedia.org
Lynk & Co began developing its European presence and promoted a membership-oriented approach alongside conventional vehicle access.
2017
Lynk & Co 01 enters the Chinese market
[1]Lynk & Coen.wikipedia.org
The 01 compact crossover became the brand’s first production vehicle and established its initial product and technology direction.
2016
Brand established
[1]Lynk & Coen.wikipedia.org
Geely introduced Lynk & Co as a new automotive brand developed with links to Volvo Cars and intended for a connected, internationally oriented customer proposition.

Products and positioning

Design-led, digitally connected and internationally oriented automotive brand positioned between mainstream and premium passenger vehicles.

Compact SUV · 2017
Lynk & Co 01
The 01 was Lynk & Co’s first production model and remains the clearest expression of the original brand concept. It is a compact crossover emphasizing connected functions, contemporary styling and a comparatively high equipment level. Depending on market and model year, it has been sold with internal-combustion, hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains. The vehicle established Lynk & Co’s presence in China and later served as the principal product for its early European subscription proposition.
Compact sedan and performance sedan · 2018
Lynk & Co 03
The 03 is a compact sedan that broadened Lynk & Co beyond the crossover segment. It has been offered in standard and performance-oriented forms, with the 03+ and related high-output versions helping create a stronger sporting identity for the brand. The model has also been connected with Lynk & Co’s motorsport visibility, particularly through touring-car competition. Its role is to provide a more driver-focused alternative within the otherwise SUV-heavy range.
Coupe-style SUV · 2020
Lynk & Co 05
The 05 is a coupe-style crossover positioned as a more design-led and sportier derivative within the Lynk & Co portfolio. It combines the elevated driving position associated with an SUV with a lower, sloping roofline and a more performance-oriented presentation. The model helped the brand extend its visual identity into a premium-leaning lifestyle segment and was offered with electrified variants in relevant markets.
Large SUV · 2021
Lynk & Co 09
The 09 is a larger SUV that moved Lynk & Co into a more spacious and upscale vehicle class. It provides a three-row-oriented product position and uses the group’s access to larger-vehicle engineering and electrified powertrain technology. The model is important to the brand’s effort to cover a wider range of price and size segments while retaining its distinctive design language and connected-car positioning.
Compact crossover · 2018
Lynk & Co 02
The 02 is a compact crossover developed to sit below or alongside the 01 in the range, depending on market configuration. It expresses the brand’s urban and youthful design direction in a smaller format. Product availability and naming have differed by market, so the model’s commercial role is best understood as part of Lynk & Co’s compact crossover family rather than as a universally distributed global product.

Controversies

2026
Lynk controversy note: China's largest-ever car recall campaign over emergency door handles
On Aug 21, 2026, eleven carmakers including Tesla and Xiaomi launched software updates and vehicle recalls in China in the country's largest-ever automotive recall campaign. The recalls addressed concerns that emergency mechanical door release handles may be difficult to locate or operate during emergencies. Tesla will recall 2.98 million imported and China-made Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X vehicles from Sept 25, with a remedy of warning labels and an OTA update that automatically lowers vehicle windows after a collision.
Source
2026
Lynk & Co files recall plan for Lynk 900 and other models over lidar defect
Lynk & Co filed a recall plan with China's State Administration for Market Regulation covering Lynk 900, Lynk 10EM-P, Lynk 07EM-P and Lynk 08 EM-P vehicles. According to the filing, supplier process fluctuations may have damaged the power IC in certain batches of lidar units. Owners will be contacted by phone and SMS and offered free lidar replacement, with pickup and delivery service and priority queueing beginning August 24, 2026.
Source

2020
Expansion of electrified product offeringsProduct launch
Background
Stricter emissions requirements and changing consumer demand increased the importance of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles in the company’s principal markets.
Action taken
Lynk & Co expanded the use of electrified powertrains across relevant models and incorporated plug-in hybrid products into its international range.
Aftermath
Electrification became a more visible part of the brand’s product strategy and its competition with both conventional automakers and new-energy vehicle companies.
Source
2018
European membership and subscription modelStrategy
Background
Lynk & Co sought to differentiate its European market entry from conventional manufacturer and dealership structures by emphasizing flexible access and a continuing digital relationship with customers.
Action taken
The brand introduced membership-oriented vehicle access, including subscription concepts, supported by online ordering and selected physical customer locations.
Aftermath
The approach became a defining part of Lynk & Co’s early European positioning, although the precise availability and commercial terms varied across markets and over time.
Source

Recent events

2026-11-04
Lynk & Co names Wu Yanni a Lynk 07GT vehicle friend[6]领克宣布吴艳妮成为领克07GT车型挚友finance.sina.com.cn
Reported: 2026-11-04
Lynk & Co announced that track-and-field athlete Wu Yanni had become a “vehicle friend” for the Lynk 07GT.
2026-10-26
Lynk unveils a new brand identity[7]Lynk 发布新品牌形象marketing-interactive.com
Reported: 2026-10-26
Lynk unveiled a new brand identity, including a new logo and refreshed graphic elements, colors, fonts, and photography style across its website and brand materials.
2026-08-22
Lynk & Co files recall plan for Lynk 900 and other models over lidar defect[5]Lynk & Co files recall plan for Lynk 900 and other models over lidar defect163.com
Reported: 2026-08-22
Lynk & Co has filed a recall plan with China's State Administration for Market Regulation covering Lynk 900, Lynk 10EM-P, Lynk 07EM-P and Lynk 08 EM-P vehicles, after supplier process fluctuations may have damaged the power IC in certain batches of lidar units. Owners will be contacted by phone and SMS and offered free lidar replacement, with pickup/delivery and priority queueing services starting August 24, 2026.
2026-08-21
Chinese automakers including Xiaomi, Xpeng, Zeekr and Lynk & Co recall vehicles over hidden emergency door releases[4]Lynk controversy note: China's largest-ever car recall campaign over emergency door handlesibtimes.com.au
Reported: 2026-08-23
Eleven automakers in China issued related recalls addressing the same hidden emergency door release problem, with nine manufacturers, including Tesla, agreeing to install warning labels helping occupants locate the releases. Xiaomi, Xpeng, and Geely-owned brands Zeekr and Lynk & Co. were among the other manufacturers issuing recalls; eight other automakers including Leapmotor, Chery, Dongfeng, BAIC BluePark and FAW filed recalls with China's market regulator on the same day. More than 4 million vehicles in total were affected across the full scope of the crackdown.
2026-08-21
China's largest-ever car recall campaign over emergency door handles[3]Lynk controversy note: China's largest-ever car recall campaign over emergency door handlesthestar.com.my
Reported: 2026-08-22
Eleven carmakers including Tesla and Xiaomi launched software updates and vehicle recalls in China on Aug 21, 2026, in the country's largest-ever automotive recall campaign, addressing concerns that emergency mechanical door release handles may be difficult to locate or operate during emergencies. Tesla will recall 2.98 million imported and China-made Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X vehicles from Sept 25, with a remedy of warning labels and an OTA update that automatically lowers vehicle windows after a collision.
2021-10-23
Lynk & Co announces expansion into Kuwait and Saudi Arabia[8]Lynk & Co 宣布拓展至科威特和沙特阿拉伯thestar.com.my
Reported: 2021-10-23
Lynk & Co said it was expanding in the Middle East, with plans to deliver cars in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia during the quarter; the article does not report that deliveries had begun.
2021-10-20
Lynk & Co launches 09 SUV[8]Lynk & Co 宣布拓展至科威特和沙特阿拉伯thestar.com.my
Reported: 2021-10-23
Lynk & Co launched the 09, a mid-size plug-in hybrid SUV, at an event in Shanghai on Wednesday.
Weekdays and relative dates follow the original report; their exact calendar dates have not been verified.
2021-10-01
Lynk & Co 05+ officially launched[9]领克05+正式发布donews.com
Lynk & Co officially launched the 05+, a new performance SUV offered in two configurations.
2020-09-30
Lynk & Co launches membership-based car model[10]Lynk & Co推出会员制汽车模式shropshirestar.com
Reported: 2020-09-30
Lynk & Co launched a membership-based car buying and ownership model, including a rolling monthly contract and an option to hire a car without paying the monthly membership contract cost.
2020-09-23
Lynk unveils ZERO concept electric car[11]领克首发ZERO concept纯电概念车auto.cnr.cn
Reported: 2020-09-24
Lynk globally unveiled the ZERO concept, described as the first luxury electric coupe concept based on the SEA architecture. The article says mass production and market launch are planned for 2021.

Showing the 10 most recent.

Sources15 sources

Cite this profile: Cite the canonical profile. /brand-wiki/lynk · Editorial policy · How profiles are compiled