Volvo to Become Exclusive Importer of Lynk & Co in Europe
Swedish automaker Volvo Cars has signed a memorandum of understanding to become the sole importer of Chinese brand Lynk & Co’s cars on the European continent. This agreement will give Volvo control over the brand’s operational activities in the region and is designed to promote its further growth.
Key points of the agreement:
Sales Strategy Through Dealer Network
If the plans are realized, European Volvo dealers will gain the opportunity to sell and service Lynk & Co cars. The company views this as a mutually beneficial situation: dealers can expect increased sales volumes and an influx of new customers for service maintenance.
With this new agreement, we will use our commercial system to support Lynk & Co’s growth ambitions in Europe. At the same time, it will allow Volvo Cars and our retail partners to reach a wider customer base. With the support of our dealers and our commercial organization, Lynk & Co will be able to realize its true potential in Europe.
— stated Volvo’s Chief Commercial Officer, Erik Severinson.
Complementing the Model Range and Synergy
Volvo notes that Lynk & Co cars will “complement” the company’s own products and expand its customer base. Models of the Chinese brand, such as the 01, 02, and 08, are priced in Germany from €35,995 to €55,995 and are technically related to some Volvo models, which should promote commonality in repairs and maintenance.
This step is aimed at helping Lynk & Co with European expansion, while allowing Volvo to “increase its target market and reach a wider audience without additional product investments.” The company emphasizes that this is not a radical change, as a partnership between the brands already exists, and some dealers are already selling cars of both brands.
Lynk & Co Model Range and Technologies
Currently, the European model range of Lynk & Co consists of the 01, 02, and 08 crossovers. The most powerful model is the Lynk & Co 08 plug-in hybrid. It is equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline engine, a 39.6 kWh battery pack, and an electric motor. The total power output is 345 hp, and the electric-only range reaches 124 miles (200 km).
This strategy reflects a general trend in the automotive industry, where large groups use synergy between brands to optimize costs and cover different market segments. For European buyers, this could mean more choice in the affordable crossover segment with evolving technologies, as well as potentially more convenient service support through an extensive network. The success of this initiative will largely depend on how clearly Lynk & Co can be positioned separately from Volvo to avoid too direct internal competition, and how attractive the offers will be for dealers.