For months now, there have been rumors of a new player coming into the local automobile market. And now, the secret is out with United Asia Automotive Group, Inc. (UAAGI) — the company that brought in Foton and Chery — announcing its partnership with Lynk & Co. The latter is a renowned global auto brand, known for its refreshing designs and innovative technology. UAAGI is an established player in the automotive industry, having been in it for over 18 years now. As they introduce this exciting new brand to their portfolio, there’s bound to be some shakeup in the market.
The grand unveiling took place at an exclusive, preview event held at the Ayala Museum last March 18, 2024, where guests and media were given a first glimpse of what Lynk & Co has in store for Filipino drivers. They introduced two models: the 01 PHEV crossover and the 06 SUV; two gorgeous hunks of steel, leather, and technology poised to challenge expectations. The choice of Ayala Museum as the launch venue was not lost on a lot of us present at the event, as it represented Lynk & Co's fusion of art, technology, and design.
Froilan Dytianquin, the Group Managing Director for UAAGI and the Brand Head for Lynk & Co Philippines, expressed immense enthusiasm for introducing the brand to the local market. He emphasized that Lynk & Co aims to offer Filipinos a premium vehicle that prioritizes design, safety, and connectivity. This brand merges Swedish innovation with Chinese efficiency, stemming from a partnership between Volvo Car Group and Geely Auto Group. With an extensive history, Lynk & Co vehicles are constructed on some of the most sophisticated architectural platforms in the industry, enabling future growth and the integration of new technologies, particularly in the realm of electric vehicles.
UAAGI Chairman, Rommel L. Sytin, believes that Lynk & Co is not just another addition to their lineup, but a brand that will strongly resonate with Filipino drivers seeking modern, stylish, and safe vehicles. The introduction of Lynk & Co is expected to inject new vitality into the market, delivering a fusion of European design, cutting-edge technology, and robust safety features.
Diving into the details of the cars themselves, the Lynk & Co lineup is off to a strong start with their two crossover SUVs aimed at different segments of the market. The entry-level model, the 06, features a 1.5-liter, three-cylinder turbo engine that generates 177 Ps and 265 Nm of torque, and is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Impressive features of the 06 include a 540-degree camera, six airbags, and advanced driver assist systems such as adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking.
Meanwhile, the flagship 01 PHEV, takes things up a notch with its compact crossover design and plug-in hybrid system. The system combines a 1.5-liter turbo engine with an electric motor, resulting in a combined output of 262 Ps, 265 Nm of torque, and an electric-only range of up to 69 km. The interior of the 01 PHEV impresses with a fully digital instrument cluster and a 12.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, in addition to the standard advanced driver assist systems.
While Lynk & Co's international direct-selling and subscription business model has been gaining industry attention with its innovative approach to selling and sharing cars, thanks to partnerships with Alibaba for online sales and a unique car-sharing scheme, in the Philippines, Dytianquin mentioned that they are initially adopting a more traditional retail approach. This means that Filipinos can visit dealerships to purchase their Lynk & Co vehicles, at least for now. At the event Lynk & Co. executives revealed indicative prices for the models as follows: the 01 Crossover for ₱1,500,000 and the 06 PHEV SUV for ₱2,400,000.
For those eager to see these cars up close, Lynk & Co Philippines is preparing for their public debut at the 2024 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), taking place from April 4-7 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. This event will be a great opportunity for car enthusiasts and potential buyers to experience what Lynk & Co has to offer, including test drives of the latest models.