Lynk & Co to launch at MIAS 2024
UNITED Asia Automotive Group, Inc. (UAAGI) is now the official distributor of global auto brand Lynk & Co in the Philippines. The announcement was made during an exclusive preview event held at the Ayala Museum, weeks ahead of its scheduled brand launch at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) on April 4, 2024.
Present for the ceremonial “lynking” of the two companies were Bruce Lee (Asia Pacific Head) and Lyn Ruan (Asia-Pacific Brand Marketing) from Lynk & Co AsiaPacific, as well as Lynk & Co Philippines representatives led by UAAGI Chairman Rommel Sytin and Vice Chairman Kenneth Sytin, and UAAGI Group Managing Director and Lynk & Co Brand Head Froilan Dytianquin.
Unveiled at the event were two vehicles from the brand’s future-forward product lineup namely the Lynk & Co 01 and 06.
The 01 is a crossover plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Fitted with a 1.5-liter turbo engine and an electric motor, the mill is paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. The DriveE 1.5T MP+ engine has a combined output of 258 hp and 265 Nm of torque. The 01 can travel 69 kilometers on pure EV mode and uses an alternating current Type 2 charger. Its advanced driver assist system (ADAS) features include adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, traffic jam assist, and lane keep assist with lane departure warning. Other features include Aurora Borealis DRLs, Energy Cube LED rear lights, and two-tone 20inch aluminum alloy wheels. Inside, the 01 has a leather steering wheel with tilt and telescopic adjustments, a 12.3-inch full-digital multifunctional instrument panel, a 12.7-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Indicative pricing of the 01 is P 2.4 million.
Meanwhile, the gasoline-fed 06 subcompact crossover SUV is powered by a 1.5-liter turbo engine paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. This combination produces 181 hp and 290 Nm of torque. ADAS features include forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist and lane changing assistance, and intelligent adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist. Safety features include six airbags and a 540-degree panoramic camera. It is fitted with MacPherson independent strut with stabilizer bar fronts and multi-link independent with stabilizer bar at the rear. The 06 also features Aurora Borealis DRLs, Energy Cube LED rear combination lamps, a Z-shaped sporty beltline, a panoramic sunroof, a power tailgate, and a dual chrome exhaust pipe.
Dytianquin was enthusiastic about launching the premium brand “that ticks all the right boxes in terms of design aesthetic, safety, and modern connectivity.”
For those still puzzled by the brand’s Swedish roots claim, the connection is the Volvo Car Group, which is also owned by Geely, specifically the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, which incidentally also has numerous automotive brands in its portfolio.
Lynk & Co is a joint venture between the Volvo Car Group and the Geely Auto Group and, as such, benefits from the strengths of both automotive powerhouses. Most notably, Lynk & Co vehicles are designed and built using advanced architectural platforms such as CMA, SEA and BMA. These platforms allow for model scalability and adaptability in light of new energy solutions, such as translation of Lynk & Co’s designs to accommodate new electric vehicle technologies.
“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,” said Sytin.
Lynk & Co Philippines will be presenting at least four vehicles including the 01 and 06 at the MIAS 2024 on April 4 to 7 at the World Trade Center in Pasay.