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Lynk & Co has done things differently from the beginning. Most notably, it dove into Europe with a subscription focus. It’s a brand I’ve found intriguing and a bit confusing at times. It’s designs are sleek and modern, but rather than launching as a pure battery electric vehicle (BEV) company to get more hype and consumer demand, it diverged from the Chinese auto startup norm and rolled out plugin hybrids. Of course, it is owned by Chinese giant Geely, but it is based in Gothenburg, Sweden, and linked to the European market. It’s also more complicated than that — it’s owned by Zeekr (51%) and Geely (49%), but Geely owns Zeekr….
Anyway, I’ve always found its vehicles to be highly attractive, its specs and tech have been good, and it has innovated in how it gets customers. So, it’s a fun and fascinating company to follow. Well, today it published a unique piece, which I guess is fitting for the company. It’s an exploration of the company’s history, previous development, evolution, and corporate plans in a new era. I don’t think chopping it up and commenting on each bit would enhance the article, and it would disturb the flow of the writing. So, I’m just going to publish it in full below. Overall, my take is that Lynk & Co is shifting to a more “normal” approach to selling cars through its own branded retail locations across Europe. And it is sprinting to do so. I think the company has real potential, so I’m super curious to see how this goes. Let us know if you are on the ground in locations where it’s active and what your thoughts are. Here’s the company’s announcement:
LYNK & CO STRENGTHENS ITS RETAIL FOUNDATION AND SETS THE STAGE FOR A NEW ERA OF GROWTH
Gothenburg, Sweden — Following a breakthrough year marked by retail expansion, the launch of the highly anticipated Lynk & Co 08, and market growth, Lynk & Co is entering a new chapter. The brand is evolving from fast-paced growth to long-term strength – with a sharper focus on retail, innovation, and sustainable expansion.
2025: From Growth to Evolution
2025 marks a defining year in Lynk & Co’s journey – evolving from a fast-growing challenger into an established mobility brand with a solid European footprint.
In 2024, Lynk & Co took its first step into retail operations. Now, in 2025, one year later, the brand has accelerated this transformation: from 11 Clubs to over 125 confirmed retail points across Europe, with 80 retailers actively selling cars and 35 additional selling points in importer markets. This expansion also provides customers with access to more than 350 authorized workshops across Europe, making service and maintenance easier and more convenient than ever.
To ensure clear brand differentiation, Lynk & Co has introduced a dedicated Corporate Identity (CI) concept for its retail spaces – designed to create an immersive brand experience that reflects the brand’s modern, connected spirit. Depending on market setup, retail areas range from 200 to 550 m², featuring full Lynk & Co facades, logos, and interiors. The response from partners has been overwhelmingly positive, with more than 150 retail partners expected to be confirmed by the end of 2025.
Our retail expansion has reshaped the business and made Lynk & Co more visible and accessible than ever before. This evolution represents a win-win-win for customers, retailers, and the brand – expanding our reach, deepening partnerships, and strengthening our business model.Nicolas López Appelgren, CEO of Lynk & Co International
A major milestone this year was the launch of the Lynk & Co 08, a flagship plug-in hybrid SUV that represents the next stage of the brand’s evolution. Combining bold design, premium quality, and advanced technology, the 08 delivers up to 200 km all-electric range (WLTP) and supports DC fast-charging – a first among plug-in hybrids in Europe. Praised by early reviewers for its premium design, comfort, and next-generation connectivity, the 08 positions Lynk & Co firmly within the premium plug-in hybrid segment, building on the success of the upgraded New Lynk & Co 01 and the fully electric Lynk & Co 02 launched in 2024.
Lynk & Co continues to accelerate the development of its pioneering car-sharing technology. Fully integrated into both the vehicle and the Lynk & Co app, the platform transforms every car into a connected mobility solution – one that can be shared, accessed, and managed with just a few taps. This innovation not only makes mobility more flexible and sustainable but also highlights Lynk & Co’s leadership in digital connectivity and user-centric product design.
Since launching in 2021, users have completed over 30,000 confirmed bookings, with more than €1.7 million returned to owners – a clear reflection of how Lynk & Co’s vision for smarter, community-driven mobility is resonating across Europe.
At the same time, Lynk & Co continues to expand its European footprint, entering three new markets in 2025: Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. Each market plays a strategic role: Austria and the Czech Republic strengthen the brand’s presence in Central Europe, while Switzerland offers strong potential for premium and electrified vehicles. Supported by Volvo Cars’ retail network and a wholesale-first approach, these launches will ensure speed, scale, and a consistent brand experience across all touchpoints.
Together, these developments mark a new phase for Lynk & Co – the combination of retail expansion, product innovation, and market growth positions the brand to move from challenger to established player, strengthening its visibility, accessibility, and long-term presence across Europe.
2026: From Speed to Strength
Looking ahead, 2026 marks another important shift in Lynk & Co’s strategy – from rapid expansion to sustainable strength. The company will focus on reinforcing its retail model, ensuring operational stability, and continuing to deliver desirable products for a growing customer base across Europe.
A New Business Model for a New Era
In 2026, Lynk & Co will continue to prioritize its retail network as the core of its business. By deepening collaborations and enhancing the customer experience, the brand is building a scalable, future-ready foundation.
As part of this evolution, Lynk & Co will gradually phase out its subscription model – a natural next step in strengthening its retail-focused approach and ensuring long-term business sustainability.
Relevant & Desirable Product Range
Lynk & Co continues to strengthen its product portfolio with a clear commitment to introducing at least one new or upgraded model every year. Following the successful launches of the fully electric Lynk & Co 02 and the upgraded Lynk & Co 01 in 2024, and the milestone debut of the Lynk & Co 08 in 2025, the brand enters 2026 ensuring its lineup remains relevant, desirable, and aligned with evolving customer needs across Europe.
Expanding Smarter and Selectively
While growth continues, Lynk & Co will focus on strategic, purposeful expansion. The brand will continue to strengthen its presence in existing markets, while exploring new opportunities across Europe – ensuring consistent brand identity and premium positioning wherever it operates.
A Confident Future
Almost ten years after its founding, Lynk & Co continues to challenge the traditional automotive landscape with bold design, advanced technology, and a modern approach to mobility. As the company evolves, its focus remains on innovation, customer experience, and building a sustainable path forward.
2025 proved that Lynk & Co is here to stay. In 2026 we will continue to focus on increasing our brand visibility and strengthening the solid foundation we’ve built. The next chapter is about turning speed into strength – growing smarter, more connected, and more confident than ever, all to deliver an even better, more seamless experience for our customers and make our cars and services more accessible to everyone.Nicolas López Appelgren, CEO of Lynk & Co International
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