Geely’s sub-brand Lynk & Co enters Vietnam; Malaysia next?

KUALA LUMPUR: The Chinese-Swedish car brand owned by Geely, Lynk & Co, recently made its ASEAN debut in Vietnam. The automaker has introduced a total of three SUVs - 01 compact SUV, 05 compact Coupe SUV, and 09 full-size SUV. The Lynk & Co models will be distributed via GreenLynk Automotives (a subsidiary of Tasco Group) in the land of the Ascending Dragon.

Based on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), the Lynk & Co 09 is the brand’s largest SUV. It measures 5,042 mm in length, 1,977 mm in width, and 1,780 mm in height. The wheelbase is measured at 2,984 mm.

The SUV comes powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine mated to a 48-volt mild hybrid system, generating a maximum power of 254 PS and a peak torque of 350 Nm. The drivetrain is linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system.

The Lynk & Co 09 is priced at VND 2.199 billion (approximately equal to RM 416,175). The bookings of the SUV are now underway with deliveries slated to begin in the first quarter of 2024.

The Lynk & Co 01 is a compact SUV measuring 4,512 mm in length, 1,857 mm in width, and 1,673 mm in height and spans a 2,734-mm long wheelbase. The Vietnam-spec model is equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline mill churning out 218 PS and 325 Nm. The power is sent to the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The Lynk & Co 05 is the coupe version of the 01, slightly longer and wider at 4,592 mm and 1,879 mm, respectively; however, it is slightly shorter at 1,628 mm. The wheelbase remains unchanged. In terms of mechanical setup, it also features a 2.0-litre turbocharged mill that produces higher output levels compared to the 01—254 PS and 349 Nm, to be exact.

Lynk & Co Vietnam is yet to announce the pricing and launch details of the 01 and 05.

Is Malaysia next in line to receive Lynk & Co cars?

In 2021, Geely confirmed the arrival of Lynk & Co in Malaysia as part of its expansion plan in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and South America. Back then, the Chinese marque also revealed its interest in producing right-hand drive Lynk & Co cars at Proton's Tanjung Malim facility. However, we are yet to receive any official updates regarding its progress.

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