Geely Plans April Debut for Subscription-Based Lynk Brand

Geely Automobile Holding Co. will introduce its new Lynk & Co. brand in Shanghai in April, The Nikkei reports.

Lynk will offer special models, starting with a compact hybrid SUV dubbed the Lynk 01, that are designed by Geely’s Volvo Cars unit and produced in China.

Vehicles will be “sold” on a flexible subscription basis with no down payment, similar to the way most consumers acquire their smartphones. Lynk customers also may share or sublet their vehicles.

Lynk plans to expand in China in October-December, then launch operations in Europe and the U.S. in the first quarter of 2019, according to The Nikkei’s report. The company is expected in many markets to offer its vehicles online and through company-owned outlets.