CARS GLOBALMAG November2016 | Page 89

Engineering and technology for the new range has been developed under CEVT (China Euro Vehicle Technology), the shared Geely and Volvo research and innovation center. The new LYNK & CO 01, and each of the forthcoming line-up of LYNK & CO cars, will be based on the CMA (Compact Modular Architecture) – an advanced modular architecture capable of accommodating many body styles and sizes – which also underpins Volvo’s new compact car range and many upcoming Geely models. As well as its dimensions, CMA is also wholly modular, able to accommodate a wide range of different powertrains, electrical systems, passive and active safety systems and technologies. Thanks to CEVT’s focus on digital simulation, the architecture has been developed with advanced quality and far quicker than conventional automotive structures. The core and heart of the LYNK & CO brand is connectivity. Customers will find a range of connected technologies on offer in the vehicles, all aimed at making life easier. All cars will come with a large central touchscreen and telematics systems that are always connected to the internet and the car’s own cloud. The car has a share button, enabling the owner to provide others with access to the vehicle via a shareable digital key. Via the LYNK & CO app they control, monitor and share their car from a smartphone – or directly from the car. LYNK & CO sets out from the start to be open to outside innovation and aims to be the first organisation in the world to leverage a complete commercial platform, to bring innovative applications and services to the customer. Working with Microsoft and Alibaba to explore a whole new digital customer infrastructure for the car industry, LYNK & CO will offer new digital ordering, supply, sales and CRM systems and custom applications for user interaction. Ericsson and LYNK & CO have teamed up to create the latest car connectivity cloud. The digital platform will feature an API open to third party developers, which will provide endless opportunities to personalize, enrich and expand the experience.