Chinese car manufacturer Geely has launched a new car brand, LYNK & CO, last week, announcing more details of its highly connected car. 

The marketing around the launch centres on how Geely - who also owns Volvo - became tired with the "sluggish evolution" of the auto indsustry and has so decided to do something about it. 

But as they say, the proof will be in the pudding, and whether the car can stand up to established connected car competitiors on the market - of which there certainly are a few. 

LYNK & CO's first model will be a connected SUV, which they have simply called 01, which features an open API developed with Microsoft, Alibaba and Ericcson and means drivers can "personalise, enrich and expand the automobile experience". 

We set out to challenge industry conventions in order to build a modern experience that goes far beyond the actual product

All LYNK & CO cars will have 'sharable locks' which means drivers can give lock access to friends, family and co-workers. The cars will also use compact modular architecture shared wtih Volvo which includes some good safety features and connectivity tech. 

Where can I get one?

The big question is when and how can you buy one? 

Online and at select in-store locations is the answer, but LYNK & CO are giving nothing away just yet - apart from that it will be available in Europe in 2018.

“For someone who loves cars, technology and challenger brands, the last few years have been exciting. Our team has all the industry experience required to build a premium car, but this time we started from blank—without the limitation of a brand heritage,” according to senior Vice president Alain Visser.

“We set out to challenge industry conventions in order to build a modern experience that goes far beyond the actual product. What we now have is a first-class, ultra-connected car, an open platform and a brand that will be developed collaboratively over the years. This is just the beginning.”