Its a car brand, but the car is far from the companys centerpiece.
If youvenot heard of Lynk & Co. Lynk & Co. isnt a name that immediately screams car brand, Visser tells me this is intentional.
The name for the company was thought up, almost jovially, during a taxi ride with his colleagues.
Before the brand was released it went by the code-name: Lynk.
40% off TNW Conference!
That 500 a month covers all vehicle expenses except electricity, fuel,and parking tickets, Visser jokes.
The theme of simplicity doesnt stop there, the car itself is refreshingly simple too.
There are only two options, its color.
Everything comes as standard on the plug-in hybrid Lynk & Co. 01.
While its a shame that the 01 isnt fully electric, it does still put emphasis on sustainability.
Having worked in the motor trade industry for over 30 years, Visser is a career car-guy.
Hes had high-level roles at GM, Opel, and Volvo.
Its just not sustainable, he said.
While we should pursue to lower emissions, sustainability doesnt stop at the tailpipe.
For Visser, there are two dimensions to running Lynk & Co. as an economical and climate aware company.
In the case of cars, most of the time theyre parked up.
According to Vissers research others concur cars spend 96% of their life doing nothing.
This all begins with its locations.
There are some items placed neatly on tables, bookshelves, and displays, which are obviously for sale.
On the walls sit photographs showcasing local artists.
All the display cabinets are made from recycled and reclaimed materials too.
Theres even feature tables being used to display plants that are made from crushed and compacted cars.
Weary but intrigued, I follow.
We said they need to be the joke of the club, he adds.
Indeed, theyre certainly a joke alright.
There are six doors, only two of which are actual toilets.
The rest all hold gaffs, jokes, and quips behind them.
My favoriteis the Looney Tunes styled door which when opened, reveals another slightly smaller door.
On opening the second door, another door, smaller still, is revealed.
So I dont doubt that itll get people talking.
So what is it?
Ultimately, in business speak, its a brand showcase.
And its certainly more than a trendy place to swing by and have a coffee at.
In a sense, its a kind of clubhouse for Lynk & Co. owners.
But I dont feel thats the entire story.
So its hard to pigeonhole.
Its on a high street in the center of Amsterdam, a city famed for the bicycle.
On one hand, it doesnt seem like a good fit.
Just because a place can be pro-bike doesnt mean its totally anti-car.
My one concern is if people are going to understand it.
To the traditional car buyer, its a big departure from the norm.
Itsgezellig, as the Dutch would say, rather than sterile like most car dealerships Ive been in.
Thats before explaining the totally new ownership model.
SHIFTis brought to you by Polestar.
Its time to accelerate the shift to sustainable mobility.
That is why Polestar combines electric driving with cutting-edge design and thrilling performance.Find out how.
Story byMatthew Beedham
Matthew is the editor of SHIFT.
He likes electric cars, and other things with wheels, wings, or hulls.
