Volvo Cars and Geely Auto have finalized a commercial partnership that will make Volvo Cars the exclusive distributor of Lynk & Co vehicles in Europe from January 2027. The agreement will bring Lynk & Co into Volvo’s established retail and service network, creating a broader sales and servicing opportunity for Volvo retailers while supporting Lynk & Co’s European expansion.
Volvo Cars and Geely Auto have completed the agreement for their previously announced commercial partnership involving Lynk & Co in Europe. Under the new arrangement, Volvo Cars will take responsibility for the brand’s commercial operations across the region, marking a significant change in how Lynk & Co will approach the European market.
The partnership is designed to combine Volvo Cars’ established commercial infrastructure with Lynk & Co’s distinctive product portfolio. Rather than building an entirely separate retail and service operation, Lynk & Co will gain access to Volvo Cars’ existing retailers and service network, creating a more scalable route to market.
Volvo Cars to Handle Lynk & Co Sales and Service in Europe
Beginning in January 2027, Volvo Cars will serve as the exclusive distributor of Lynk & Co vehicles in Europe. Its responsibilities will include the brand’s commercial operations, supported by Volvo Cars’ established network of retailers and service points.
For Volvo’s retail partners, the agreement is intended to create additional opportunities in both vehicle sales and aftersales servicing. Lynk & Co’s products will complement Volvo Cars’ lineup while maintaining a clear distinction between the two brands.
The strategy could allow Volvo retailers to reach a broader range of customers without diluting Volvo’s own brand identity. At the same time, Lynk & Co will benefit from a more extensive commercial footprint and improved customer access across Europe.
“This agreement enables Volvo Cars and our retail partners to reach more customers with a broader and differentiated portfolio of cars and through increased sales and service opportunities,” says Erik Severinson, Chief Commercial Officer at Volvo Cars.
Lynk & Co to Retain Its Brand Identity and Product Development
Although Volvo Cars will oversee Lynk & Co’s commercial operations in Europe, Lynk & Co will remain responsible for designing, developing, and certifying its global product portfolio as part of the Geely Auto Group.
That distinction is important. The partnership does not mean Lynk & Co is being absorbed into Volvo Cars. Instead, it establishes a new commercial structure while allowing Lynk & Co to preserve its core brand values of being trendy, vibrant, and personal.
Lynk & Co’s product development and global portfolio will continue under Geely Auto, while Volvo Cars will focus on bringing those vehicles to European customers through its established distribution infrastructure.
“This partnership brings together Volvo Cars’ established commercial infrastructure and Lynk & Co’s distinctive brand and product proposition. We will work closely with Volvo Cars to turn this partnership into sustainable long-term growth,” says Mo Wang, CEO of Lynk & Co International.
Martin Persson to Lead Lynk & Co Business at Volvo Cars
The Lynk & Co business within Volvo Cars will be led by Martin Persson, who will report directly to Chief Commercial Officer Erik Severinson.
His appointment places the new European commercial operation within Volvo Cars’ existing organizational structure and underlines the company’s intention to manage Lynk & Co as a dedicated brand with its own market positioning.
The partnership also builds on an existing relationship between the two companies. Volvo Cars and Lynk & Co are already represented through selected shared retail locations in Europe, meaning the agreement expands on an established collaboration rather than creating an entirely new connection.
A More Scalable European Strategy for Lynk & Co
For Lynk & Co, the agreement represents a strategic shift toward a more scalable retail model in Europe. By leveraging Volvo Cars’ European dealers and service points, the brand aims to accelerate its market expansion while improving access to customers.
The arrangement could also make it easier for Lynk & Co to expand its presence without having to develop a separate network of retail and aftersales facilities across every market.
For Volvo Cars, the partnership offers a complementary brand and additional commercial opportunities. For Lynk & Co, it provides access to an established European infrastructure while preserving control over its product identity and development.
The agreement therefore creates a structure in which both brands can pursue growth while maintaining clear differentiation. Its success will ultimately depend on how effectively Volvo Cars and Lynk & Co integrate their commercial operations, support retailers, and communicate the differences between their respective product offerings.
The Volvo Cars–Lynk & Co partnership will take effect in January 2027, with Volvo Cars assuming exclusive distribution responsibility for Lynk & Co vehicles in Europe.
Volvo is giving its popular 40 series a comprehensive technology and design update, bringing a sharper exterior, a more sophisticated interior, a larger infotainment display, Google Gemini AI, and a significantly upgraded suite of driver-assistance and safety systems.
The refreshed Volvo XC40, Volvo EX40 and Volvo EC40 are designed to make everyday driving easier, safer and more connected while extending the appeal of a family of models that remains an important part of Volvo’s global lineup.
The update is more than a styling exercise. Volvo has upgraded the cars’ electronic architecture, cameras, radar and ultrasonic sensors, while introducing new software capabilities that can continue to improve the vehicles through over-the-air updates.
A Sharper Look for the Volvo 40 Series
The most obvious changes arrive at the front of the updated Volvo XC40, EX40 and EC40.
The familiar Thor’s Hammer lighting signature has been redesigned with new Matrix LED headlights, giving the 40 series a more contemporary interpretation of one of Volvo’s most recognizable design elements.
The front end also receives an upgraded grille, redesigned bumper, bonnet and front wings. Together, these changes give the compact Volvo models a cleaner and more confident appearance while retaining the restrained Scandinavian design language that has become a defining characteristic of the brand.
At the rear, the Volvo XC40 and EX40 receive redesigned LED taillights, an upgraded tailgate and a new rear bumper. The EC40, meanwhile, retains its distinctive rear-end design.
The Volvo XC40 will also be available with new 18-inch, 19-inch and 20-inch diamond-cut wheel designs, adding further opportunities for customers to personalize the SUV’s appearance.
According to Akhil Krishnan, interim lead for the 30 and 40 series at Volvo Cars, the combination of design, technology and safety improvements is intended to create the strongest versions of the 40 series to date.
New 11.2-Inch Infotainment Screen
Inside the cabin, one of the biggest changes is the introduction of a larger 11.2-inch central touchscreen.
The new display is designed to provide a sharper image and a more intuitive user experience, while reducing the number of taps required to access commonly used functions.
That matters in everyday driving. Rather than simply adding another larger screen to the dashboard, Volvo says the updated interface has been designed to make interaction with the vehicle quicker and easier.
The updated infotainment system also brings Google’s latest artificial intelligence technology into the 40 series.
Google Gemini Comes to Volvo’s 40 Series
One of the most significant technology upgrades is the integration of Google Gemini, Google’s next-generation AI assistant.
Unlike traditional voice-command systems that often require users to remember specific phrases, Gemini is designed to understand more natural conversation.
Drivers can use the system for tasks such as planning journeys, identifying interesting places to stop and managing messages while on the move.
For example, instead of navigating through multiple menus to find information about a destination, the driver can communicate with the vehicle more naturally. The objective is to make the infotainment system feel less like a conventional command interface and more like a conversational digital assistant.
The technology also fits into Volvo’s broader strategy of using software to keep its vehicles current after they leave the factory.
More Practical and Premium Interiors
Volvo has also concentrated on making the 40 series more comfortable and useful for everyday life.
The cabin retains the practical storage solutions expected from a compact family vehicle while gaining an updated wireless phone charger and other integrated features designed around daily usability.
New upholstery and interior trim choices further differentiate the refreshed models.
For the first time, Volvo XC40 buyers will be able to specify Arianne Cardamom leather upholstery combined with Brown Ash wood decor elements. Customers can also choose Black Ash or aluminium interior finishes.
Refined cabin illumination adds another layer of sophistication, giving the interior a more premium atmosphere, particularly during nighttime driving.
The result is an interior that attempts to balance Volvo’s familiar minimalist Scandinavian design with modern digital technology.
Volvo Upgrades the 40 Series Safety Technology
Safety remains one of the most important areas of the update.
The new Volvo XC40, EX40 and EC40 benefit from a substantially upgraded sensor and software platform designed to provide the vehicle with a more comprehensive understanding of its surroundings.
The hardware package includes new front and corner radars, a new front camera, new rear corner radars, 12 new ultrasonic sensors and updated parking cameras.
Together, these sensors allow the vehicle to monitor traffic and objects around it more effectively, providing the foundation for a range of upgraded active-safety and driver-assistance functions.
Volvo’s approach is based on its long-running real-world accident research, with the company’s safety systems designed not only to warn the driver but, when necessary, intervene to help avoid or reduce the severity of a collision.
Automatic emergency braking can apply the brakes when a potential collision is detected, while automatic emergency steering can help the vehicle steer around an identified hazard when appropriate.
New Door Opening Alert
One of the new safety features is Door Opening Alert.
The system is designed to detect approaching road users, including cyclists, and warn occupants before they open a door into the path of passing traffic.
It’s a relatively simple feature, but one that addresses a common urban-road safety problem. As cities become increasingly dependent on bicycles and other forms of micromobility, preventing a vehicle door from being opened directly into the path of a cyclist can make a meaningful difference.
Pilot Assist Gains Lane Change Assistance
Volvo’s optional Pilot Assist driver-support system has also been enhanced.
The system now includes lane-change assistance and has been refined to follow the road more smoothly, with the goal of providing greater comfort and confidence during longer journeys.
As with other advanced driver-assistance technologies, Pilot Assist is intended to support the driver rather than replace the person behind the wheel. Drivers remain responsible for monitoring the road and maintaining control of the vehicle.
3D Camera Makes Parking Easier
Parking technology receives an upgrade as well.
The optional 360-degree camera system now provides a 3D view, giving drivers a more comprehensive visual representation of the area surrounding the vehicle.
The technology is particularly useful during low-speed manoeuvres in tight parking spaces, garages and crowded urban environments.
For a compact SUV such as the XC40, this type of technology can be particularly valuable because it reduces blind spots and makes it easier to judge the vehicle’s position relative to surrounding objects.
Volvo EX40 and EC40 Continue the Electric Push
The updated 40 series remains an important part of Volvo’s electrification strategy.
For buyers ready to switch to an electric vehicle, the Volvo EX40 offers up to 575 km of range on a single charge, while the Volvo EC40 can travel up to 584 km, depending on specification and market.
The EX40 and EC40 therefore continue to provide a fully electric alternative within Volvo’s compact SUV and crossover range.
The XC40, meanwhile, continues to serve customers who prefer the flexibility of a conventional powertrain.
This multi-powertrain strategy allows Volvo to maintain the 40 series as a broad offering while the company continues its transition toward an increasingly electrified model lineup.
Over-the-Air Updates Keep the Cars Improving
Perhaps one of the most important aspects of the updated Volvo 40 series is that the vehicles are not necessarily finished evolving when they leave the factory.
Volvo says the XC40, EX40 and EC40 can receive regular over-the-air software updates that introduce new features and improvements.
That means owners can benefit from changes to the vehicle’s software without necessarily having to visit a dealership.
This approach is becoming increasingly important across the automotive industry, as modern vehicles rely on software for everything from infotainment and navigation to driver assistance and vehicle functionality.
Volvo 40 Series Black Edition Also Available
The refreshed 40 series will also be offered in Black Edition specification in selected markets.
Order books for the updated Volvo XC40, EX40 and EC40 are now open in selected markets, with production scheduled to begin later in autumn 2026.
Availability, equipment, powertrains and specifications will vary depending on the market.
Updated Volvo XC40, EX40 and EC40: What Has Changed?
The latest 40 series update can be summarized by four major areas: design, technology, safety and connectivity.
The exterior gains redesigned lighting and bodywork, while the interior receives a larger 11.2-inch infotainment display and new premium materials.
The technology package is strengthened by Google Gemini, while the safety architecture receives new cameras, radar and ultrasonic sensors. Pilot Assist gains lane-change assistance, the 360-degree camera gets a 3D view, and Door Opening Alert adds another layer of protection for cyclists and other road users.
For electric-car buyers, the EX40 and EC40 continue to offer up to 575 km and 584 km of range respectively.
Rather than replacing the 40 series with an entirely new generation, Volvo has chosen to significantly upgrade an established model family. That strategy makes sense for a vehicle line that already has a strong customer base: improve the areas drivers notice every day while adding the software and safety technology needed to remain competitive.
The refreshed Volvo XC40, EX40 and EC40 therefore represent a substantial evolution rather than a simple facelift. With a sharper design, a larger touchscreen, Google Gemini, improved driver assistance, new safety hardware and continued over-the-air software updates, Volvo’s compact 40 series enters its next phase with considerably more technology under the skin.
Volvo Cars is taking another step toward making its vehicles smarter and safer with a new software update that expands its Connected Safety technology with four new hazard alerts. At the same time, owners of the Volvo EX90 and ES90 will gain support for Spatial Audio with Apple CarPlay, bringing Dolby Atmos-powered sound to the cabin.
The latest update highlights Volvo’s increasingly software-defined approach to vehicle development. Rather than relying exclusively on hardware installed when a vehicle leaves the factory, the automaker is using software updates to introduce new safety capabilities and improve the ownership experience over time.
For drivers, that means their Volvo can become more capable without requiring a trip to a dealership for a major hardware upgrade.
Volvo Adds Four New Connected Safety Alerts
Volvo Cars first introduced its Connected Safety technology in 2016. The system uses information shared between connected vehicles to provide drivers with real-time warnings about hazards they may encounter farther along their route.
The latest software update expands that capability with four new alerts: Large Animal Alert, Vulnerable Road User Alert, Roadwork Alert and Accident Ahead Alert.
The objective is straightforward: give drivers additional time to recognize a potential hazard, adjust their speed and prepare for changing road conditions.
Large Animal Alert
Large animals can represent a serious hazard, particularly on rural roads and in areas where wildlife frequently crosses roadways.
The new Large Animal Alert can warn drivers when a large animal is detected on or near the road ahead. By providing an earlier warning, the system gives drivers more time to reduce their speed and prepare for a potential animal crossing.
Vulnerable Road User Alert
The Vulnerable Road User Alert is designed to warn drivers about pedestrians and cyclists detected on or near highways.
These road users can be particularly difficult to spot in advance, especially during darkness, bad weather or other low-visibility conditions. An early warning can help drivers become more attentive and adapt their driving before reaching the affected area.
Roadwork Alert
Road construction and maintenance can introduce sudden changes to normal traffic patterns.
The new Roadwork Alert can notify connected Volvo drivers when roadwork is detected ahead. This additional information can give drivers more time to anticipate lane changes, reduced speeds or other temporary alterations to the road.
Accident Ahead Alert
The Accident Ahead Alert provides warnings about crashes farther along the route.
Volvo says the system can use real-time information from connected Volvo vehicles or traffic management centres to warn drivers of accidents ahead. Instead of discovering a crash only when approaching the scene, drivers can receive advance information and adjust their driving accordingly.
Connected Cars Become Part of a Shared Safety Network
The significance of Volvo’s Connected Safety technology goes beyond the individual vehicle.
More than 1 million Volvo cars now have connected safety technology activated, effectively creating a network in which vehicles can contribute information that may help protect other road users.
When a connected Volvo detects or encounters certain hazards, relevant information can be shared with other connected vehicles. This transforms individual cars into data-gathering points within a broader road-safety ecosystem.
Volvo also participates in the European Data for Road Safety ecosystem. Through this network, safety-related information can be shared with vehicles from other manufacturers and national traffic management centres.
That approach could become increasingly important as connected vehicles become more common. The larger the network, the greater the potential amount of real-time information available to drivers.
Designed for Difficult Driving Conditions
The new Connected Safety alerts are particularly relevant in situations where drivers have limited visibility or little time to react.
Winding roads, heavy rain, darkness and other challenging conditions can make hazards harder to identify. Receiving information before a driver physically reaches a hazard could provide valuable additional reaction time.
The four new warnings complement Volvo’s existing Slippery Road Alert and Hazard Light Alert systems.
Together, these technologies are part of Volvo’s broader strategy of using connected vehicle data to anticipate potential dangers rather than relying solely on passive protection after an incident occurs.
“Built on decades of our real-world safety insight, these innovations represent another step towards our vision of zero collisions,” said Åsa Haglund, head of Volvo Cars Safety Centre.
“Every time a Volvo car shares safety intelligence, it helps other drivers prepare earlier to avoid accidents and feel safer.”
Volvo EX90, ES90 and EX60 Get the New Safety Features
The newly introduced Connected Safety capabilities will be available in the Volvo EX90, ES90 and EX60.
The move is particularly significant for Volvo’s newest generation of vehicles, which increasingly depend on software and connected services to deliver new functionality.
The Volvo EX90, the company’s flagship electric SUV, has been developed around a software-defined vehicle architecture. The ES90 brings similar technology to the electric sedan segment, while the EX60 represents another important step in Volvo’s next-generation electric vehicle strategy.
Rather than treating software as a fixed component, Volvo is positioning it as something that can continue to evolve throughout the vehicle’s life.
Volvo EX90 and ES90 Add Apple CarPlay Spatial Audio
Safety isn’t the only area receiving an upgrade.
As part of the same software update, Volvo EX90 and ES90 owners gain Spatial Audio support through Apple CarPlay. The feature uses Dolby Atmos technology to create a more immersive listening experience inside the vehicle.
The system is paired with Volvo’s available Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system, which incorporates 25 high-performance speakers.
Instead of traditional stereo playback, Spatial Audio can create a more three-dimensional soundstage, making music and vocals appear to originate from different positions around the cabin.
For drivers and passengers, the result is intended to feel closer to a live performance, with greater depth and separation between individual elements of a recording.
The technology isn’t limited to music. Volvo says Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos can enhance podcasts and other compatible audio content as well.
Software Updates Are Becoming a Bigger Part of the Volvo Experience
The latest update illustrates a broader shift taking place throughout the automotive industry.
Modern vehicles are increasingly being developed as software-defined products, with manufacturers able to introduce new functions and improvements after a vehicle has already been delivered to its owner.
Volvo says S&P Global Mobility recently recognised the company as the only legacy automaker to reach Level 5 capability in software-defined cars.
Whether the technology ultimately delivers on the industry’s ambitious software-defined vehicle promises will depend on how reliably manufacturers can deploy updates and how useful those updates remain to owners. However, Volvo’s latest release demonstrates the potential of the approach.
A vehicle purchased today can potentially gain new safety features, connectivity functions and entertainment capabilities years after it leaves the factory.
Volvo’s Vision for Zero Collisions
Volvo has built much of its brand identity around automotive safety, and Connected Safety represents a modern interpretation of that philosophy.
Traditional vehicle safety systems primarily focus on protecting occupants when a collision becomes unavoidable. Connected safety takes a more preventative approach by attempting to give drivers information about hazards before they reach them.
The new Large Animal Alert, Vulnerable Road User Alert, Roadwork Alert and Accident Ahead Alert all follow that principle.
By combining vehicle-to-vehicle information, connected services and data from traffic management centres, Volvo is attempting to create a road environment in which vehicles can communicate hazards to one another.
The potential benefit extends beyond Volvo owners. Through data-sharing ecosystems such as European Data for Road Safety, information generated by connected vehicles can potentially reach cars from other manufacturers and traffic authorities.
The Future of Automotive Safety Is Increasingly Connected
Volvo’s latest software update demonstrates how automotive safety is moving beyond airbags, crash structures and driver-assistance cameras.
Connected vehicles can potentially warn drivers about events that their own sensors have not yet encountered. That extra layer of information could become increasingly valuable as roads become more connected and vehicle software becomes more sophisticated.
At the same time, the addition of Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio to the EX90 and ES90 shows that software updates don’t have to focus exclusively on safety. The same underlying digital architecture can deliver improvements to entertainment and everyday usability.
For Volvo owners, that means the vehicle can continue to evolve after purchase.
And for Volvo Cars, it reinforces a strategy in which software, connectivity and shared vehicle intelligence are becoming just as important to the driving experience as the traditional mechanical components underneath the bodywork.
Volvo Connected Safety Update: Key Takeaways
Volvo is introducing four new Connected Safety alerts.
Large Animal Alert warns about large animals on or near the road.
Vulnerable Road User Alert detects potential hazards involving pedestrians and cyclists.
Roadwork Alert warns drivers about road construction and maintenance.
Accident Ahead Alert provides advance warnings about crashes.
The new features are available for the Volvo EX90, ES90 and EX60.
More than 1 million Volvo cars have activated Connected Safety technology.
Volvo can share safety information through the European Data for Road Safety ecosystem.
Volvo EX90 and ES90 gain Apple CarPlay Spatial Audio support.
Dolby Atmos is supported through the Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system with 25 speakers.
The update demonstrates Volvo’s growing focus on software-defined vehicles and over-the-air improvements.
