Dorita Yiannakou
A new electric vehicle brand has entered the Cypriot market, with Chinese automaker Linktour Automotive introducing its Alumi model to local consumers. CHR Prime Vehicles Ltd is the brand’s official representative in Cyprus. Speaking on the BUSINESS segment of the DIASPORA NEWS program on SPOR FM 95.00, Charalambos Rotsas, CEO of the company representing Linktour in Cyprus, described the brand as a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer focused on urban mobility, with an emphasis on compact dimensions, flexibility, technology, and practicality.
Linktour began presenting its vehicles in late September at Nicosia Mall, where visitors can view the cars up close, explore their interiors, and learn about their features. Rotsas said the company chose the shopping center to make the vehicles easily accessible and give potential buyers an opportunity to assess whether they suit their needs. A company representative is available at the showroom, and visitors can arrange test drives either in person or through the brand’s website. According to Rotsas, the Alumi will remain at Nicosia Mall until October 16. After that, the company plans to establish a permanent showroom at Mall of Engomi.
According to the company’s CEO, the initial response from consumers has been positive. He said buyers have shown interest in an affordable, compact, and flexible city car, with many asking about both the purchase price and charging costs compared with conventional gasoline and diesel vehicles. The first model introduced in Cyprus is the Linktour Alumi, which comes in two versions with different performance specifications and driving ranges.
The standard Alumi has a top speed of 45 kilometers per hour and a range of up to 120 kilometers. Its starting price is €9,950, including a €1,000 discount offered by CHR Prime Vehicles through its Green Initiative Offer, which aims to encourage consumers to explore electric mobility. People aged 17 can drive this version, provided they meet the requirements for the relevant driving license category. The Alumi Elite, however, appears to be attracting greater interest. It has a top speed of 90 kilometers per hour and a range of up to 180 kilometers. The model costs €16,950, or €15,950 with the Green Initiative discount. Measuring 2.7 meters long and approximately 1.5 meters wide, the Alumi Elite is designed for urban travel. Despite its compact size, it offers a passenger cabin and 320 liters of storage space, enough to accommodate two large suitcases.
Rotsas said the company aims to stand apart from other electric vehicle brands by focusing on the practical needs of city drivers. He identified the Alumi’s combination of compact dimensions, flexibility, and practicality as its main competitive advantage in the Cypriot market.
On charging and after-sales support, Rotsas explained that the vehicle can be charged using a standard household power outlet or suitable electric vehicle charging equipment. A & P CHRISTODOULOU ELECTRIC AUTOMOTIVE LTD will handle after-sales service. The company has facilities in Cyprus and operates in the electric mobility sector. According to the Linktour representative, the partnership is intended to ensure customers have access to technical support and service after purchasing their vehicles.
Regarding its plans for Cyprus, Rotsas said Linktour intends to build its presence in the market gradually, taking a careful approach and selecting suitable business partners. Expanding its reach and strengthening its service network will form part of the brand’s development strategy in Cyprus.
Rotsas also discussed the challenges facing electric vehicle adoption. Despite the progress made so far, he said consumers still need clear answers about where they will charge their vehicles, how much charging will cost, what driving range they can expect, and who will provide support after the purchase. Access to charging is particularly important for people who live in apartment buildings without private parking spaces. Without convenient access to home charging, potential buyers may be reluctant to purchase an electric vehicle. Rotsas said further investment in public charging infrastructure is therefore necessary, along with government support to create the right conditions for electric mobility to grow.
Addressing potential buyers’ reservations about an unfamiliar Chinese brand, Rotsas argued that a vehicle’s country of manufacture should not, on its own, be a reason for distrust. He explained that the Alumi is manufactured in China, designed in Europe, and sold in the European market. He also pointed to the technology and systems used by Chinese manufacturers, arguing that companies capable of expanding and entering the European market demonstrate significant technical expertise and the ability to compete internationally.
