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Aixam

From Alfawiki
Aixam-Mega
Company typePrivate
IndustryAutomotive
PredecessorArola
Founded1983 in Aix-les-Bains, France
FateAcquired by Polaris Industries
Headquarters
Aix-les-Bains
,
France
Area served
Europe, United Kingdom, United States
ProductsMicrocars, microvans, light commercial vehicles
OwnerPolaris Industries (since 2013)
ParentPolaris Industries
Websitewww.aixam.com

Aixam-Mega () is a French car manufacturer headquartered in Aix-les-Bains, Savoie. Established in 1983 after acquiring Arola, the company focuses on producing microcars. On 11 April 2013, the US-based firm Polaris Industries purchased Aixam-Mega from Axa Private Equity.

History

The origins of Aixam trace back to the founding of Arola in 1975, which Aixam took over in 1983. The launch of the Aixam 325D occurred in 1984, followed by the introduction of the 400D model in 1985.

By 1992, Aixam had broadened its portfolio to include standard-sized vehicles marketed under the Mega brand. By 2002, this brand concentrated on diesel and electric microvans as well as light commercial vehicles.

Today, Aixam manufactures the A.7xx series, microcars rivaling the Smart Fortwo, equipped with diesel engines supplied by Kubota. Certain smaller models are restricted to , enabling licence-free operation across various European nations such as Belgium, Germany, France, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, and Slovenia.

Within the UK market, these vehicles fall under category L7e quadricycles and require a category B1 driving licence; since January 2013, low-powered variants like the Aixam 400 are drivable with a full AM licence.

Mega unveiled the electric "Mega City" at the British International Motor Show in 2006 and acquired the assets of NICE Car Company following its administration in 2009.

In September 2024, Aixam opened its third manufacturing facility located in Andancette after investing €30 million.

Aixam mechanics

Models such as the Aixam 400, 500, and 500.5 incorporate fundamental mechanical designs by contemporary standards. Over time, multiple engine options have been made available. Diesel models feature a Kubota Z402 two-cylinder 400 cc industrial engine delivering . Petrol-powered versions used a Lombardini 505 cc twin-cylinder engine producing approximately , with later editions adopting fuel injection technology.

The steering system is rack and pinion with a low gear ratio. Front suspension consists of MacPherson strut, while semi-trailing arms are utilized at the rear. Braking is managed by front disc brakes equipped with single-piston calipers and rear drum brakes that also operate as handbrakes through cable linkage.

Transmission employs a continuously-variable transmission (CVT) supplied by CVTech-IBC. The reversing gearbox along with an integrated differential unit (8:1 forward ratio) is sourced from Italian manufacturer COMEX, which also supplies numerous components related to running gear, steering, suspension, and braking systems. This gearbox configuration is tailored for compact urban vehicles or delivery vans restricted to less than and maximum speeds up to .

Minauto range

  • Minauto Access
  • Minauto GT
  • Minauto Cross

Emotion range

eAixam range

Aixam Pro Utility Vehicles

  • D-Truck with Drop Side
  • D-Truck Van Model
  • e-Truck with Drop Side
  • e-Truck Van Model

Mega

Aixam

  • Aixam 300, 400, 500 Series
  • Aixam A540 and A550
  • Aixam A.721 Model
  • Aixam A.741 Model
  • Aixam A.751 Model
  • Aixam Berlines Range
  • Aixam MAC (1997 Release)
  • Aixam Microcar Series
  • Aixam Minivan Variant
  • Aixam Pick-Up Model
  • Aixam Roadline
  • Aixam Scouty
  • Aixam Scouty-R

Mega

See also

References


External links

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