Ligier

Ligier
Company type	Private
Industry	Automotive
Founded	1968
Founder	Guy Ligier
Headquarters	Abrest, France
Area served	Europe
Key people	Phillipe Ligier (CEO)
Products	Automobiles, minibuses, microcars, quadricycles, autonomous shuttles
Website	www.ligier.fr

Ligier () is a French manufacturer of automobiles and minibuses, established in 1968 by ex-racing driver and rugby athlete Guy Ligier. The firm is recognized for its focus on microcars and gained prominence through its participation in the Formula 1 World Championship between 1976 and 1996.

Collaborating with Automobiles Martini, Ligier-Martini developed sports prototype vehicles for endurance contests and hillclimb competitions within the (CN) category. After the ACO introduced the LMP3 class, Ligier and Martini partnered with Onroak Automotive, the production division of OAK Racing, to provide an extensive lineup of prototypes encompassing CN, LMP3, LMP1, and LMP2 classifications.

History

Ligier made its debut in the automotive industry with the Ligier JS2, a mid-engine sports car initially equipped with a Ford V6 engine, later replaced by a Maserati V6 from 1971, also utilized in the Citroën SM. The "JS" designation pays tribute to Jo Schlesser, a close associate of Guy Ligier who lost his life at the 1968 French Grand Prix. Production of the JS2 ceased following the 1973 energy crisis, which led to decreased demand and prompted Ligier to pivot towards microcars, beginning with the 1980 Ligier JS4 powered by a moped engine.

In the mid-1990s, Ligier collaborated with INRIA to create one of the pioneering automatic parallel parking systems implemented on an electric vehicle.

In September 2008, Ligier acquired the Microcar division from Beneteau Group, with financing provided by 21 Investimenti Partners. Phillipe Ligier, son of the founder, continued as CEO. This acquisition elevated Ligier to become Europe's second-largest manufacturer of microcars and a leader in license-exempt vehicles, while preserving distinct brand identities and separate manufacturing sites.

The Duè brand was introduced by Ligier in 2011 to offer affordable lightweight quadricycles. Its initial model, Dué First, was a simplified iteration of the Microcar MC1 designed for cost-effectiveness. After two years, Duè was integrated into Microcar’s range with the release of the Microcar Dué.

To celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2018, Ligier unveiled a new road sports car developed alongside Onroak. This vehicle featured a 3.7-liter V6 engine delivering approximately 330 horsepower coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox. Homologated to FIA E II-SH specifications, it was slated for market launch at €89,000.

In 2023, Ligier launched its inaugural electric quadricycle named Myli.

In January 2025, Ligier announced plans to shut down its Montaigu-Vendée manufacturing plant to consolidate operations at its longstanding Abrest facility.

Models

Ligier’s current product portfolio comprises JS50 mini vehicles, X-Pro compact commercial models, and open-top roadsters under the Be Up and Be Two names. The company also produces quad bikes and off-road utility vehicles marketed as Be Pro, Be Four, and Be Truck.

Vehicles such as JS50, Ixo, Xtoo, Nova, and Ambra measure roughly 2.5 meters in length and are two-seater designs with front-mounted engines. They are powered by two-cylinder four-stroke diesel engines around 0.5 liters in capacity paired with continuously variable transmissions (CVT).

EZ10

Among Ligier’s standout offerings is the EZ10 EasyMile, an autonomous electric shuttle designed for urban transportation. Created by EasyMile SAS—a joint venture launched in June 2014 between Ligier and Robosoft Technology (France)—the EZ10 was developed as part of the EU-funded CityMobil2 initiative under the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7).

The EZ10 can carry between 8 and 10 passengers while reaching speeds up to 40 km/h. In 2017, it was deployed at National Taiwan University in Taipei as well as in Tallinn, Estonia.

During Estonia’s EU Council presidency in July 2017, EasyMile introduced this shuttle service in Tallinn with backing from local technology companies. The buses operated along a route that included a tram line undergoing renovation and continued service through August 2017.

Microcars

Ligier JS4 (1980–1987)
Ligier Optima (1987–1995)
Ligier 162 (1995–2002)
Ligier Ambra (2001–2011)
Ligier Nova (2002–present)
Ligier Be Up (2000–present)
Ligier X-Too (2004–2010)
Ligier IXO (2010–2014)
Ligier JS RC (2012–2016)
Ligier JS 50 (2012–present)
Ligier JS 60 (2020–present)
Ligier Pulse 3 (2014–present)
Ligier Pulse 4 (2013–present)
Ligier Myli (2023–present)

Ligier in motorsport

The most notable aspect of Ligier’s racing history is its participation in Formula One through the team known as Équipe Ligier, which competed from to . The team made its entrance in , utilizing a Matra-powered V12 vehicle, and achieved its inaugural Grand Prix win with driver Jacques Laffite in .

Beyond Formula One, Ligier also took part in the esteemed endurance competition, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, from until .

External links

References