Microcar (brand)
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Jeanneau (parent company at founding) |
| Founded | 1 January 1980 in France |
| Fate | Acquired by Ligier Automobiles in 2008; brand phased out in 2024 |
| Headquarters | France |
Key people | Phillipe Ligier (CEO of enlarged organization post-2008) |
| Products | Microcars, quadricycles, electric vehicles |
| Parent | Ligier Automobiles (since 2008) |
Microcar was established in France in 1980 as a subsidiary of Jeanneau, a prominent manufacturer of sailboats. In September 2000, the company shifted its manufacturing operations to a newly built facility. The year 2008 saw Microcar being acquired by Ligier Automobiles, which was supported by the Italian private equity group 21 Investimenti Partners. This acquisition positioned the combined entity as the second-largest microcar producer in Europe and the foremost manufacturer of quadricycles, also known as "sans permis" vehicles that do not require a driving license. Despite the merger, Microcar and Ligier continued to operate under distinct brand identities and maintained separate production sites. Phillipe Ligier, son of Ligier’s founder Guy Ligier, assumed the role of CEO for the enlarged organization.
In 2024, Ligier revealed intentions to phase out the Microcar brand in order to unify its offerings under the Ligier name, responding to heightened competition within the market. Consequently, the Microcar manufacturing plant located in Montaigu was shut down in early 2025.
Current models
The present range features the M.GO-3 model, launched approximately in 2015 as a successor to the 2009 M.Go. For the UK market, six petrol variants are available: standard petrol, diesel S, S PACK, MICA, SXI, and Sport trims, along with an all-electric edition.
Microcar’s earlier reputation rested on its MC Series—comprising MC1 and MC2 models—offered in both two-seat and four-seat long wheelbase versions (the latter being 40mm longer than the short Virgo models). The company also marketed the Sherpa commercial vehicle, which was essentially a rebadged Ligier X-Pro; this model was discontinued following the merger with Ligier. The MC lineup was eventually replaced by the M.Go series, which in the United Kingdom was produced exclusively with petrol engines.
Former models
- Microcar Family Luxe
- Microcar Lyra
- Microcar ALCO
- Microcar NewStreet and NewStreet Cabriolet
- Microcar Pratic Luxe
- Microcar Virgo series (including Virgo, Virgo 2, Virgo 3, Virgo Luxe)
Electric vehicles
Microcar has been manufacturing electric vehicles since 1994 with its Alco model. From 2006 to 2010, the extended-wheelbase MC Series served as the platform for the ZENN electric vehicle produced by ZENN Motor Company in Canada. Marketed in North America as a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV), it featured a maximum speed capped at 25 mph. In Europe, Microcar distributed this model under its own branding starting in 2007. ZENN Motor acquired chassis without engines from Microcar and installed their proprietary electric powertrains; however, there was a significant discrepancy between the retail price of $16,900 and a production cost estimated at $65,000. By 2009, Microcar began producing electric vehicles internally with the introduction of the M.Go Electric. ZENN discontinued its MC-based electric vehicle production in 2010.