Microcar Logo

In 1984, within the realm of France’s Bénéteau Group, known primarily for its sailboats, a new division emerged, christened Microcar. This venture pivoted towards producing quadricycles, colloquially known in France as “sans permis” vehicles. Over time, Microcar carved a niche, winning favor among the French populace with its affordable, no-license-required microcars. Particularly, the MC1 and MC2 models became household names.

By the turn of the millennium, recognizing the brand’s growing footprint, a bespoke Microcar factory was inaugurated to bolster its production capabilities. However, the landscape shifted in 2008 when Ligier Automobiles, a fellow French producer of quadricycles, acquired Microcar. This union transformed the combined entity into Europe’s second-largest microcar producer, all under the stewardship of the Ligier Group.

Yet, in this consolidation, the distinct identities of Microcar and Ligier were preserved. Both brands operate in tandem, leveraging shared resources and distribution networks yet retaining their unique marquees. Today, Microcar’s portfolio boasts the likes of M.Go and MC2, petite vehicles driven by compact petrol engines. Microcar is significant in France’s automotive tapestry, emblematic of the nation’s emphasis on compact and fuel-savvy urban transport.