The microcars segment (sub A-segment) is poised to become one of the largest revenue generators for over 30 manufacturers, including seven out of the top 10 global vehicle manufacturers (VMs).

 

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan finds that the European microcars market (such as the Smart ForTwo) is expected to see the introduction of over 60 base models, including quadricycles, by 2013.

More than 19 models are projected for launch by the top seven out of 10 VMs in the new emerging class of sub-A segment vehicles over the next three years.

“The development of megacities, alongside changing mobility trends and growing interest in urban vehicles with low emissions and low fuel consumption, has encouraged VMs to introduce microcars in Europe,” said Frost & Sullivan industry analyst Vishwas Shankar.

“Greener agendas, government subsidies, parking charge exemptions and possible vehicle homologation rules of ‘no-license’ required to drive these vehicles could reinforce sales of microcars.”

In Europe, the focus on alternate fuel driven vehicles, congestion in city centres and increasing cost of vehicle ownership is expected to boost microcars sales over seven fold. VMs have provided market momentum – over 30 models were introduced at the 2010 Paris Motor Show and the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

Over 75 per cent of the microcars announced are expected to be battery electric vehicles (EVs), with the major related challenges being range anxiety and limited speeds.

Increasing legislative controls are also expected to pull down sales in the long term.

This is likely due to the rising vehicle costs associated with the addition of new components recommended by legislation.

“VMs are pro-actively addressing stricter emission norm and increased safety level requirements with the introduction of sub-A segment vehicles,” said Shankar.

“In contrast, conventional engine powered quadricycle manufacturers continue to be constrained by the need for high investment costs to upgrade their vehicles to match sub-A levels in terms of safety and emission norms.”

Unlike sub-A vehicles, conventional engine powered quadricycles do not qualify for subsidies/rebates, resulting in quadricycle manufacturers facing the prospect of attenuating profit margins.

The introduction, therefore, of electric quadricycles is a promising sign as they have started to qualify for regional grants and benefits including access to high-occupancy vehicle lanes and parking charge exemptions.

“As a result, VMs are expected to introduce electric quadricycles in large numbers and even follow it with a sub-A vehicle (by increasing motor torque and power) to boost sales shipment,” Shankar said.

“Quadricycle manufacturers in Europe have also started to invest in new age business models driven by car sharing organisations, addressing thereby the challenge of increased vehicle ownership cost.”

Automakers such as Aixam Mega and Ligier Microcar are early entrants in announcing electric quadricycles in the European market.

“However in Europe, automakers like Renault, PSA Peugeot Citroen, Tata Motors and many more have announced their entry in the microcars segment with sub-A vehicles. There is an evident market demand in the electric microcars category.”