Microcar [2] (France) - AllCarIndex

Microcar was a French manufacturer of license-exempt microcars, founded in 1980 as a division of Jeanneau, the sailboat maker. Based in Les Herbiers, France, the company specialized in producing lightweight quadricycles (“voitures sans permis”) that could be driven without a full driver’s license under French law. Production was moved to a purpose-built plant in 2000. In 2008 Microcar was acquired by Ligier Automobiles, creating Europe’s second-largest microcar producer while maintaining separate brand identities.

Microcar’s best-known models included the long-running MC series (MC1, MC2), the four-seat Virgo models, and the Sherpa light commercial vehicle. In 2009 the M.Go became the main product line, later joined by electric variants. From 2006 to 2010, Microcar’s MC chassis was used by Canada’s ZENN Motor Company to build the ZENN neighborhood electric vehicle for North America. Following the Ligier merger, production of Microcar vehicles continued alongside Ligier models, solidifying its place in the European quadricycle market.

Microcar was discontinued in 2025. Its factory in Montaigu was closed early in 2025 as Ligier Group decided to retire the Microcar brand and consolidate production under the Ligier name.