A study by research firm Frost & Sullivan (F&S) says that the microcars segment in Europe is poised to become one of the largest revenue generators for over thirty market participants, including seven out of the top ten global vehicle manufacturers.
The analysis by F&S finds that the European microcars market is expected to witness the introduction of over 60 base models, including quadricycles, by 2013. Moreover, over 19 models are projected for launch by top seven out of 10 OEMs in the new emerging class of sub-A segment vehicles over the next three years. The sub-A vehicles segment is anticipated to grow faster than quadricycles due to their characteristics and striking resemblance to A-segment vehicles.
Go deeper with GlobalData
“The development of megacities, paralleled by changing mobility trends and growing interest in urban vehicles with low emissions and low fuel consumption, has encouraged VMs to introduce microcars in Europe,” says 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, according to F&S. Global mainstream OEMs have provided market momentum – over 30 models were introduced in the recently concluded 2010 Paris Motor Show and the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.
Over 75% of the microcars announced are expected to be battery electric vehicles (EVs), with the major related challenges being range anxiety and limited speeds. Since their introduction, safety has been a cause of concern with the L6 and L7 quadricycles (L-category) and industry experts expect traces of this anxiety to persist in the microcars segment for a brief period.
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.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalData“VMs are pro-actively addressing stricter emission norm and increased safety level requirements with the introduction of sub-A segment vehicles,” remarks 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,” adds Shankar. “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. They have clear visions of growth strategy in this category – to commercialise electric quadricycles and reduce carbon footprint.
“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,” adds Shankar.
“There is an evident market demand in the electric microcars category, stimulated by the growing needs of Gen-Y end consumers.”
