Brussels-based car importer and distributor D’Ieteren Automotive is setting up a distribution and service network to launch the Swiss-Italian Microlino electric car by summer in France. Besides Belgium and France, D’Ieteren is also the distributor of the microcar in Luxembourg.

In France, the Microlino belongs to the L7 vehicle class and is available to holders of a B1 driving license from the age of 16. The B1 driver’s license allows you to drive in France heavy-duty quadricycle (category L7e): cart, quad.

Building a distribution network

Contrary to the BeLux, where Belgian’s largest car importer has an extensive dealer network for its Volkswagen brands, the search is open in France. “We are actively seeking to build a distribution network in France made up of partners with the necessary know-how to develop the micro-mobility segment in France,” says Rémy Dumont, Managing Director of D’Ieteren Micromobility.

“We are convinced of this new market’s potential and the importance that this light, flexible, and cost-effective form of mobility can have for our daily journeys. The environmental impact of these vehicles is also significantly lower than that of conventional cars, even electric cars.”

Swiss family invention

The Microlino was invented by the Swiss company Micro Mobility and the family behind the Micro Kickscooter, Wim, Oliver, and Merlin Ouboter. They were clearly inspired by the former BMW Isetta, on offer in Europe between 1955 and 1962. In total, some 160 000 units were made.

It all started with a simple question, the Ouboters say: “How much car do you really need for your daily commute?” Coming from a completely different sector, they could not understand why most cars today are too big and heavy for their purpose. On average, a vehicle is occupied by just 1,2 people, traveling a daily distance of only 30 km. But what would the ideal vehicle for urban mobility look like?

Produced by Italian Tazzari

Design and technical specifications were worked out with help from the Swiss university ZHAW; a prototype was developed in China in mid-2015 to present at the Geneva Motor Show in 2016. Eventually, a production partner was found with Tazzari from 2016 onward, an Italian car manufacturer specializing in small electric vehicles.

Deliveries of the limited Pioneers Series started in the summer of 2022, first in Switzerland, before deliveries were to be made in Germany and Italy. In Belgium, the little vehicle premiered at the Brussels Motor Show in January 2023, costing €14 900 for the basic version. In Belgium, apart from the showroom at D’Ieteren’s headquarters, sales is done online.

The small four-wheeler has a monocoque structure (unusual in the category), measures 2,5 m in length, and is almost as large as it is high (1,47 and 1,50 m). It weighs half a ton and has a 12,5 kW strong electric motor.

The Microlino seats two and has a trunk volume of 230 liters. Charging batteries takes three to four hours at a standard household socket. The microcar will be available with three different battery sizes (6, 10,5, or 14 kWh), providing a range of 91, 177, or 230 kilometers, respectively.