Micro presents the Microlino Spider at Brussels Motor Show

As the fourth version of the Swiss Microcar after the Microlino, Microlino Lite and Microlino Spiaggina, the Spider has been developed not only for hotels and golf clubs in Europe, but also as an electric vehicle for residential areas in the USA.

To enable the launch in the USA, Micro is looking for partners such as dealer groups, leasing companies and other entrepreneurs who are willing to bring this new vehicle category to the country. In Europe, Micro will rely on its existing dealer network with over 100 points of sale.

The Microlino Spider is intended to score not only, but above all, with US American customers. While the compact shape of the L7e vehicle is retained, access is via open sides (there are no doors). The classic cab scooter entry via the front is therefore not planned for the Spider. Nor does it have a solid roof. The model is either completely ‘topless’ or has a fabric roof as sun protection.

“Americans don’t just drive large cars. In fact, the U.S. is the world’s biggest market for golf carts, where they’re often used for personal transport within neighborhoods. That’s exactly why we created the Microlino Spider,” said Chairman Wim Ouboter. “Consider it the antithesis to massive electric
pickup trucks — not built for the 5% of trips where you need to haul a lot, but for the 95% of trips where you are alone, driving to work.”

In addition to its open side and roof design, the Spider concept features wooden accents on the steering wheel and door sills. Another striking feature is the paintwork, which alternates between blue, green and purple tones depending on the viewing angle. However, the affiliation with the Microlino family remains unmistakable – even when it comes to the drive system. “The technical specifications are similar to the current Microlino, adapted to US regulations,” says the manufacturer. To compare, the Microlino travels around 177 kilometres with the medium 10.5 kWh battery (there is also a larger or smaller battery to choose from) according to the WMTC measurement procedure.

Micro has also announced the introduction of a ‘Microlino Custom Programme’ for local customers. Customers can use this programme to put together individualised Microlino variants on the manufacturer’s website. ‘With the Microlino Custom Programme, we want to use our strengths in local production here in Turin and offer our customers maximum design freedom – something that has never been seen before in this vehicle category,’ says Co-Founder Merlin Ouboter.

Source: Info via email