Summary

In recent years, the global quadricycle market has shown considerable growth, particularly in Europe, with nations like France, Italy, and Spain leading the way. The market for these microcars or light and heavy quadricycles, which include both combustion-engine powered versions and eco-friendlier electric models, has been expanding in response to urbanization and consumer interest in more compact, fuel-efficient, and lower-emission vehicles. The Italian market specifically has witnessed an impressive uptick in electric minicar registrations, which grew by 448.8 percent from 2020 to 2021, with a total of 3930 units registered in the latter year. Overall, the global minicar market was valued at $968.6 million in 2022 and is projected to reach $2.4 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 12.8%. The Italian market reflects these trends, with quadricycles finding a niche among urban dwellers and as part of corporate fleets in cities. Additionally, state incentives, like the Italian ecobonus, have supported the growth of the sector, totaling 28 million euros consumed in 2021 for the development of electric mobility vehicles including quadricycles.

The Italian Quadricycle Market: Trends and Demographics

In recent years, the Italian market has displayed increasing interest in quadricycles, with a particular focus on the urban population that values safe and modern transportation options. The quadricycle market encompasses both light and heavy variants, with a distinct growth in registrations witnessed over the past few years. Specifically, this rise in the Italian market has been noted across statistical data showing more than 12,500 new registrations in 2021, which accounted for approximately 0.69 percent of total vehicle registrations. The demographic factors influencing this demand consist of an older population in suburban areas and a younger, affluent urban demographic. The market's appeal cuts across generations, demonstrating flexibility and value for wide-ranging consumers. Furthermore, Italy has observed a burgeoning elder population, contributing to a demand for accessible and manageable personal transportation such as quadricycles. Economically, the market is sustained by variable income levels across the regions, where higher income zones like the Northwest and Northeast exhibit greater disposable income compared to the South and the Center. This discrepancy suggests potential disparities in regional demand for quadricycles.

However, even in scenarios of limited economic resources, the demand for quadricycles remains robust, indicating a significant market presence that transcends economic boundaries. The market also benefits from the environmental appeal of electric quadricycles, recording an impressive increase in registrations. The year 2022 saw a surge in electric quadricycle registrations by over 74 percent from the previous year. These electric alternatives to traditional quadricycles represent a growing segment of the auto industry, prioritizing sustainability without compromising the convenience of urban mobility. To bolster the market, Italy has administered incentives such as ecobonuses to encourage the purchase of electric-powered vehicles, thereby reducing the effective cost of acquisition for consumers and fostering a more sustainable mode of transportation within the urban sphere. Overall, the trend suggests that the Italian quadricycle market is on an upward trajectory, fuelled by demographic changes, economic factors, environmental considerations, and supportive policies. As a result, this sector appears to be embracing the future of urban mobility, with a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability.

Prominent Manufacturers in the Italian Quadricycle Market

Within the expanding segment of the Italian quadricycle market, several key players have established their presence with distinct offerings that cater to the diverse preferences of consumers. These manufacturers have contributed significantly to the market's growth by providing a range of quadricycles, from the traditionally powered to the innovative electric varieties, as well as sporty models that bring a touch of vigor to the segment. Below is an overview of these leading market players and their notable contributions to the industry.

  • Aixam : Aixam, a French manufacturer, is known for its range of quadricycles like the Aixam Miniauto, City, and Crossover. These vehicles are equipped with two-cylinder diesel engines, offering a blend of practicality for city commutes and versatility for varying consumer needs. Aixam has also embraced the electric vehicle trend with their e-Aixam series, showcasing their commitment to eco-friendly transportation.
  • Casalini : Casalini, an Italian brand, has demonstrated a strong national presence with offerings such as the Casalini M20, which features a light quadricycle with a 6kW diesel engine. Their vehicles emphasize Italian design and engineering, providing a homegrown choice for consumers who prioritize local craftsmanship in their transportation options.
  • Chatenet : French manufacturer Chatenet is recognized for its light quadricycles like the CH46 and its variations that focus on comfort and sporty design. With a two-cylinder diesel engine powering these vehicles, they provide an efficient driving experience ideal for the bustling urban tapestry of Italian cities.
  • Ligier : Ligier brings to the market the JS50 model, encompassing a light quadricycle powered by a 6 kW diesel engine. This brand is synonymous with combining convenience with reliability, offering an optimal blend for consumers looking for an everyday urban vehicle.
  • Microcar : Another French marque, Microcar, offers quadricycles such as the Microcar Dué. This vehicle also operates on a 6 kW diesel engine and is designed for affordability and ease of use, making it an attractive choice for consumers seeking practicality without compromising on cost-effectiveness.
  • Estrima : Estrima, distinguished for its early foray into electric quadricycles, has been serving the Italian market for several years with its Bivo model. This vehicle exemplifies simplicity and compactness, making it a pioneer for urban electric mobility.
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  • Number of pages : 30 pages
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  • Last update : 04/07/2023
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Summary and extracts

1 Synthèse du marché

1.1 Introduction

Minicars or microcars, technically defined by the Highway Code as light or heavy quadricycles, are four-wheeled vehicles with specific dimensions and characteristics, intended primarily for urban traffic and limited to an equal or maximum speed of 45 km/h, for category L6e, or 80 km/h, for category L7e.

They are subject to type-approval requirements and must be driven by drivers holding the appropriate driving license. In general, the quadricycles are defined by weight limitations, engine power and speed.We also find the following types of minicars on the Italian market:

  • Electric: These are minicars that run entirely on electricity. They offer an environmentally friendly and low-emission option.
  • Combustion-engine powered: These are minicars that use gasoline or diesel engines. They are more common and offer a longer range than electric versions.
  • Sporty: Some manufacturers offer sporty versions of minicars, with sporty design and driving characteristics.

An increase in minicars is being observed in European cities. Electric minicar registrations increased by 7,043 new units registered in 2022. Despite their limited speed these cars adopt the best technologies in the automotive industry and are considered safer than mopeds. A successful example is the Citroen Ami, launched in 2020 and sold only online, which has recorded more than 20,000 deliveries in Europe, exceeding its planned targets. In Italy, more than 5,000 units have been purchased by 2021, making the Citroen Ami the clear leader among quadricycles, with a 76 percent market share in the first three months of 2022.[CorrieredellaSera]

The global minicar (quadricycle) market has been estimated at $968 million in 2022, and is expected to reach a size of $2.4 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate(CAGR) of 12.8% over the 2022-2030 analysis period.

This study will discuss in detail the economic and structural characteristics of the Italian market for minicars, also spread under the name of microcar or the more technical name of light or heavy quadricycle. For information on other types of urban mobility vehicles, see the other studies available in the Businesscoot catalog.

1.2 A growing global market

According to Fortune analysis, the global quadricycle market totaled $***.* million in **** and is expected to grow from just over $* billion in **** to $*.* billion in ****, with a compound annual rate CAGR of **.* percent. Factors in the market's development are many, including increased consumer interest in alternatives that, because they are less heavy, ...

1.3 The Italian market

Data on the production sold in millions of euros of quadricycles in Italy show fluctuating variations over the period under consideration. In ****, production sold of quadricycles was **.* million euros, followed by a significant decrease (***) in production sold, falling to **.* million. The reasons for this decrease could be related to the COVID-** ...

1.4 The development of the market

In ****, registered motor vehicles amounted to nearly * million units in total. Of these, quadricycles intended for people saw a number of new registrations of **.*** vehicles, *.** percent of the total registrations that occurred in ****

Data released by UNRAE, on motorcycles, indicate a significant increase in the market share of quadricycles over the ...

2 Analyse de la demande

2.1 Demographic characteristics of demand

Demographic determinants are population-related factors that can influence the microcar market in Italy. Market studies and practical observations show that there are two main types of users of quadricycles:

An older population living more in suburban areas with limited resources. This demographic matters for the majority of users, which amounted to ...

2.2 Determinants of demand

The needs of an urban population: safe and modern

Light quadricycles have several advantages that make them the preferred urban vehicle, such as:

Small size facilitates parking (***) this can also prove useful during multiple deliveries. Fuel economy (***); Low Co* emissions for reduced environmental impact, which in the case of electric quadricycles ...

3 Structure du marché

3.1 Market structure

The quadricycle market is divided by type, i.e., we find light quadricycles (***). Heavy quadricycles, are the ones that dominate the Italian market, and are also chosen as a safer alternative to other vehicles. Furthermore, based on the type of application, the market can be divided into domestic and commercial. The ...

3.2 Production and development

Data on the volume production of microcars, or light or heavy quadricycles, in Italy from **** to **** show some interesting trends. Regarding light quadricycles, a steady decrease in production during the period under consideration can be seen in the graph below. Only in **** did production have a slight increase to ***.

On the ...

3.3 Distribution channels

Distribution channels for light and heavy quadricycles in Italy and Europe can include several options. it is important to note that the quadricycle industry is competitive and constantly evolving, so manufacturing companies often have an extensive network of authorized dealers and enjoy a strong presence in the European and international markets, ...

4 Analyse de l'offre

4.1 Supply analysis

Microcars or quadricycles offer different features and options to suit users' needs. Some models have internal combustion engines, while others use electric motors to reduce environmental impact and improve energy efficiency. These vehicles usually offer seating for one or two people, with limited space for cargo. As shown in the table ...

4.2 The prices

Regardless of the advantages of quadricycles, such as ease of riding, light weight, and low fuel consumption, these vehicles have rather high selling prices. A quadricycle can range from $*,*** to $**,*** (***) according to the Markets and Markets analysis. On the other hand, if we look at the prices of electric quadricycles, they ...

5 Règlementation

5.1 Current regulations

In Italy, light and heavy quadricycles are regulated by various laws and regulations that establish the conditions for their circulation and use on the roads. Below are some current regulations in Italy.

The Highway Code

The Italian Highway Code, contained in Legislative Decree No. ***/****, regulates road traffic and defines the rules ...

6 Positionnement des acteurs

6.1 Segmentation

Source: ****

  • Chatenet
  • Aixam
  • Ligier
  • XEV
  • Tazzari EV
  • Estrima
  • Casalini
  • Lombardini - Gruppo Kohler

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Companies quoted in this study

This study contains a complete overview of the companies in the market, with the latest figures and news for each company. :

Chatenet
Aixam
Ligier
XEV
Tazzari EV
Estrima
Casalini
Lombardini - Gruppo Kohler

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