Microlino: Series production is set to start in 2022

For production, Microlino has teamed up with CECOMP, an Italian specialist company, which has been retrofitted for the mass production of Microlino. The plant manager is

Giuseppe Livani. He worked for 16 years at the Fiat plant in Mirafiori, eventually serving as UTE manager and operations manager on the assembly lines for Fiat Panda, Punto, and Marea. In 2005, he transitioned to Pininfarina, where he oversaw the market launch of Alfa Spider and Brera models at the S. Giorgio plant, and later the production of Ford Ka Roadster and Focus Cabrio, as well as Mitsubishi Colt CZC, in Bairo. Over the past 10 years, he was involved in the production of electric vehicles with the French group Bolloré. The Microlino production was set up from late November 2021, with the first pre-series vehicles rolling off the line on March 21, 2022. By the end of the year, the goal is to produce 1500 vehicles, which, given the current supply chain situation, will be a very significant challenge according to Livani.

By the end of the year, the paint shop and the “Functional Area”, where vehicles can be extensively tested before delivery, should also be completed. This area will be equipped with a water test tunnel and a customer line, where Microlinos can be prepared and assigned to the end customer.

Several configurations are planned: The Urban Edition is the entry-level version. Unfortunately, it will only be available in two colors and equipped with a 6-kWh battery pack, enabling up to 91 kilometers of range. It is expected to be available from the second quarter of 2023.

The Dolce Edition will be available in five colors, comes standard with a sunroof, and offers all three battery sizes. Additionally, it features chrome details, Infinity LED lights at the front and rear, and several optional styling options like the Dolce-Premium interior and wheels.

The third variant, Competizione, is available in three different matte colors. It also includes a sunroof, Infinity LED lights, and the medium or large battery pack as standard. Additional options are also available for the Competizione. Both the Dolce and Competizione are ideally expected to be available "end of 2022 or early 2023, depending on the supply chain situation."

Start with the fully-equipped Pioneer Series

The launch will begin with the Pioneer Series, available in two exclusive colors: Atlantis Blue and Torino Aluminum. The Pioneer Series will be limited to 999 vehicles, as a tribute to our first innovation, the Kickscooter, which was launched in 1999. Each vehicle will have its own number, visible on the inside.

The Pioneer Series comes with a 10.5-kWh battery for up to 177 kilometers of range, along with a sunroof, high-quality vegan leather and Alcantara interior, and portable Bluetooth speakers that seamlessly connect to the smartphone.

With the Pioneer Series, Microlino also introduces the optional Pioneer Membership: This includes priority delivery, the opportunity to participate in semi-annual factory tours and even hands-on production if desired. It also includes Pioneer Events organized by Microlino, free Flying Doctor checkups, special service deal conditions, a free Micro e-scooter, and always priority delivery for every future Microlino or other brand products. The Ouboter family has also considered trade-in conditions for used vehicles. The Pioneer Membership costs a one-time fee of 1999 euros in 2022 for lifetime membership. Later, the Pioneer Club will cost 1000 euros per year!

Microlino also struggles with parts availability

The concrete delivery dates are somewhat tight-lipped: "This has become somewhat more difficult, mainly due to the supply chain issues currently facing the automotive industry. There are no reliable delivery dates or prices for certain components anymore.” Additionally, there is a long waiting list of more than 30,000 reservation holders. The configurator is expected to be activated by early June.

Customers from Switzerland will be the first to make a deposit to secure their place on the waiting list. Those from Switzerland who choose the Pioneer series will certainly be among the first customers, especially if they also opt for the Pioneer membership. Customers from other countries will «probably have to wait until 2023.»

What does this mean?

Microlino is also affected by the shortage of parts (chips, wiring) in some areas – annoyingly already before the series ramp-up. Nevertheless, production should be ramped up despite the extreme difficulties – which is also necessary before the patience of the first customers runs out completely. Especially since the base will have to wait even longer and will only be available in mid-2023. It remains to be seen whether the 12,000 euros will still be achievable...