I saw a post for this car/not-a-car and looked into it. Anyone who has a car knowledge with some depth, will recognize the inspiration for Micro Motors new Microlino, the BMW Isetta from the 50s and 60s. The big difference of course is that the Microlino is 100% electric with a 200 meter (120+ mile) range and seating for two. The door opens to the front for entrance and egress and ease of entry. Depending on your area will determine, how the Microlino is classified whether that be car, scooter, motorcycle, or other. The point being that the Microlino, due to it's size and layout, would not pass most crash and safety testing, but then the Microlino's mission is different. It is a citycar designed for limited (aka low-speed) use. I don't see many long-distance trips in the Microlino's future. The Microlino was developed in Switzerland but will be built in Italy. The car shown here is the third prototype that has almost completed "industrialization" or preparation for production. Will your area see the Microlino? Contact them to find out, but Europe is a given. Pricing is reasonable quoted at 12,000 Euros, so the Microlino is affordable as more and more consumers buy specialized vehicles for their needs. In the US, the Microlino would fall into the category that covers Polaris three-wheelers and similar vehicles and the Polaris does not require a motorcycle driver's license in most states. So maybe... Click on "read more" to see the two media releases, additional pics and two videos (after the releases) and enjoy. Probably more to come.

Source: Micro Motors - Media releases, pics, and videos (2) after the jump.

Media Release:

3rd Prototype & Industrialization

The project is moving fast and we completed the 3rd prototype. The development is in its last phase and we have started with the preparations for production. Here are the most important points:

The 3rd prototype featuring the complete new interior and folding roof is finished
We have finished over a third of the chassis and body toolings
Together with our partner CECOMP we have established a new company, Microlino Italia which will be responsible for production in Turin

The third prototype is already very close to the series version in terms of the exterior and interior design. It features the redesigned interior with dual displays, one behind the steering wheel as a speedometer and a smaller touch display integrated in the central bar to control functions like the heating etc. The central touch display gives us more flexibility to add additional features and uses less space, compared to conventional buttons.

Another new feature is the reengineered folding roof. It was developed by Magna Car Top Systems, which is an expert in the field of convertible tops and roof systems. The new folding roof can easily be opened and closed with one hand while driving and lets in a gentle breeze. The folding roof will be available as an option and comes standard in the premium versions.

Like on the new Ford Mustang Mach-E, we have eliminated the front door handle completely to simplify the design even more. To open the door, you need to unlock the car with the key and press a small button below the headlight. This will pop-up the door just enough for you to grab the door to fully open it seamlessly.

To open the door from the inside, there is another button located at the back of the aluminum handlebar, which activates the door mechanism.

INDUSTRIALIZATION:

A few weeks ago, we have started with the industrialization of the Microlino 2.0. This includes all the tools and fixtures for the series production, as well as planning the assembly steps for production. For the chassis and body, over a third of the tools are finished. Below you can see a picture of the stamping tool for the side panel, which is one the biggest part made out of aluminum. All together this stamping tool weighs around 12 tons or 24 Microlinos!

Together with our partner CECOMP we have established a new company, Microlino Italia which will be responsible for production. At the beginning of the Microlino project we never wanted to be manufacturer ourselves but we realized that this is the only way to control the quality and at the same time reduce the cost of production.

The assembly line will be located at the premises of CECOMP in La Loggia, Turin.

Prototype Nr. 2: New Light Bars in Action

Our two teams in Switzerland and Italy are making good progress and Prototype Nr. 2 was finished in time. Since we are in the middle of our prototype testing we haven’t had the time yet to show you the new prototype, we will correct that now. But first here are the most important points:

The 2nd Microlino 2.0 prototype with the integrated front and rear LED lightbar is completed and being tested
The 3rd prototype that features the complete new interior will be finished in a few days from now
The first series vehicles will be unveiled in Munich at the IAA Mobility in September

The new prototype has implemented all the technical changes based on the learnings of the first prototype.

Visually speaking, the biggest change compared to the first prototype is the energy-efficient front and rear LED light bar. The front light bar has the turning and position light integrated and is complemented with the two round LED headlights. The rear light bar combines braking, turning and position lights in one element. Together they complement the retro look of the Microlino with a matching futuristic touch. Here is a little demonstration of how the lights looks like in action:

LOOK-OUT: PROTOTYPES

Despite the challenging times, the project is on track and we are keeping our timeline that we communicated in February.

The 3rd prototype is already under construction and expected to be finished in a few days from now. This will be an exciting one, as it will feature the completely redesigned interior and the new folding roof. Here is a little sneak-preview to bridge the waiting time.

Prototype Nr. 4 and Nr. 5 will be built up soon thereafter. These will be used mainly for the EU homologation and type approval this summer, which is necessary to start the series production.