Microlino 2.0 test drive in Germany. Hans-Peter Kleebinder, former Head of MINI Germany and CMO Audi Germany, joined the Micro Advisory Board in mid-December. In the past, Kleebinder was responsible for the market launch of the MINI Convertible and MINI Clubman.
With his years of experience in the automotive industry, he will support the market launch of Microlino 2.0 in the future. Micro will begin delivering its Microlino electric city car in 2021, for which more than 18,000 reservations have already been made as of June 2020.
What has not changed with the second generation of the Microlino is the maximum range of around 200 kilometres and the basic price of 12,000 euros. Only yesterday we were able to report on the progress of the Swiss electric car as well as the fact that the market launch will be maintained in the coming year.
When asked what parallels Kleebinder sees with the launch of the Microlino 2.0 concerning his work at MINI, he explains: “The approach and mission of Wim with Micro 1999 and Sir Alec Issigonis with MINI 1959 are indeed very similar: “Clever and Sustainable Use of Space” is added to “Creative Use of Space” today. For me, the Microlino is the contemporary answer to securing our individual future mobility in our cities. With environmentally friendly, intelligent and space-saving mobility that is fun. “
Kleebinder also explains “Sustainability is becoming the most important issue – the currency for this is our personal ecological mobility footprint”. To make this as positive as possible, he has been able to use the Microlino 1.0 as an everyday vehicle since June 2020. Since then he has driven over 2,500 km on the Stromer.
There was enough positive feedback from the population. In politics, however, the penny still has to fall: “A major challenge is to finally bring the advantages of micro-mobility into the minds and decisions of our politicians. Our credo less is more and I would like to convey the unique Microlino driving experience our future customers,” said Kleebinder.
The first complete prototype should be ready in a few weeks. It should also have components such as light, folding roof and more. A total of five prototypes are to be completed and tested at intervals of a few weeks. Despite Corona, series production is scheduled to start in 2021. From an organizational point of view, Microlino has won Hans-Peter Kleebinder for the micro advisory board. Kleebinder was Head of Mini Germany and Head of Marketing at Audi Germany. With his experience, he should support the market launch of the Microlino 2.0.
There is also something new concerning the interior. The dashboard of the study will find its way into the series. However, the switches and buttons on the central bar have been replaced by a touchscreen, which allows more flexibility when adding new functions.
There will be two displays in the car, one behind the steering wheel as a speedometer and a smaller touch display that controls the heating, among other things. The gear selection changes to the left side and is controlled utilizing a rotary knob.
Another feature that will make it into the series is the front and rear LED light bar. The LED light bar will combine position, indicator and brake light. The Microlino will be the first vehicle in the L7e category to feature this technology.
The Microlino was first shown at the Geneva Motor Show in 2016. One of the main features of the 2.43-meter-long vehicle was the front door, which was adopted from the classic BMW Isetta. Behind Microlino is the Swiss Wim Ouboter with his sons Oliver and Merlin. In 1999 Ouboter founded the company Micro Mobility Systems and sold millions of scooters and kickboards.
Here are the technical data according to the Microlino website:
- Motor: 11 kW / 100 Nm
- 0-50 km / h: 5 sec.
- Vmax: 90 km / h
- Battery: 8kWh (optional 14.4 kWh)
- Range: 125km (optional 200 km)
- Charging: domestic socket or via type 2 connection (max. 2 kW AC)
- Charging time: 4 hours
- Weight: 513 kg
- Dimensions: 2,430 mm x 1,500 mm x 1,450 mm
- Seats: 2
- Trunk: 220 litres
- Category: L7e