The Microcar Coalition: Pioneers of Everyday Mobility
Munich, September 5, 2023 – At Kate, we've always believed that the future of the automotive industry lies in lightweight mobility. For over a year, we've passionately championed this audacious vision. Today, we're thrilled to announce that we're not alone in this exhilarating quest. The Microcar Coalition, of which we are a proud founding member, has officially launched. This marks a monumental moment in the evolution of urban and rural mobility.
Founding Members Unite
Picture this—a gathering of ten industry leaders, including C-level executives and company founders, representing the founding members of the Microcar Coalition. We met during the IAA 2023 Conference in Munich, and the energy in the room was palpable. The goal? To harness our collective strengths and unite our efforts in reinforcing the growth of electric microcars as the preferred sustainable choice for urban and rural commuting.
Driving Responsable Transformation
Recent data highlights a growing demand for sustainable mobility solutions, particularly in rural areas where shared mobility options are often limited. As founding members of the coalition, we couldn't be more excited about the momentum we've gained. Our mission has become even more critical, and recent insights underscore the importance of promoting eco-friendly alternatives and educating the public about their benefits in both urban and rural settings.
Promoting Sustainable and Livable Communities
Here's the thing; microcars offer incredible advantages in reducing pollution, easing urban congestion, enhancing energy efficiency, and improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists. They are also the answer to many challenges faced by rural communities. Recent research confirms that reallocating urban and rural public spaces from roads and parking to green areas and community activities can significantly improve our quality of life.
Microcars: The 'Normal Car' of the Future
Our vision at Kate is crystal clear. We see microcars as the "normal cars" of the future. They're not just an alternative; they're the next logical step in personal transportation, suited for both urban and rural needs.
Targeting the Right Category
In light of the most current research, our coalition's focus is laser-sharp. We're zeroing in on quadricycles classified as L7e—these fall under the EU category for four-wheeled fast microcars. These vehicles are allowed on all types of roads and have substantial potential, backed by the most up-to-date industry data.
The Sustainability Advantage
Recent data underscores the sustainability benefits of microcars, especially when compared to full-size vehicles. It's clear that reducing the environmental footprint of urban and rural transportation is not just a choice but an imperative for a greener future.
Meeting Commuter Needs
Recent studies tell us something important—many daily commuters are unwilling to compromise on safety, comfort, flexibility, and privacy. Microcars, as we've seen, perfectly cater to these preferences, bridging the gap between personal vehicles and public transportation.
A Bright Future for Microcars
Recent research by the McKinsey Center for Future Mobility has unveiled exciting prospects for microcars. They've been dubbed the "next big thing in urban and rural mobility." The figures are compelling, estimating a Total Addressable Market value of $340 billion by 2030 across Europe, North America, and China.
Microcars Leading France's Carbon Transition
We can't emphasize enough the pivotal role microvoitures (microcars) play in the sustainable transition of the French automotive industry. In a recent publication of the French Economic Transformation Plan (PTEF), we're presented with a roadmap of operational and regulatory measures. These measures aim to preserve France's automotive industry excellence while addressing the pressing energy and climate challenges.
With the automotive sector responsible for 21% of the nation's greenhouse gas emissions, it's clear that profound transformations are required to help France achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. These findings reiterate the importance of microvoiture solutions and highlight the pivotal role they can play in the sustainable transition of the French automotive industry, both in urban and rural areas.
Join Us on this Remarkable Journey
We, at Kate, invite you to join us on this remarkable journey towards lighter, cleaner, and more affordable mobility.
The future of the automobile industry starts right here, with all of us.