Aixam facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Aixam-Mega

Type	Private
Industry	Automotive microcars
Founded	1983; 42 years ago (1983)
Headquarters	Aix-les-Bains, Savoie , France
Key people	Olivier Pelletier (managing director)
Products	Automobile
Production output	19,131 vehicles (2023)
Revenue	€198.6 million (2023)
Net income	€36.6 million (2023)
Owner	Polaris Industries (44%)

Aixam-Mega is a French company that makes small cars called microcars. These cars are often smaller and lighter than regular cars. The company is located in Aix-les-Bains, a town in France.

Aixam-Mega started in 1983. They began making microcars after buying another company called Arola. In April 2013, a big American company named Polaris Industries bought Aixam-Mega.

The Story of Aixam-Mega

The history of Aixam-Mega goes back to 1975. That's when the company Arola was first created. In 1983, Aixam bought Arola. After that, Aixam started making new car models. The 325D was launched in 1984, and the 400D came out in 1985.

The Mega Brand

In 1992, Aixam started a new brand called Mega. Under this brand, they made some regular-sized cars. However, by 2002, the Mega brand focused only on small vans. These vans could be powered by diesel fuel or electricity. They were used for light jobs and deliveries.

Aixam Microcars Today

Today, Aixam makes the A.7xx series of microcars. These cars are similar in size to the Smart Fortwo. They use diesel engines made by a company called Kubota.

Some smaller Aixam models can only go up to 45 kilometers per hour (about 28 miles per hour). In some European countries, like France and Germany, you can drive these slower models without a full driving license. This makes them popular for young drivers or people who don't need a fast car.

In the United Kingdom, these cars are called "quadricycles." This is because of their weight and power. In 2013, a new law allowed people with a special low-power license to drive certain Aixam models in the UK.

Recent Developments

In 2006, the Mega brand introduced an electric car called the "Mega City." This car was shown at a big car show in Britain. In April 2013, the American company Polaris Industries bought Aixam. This was a big step for the company.

In September 2024, Aixam-Mega opened a brand new factory. This factory is in a place called Andancette. Building it cost 30 million euros, showing how much the company is growing.

How Aixam Cars Work

Aixam cars like the 400, 500, and 500.5 are quite simple. They have different engines depending on the model and year.

Engines and Power

The diesel models use a small, two-cylinder engine. It's made by Kubota and is about 400 cubic centimeters in size. This engine provides enough power for a microcar. Older petrol (gasoline) versions used a 505 cubic centimeter engine from Lombardini. Later petrol cars had fuel injection, which helps the engine run more efficiently.

Steering and Suspension

Aixam cars use a steering system called "rack and pinion." This system helps you turn the wheels easily. For a smooth ride, they have "MacPherson strut" suspension at the front. At the back, they use "semi-trailing arms." These parts help the car absorb bumps in the road.

Brakes and Transmission

The front wheels have disc brakes, which are good for stopping quickly. The back wheels have drum brakes, which also work as the handbrake.

The cars use a special type of automatic gearbox called a "continuously-variable transmission" (CVT). This CVT is made by CVTech-IBC. It helps the car change speeds smoothly without needing gears like a regular car. The gearbox is designed for small cars that are mostly driven in towns or for deliveries. It's made for cars that don't go very fast.

Aixam Models

Aixam makes several different types of microcars. They have models for everyday driving, sportier versions, and even electric cars.

Current Models

Minauto Range

• Minauto Access
• Minauto GT
• Minauto Cross

Emotion Range

• City Pack
• City Sport
• City GTO
• Coupé Evo
• Coupé Premium
• Coupé GTI
• Crossline Evo
• Crossover Premium

eAixam Range (Electric Cars)

• e-City Sport
• e-Coupé Premium
• e-Coupé GTI
• e-Crossover Premium

Aixam Pro Utility Vehicles

These are small trucks or vans used for work.

• D-Truck Drop Side
• D-Truck Van
• e-Truck Drop Side
• e-Truck Van

Mega

• Mega e-Scouty (from 2023)

Former Models

Aixam

• Aixam 300, 400, 500
• Aixam A540, A550
• Aixam A.721
• Aixam A.741
• Aixam A.751
• Aixam Berlines
• Aixam MAC (1997)
• Aixam Microcar
• Aixam Minivan
• Aixam Pick-Up
• Aixam Roadline
• Aixam Scouty
• Aixam Scouty-R

• 

  Aixam A540

• 

  Aixam A550

• 

  Aixam 500.4 Pick-Up

• 

  Aixam 500 Minivan

• 

  Aixam 600-4 MAX

• 

  2006 Aixam A751

Mega

• Mega City
• Mega Club/Ranch - Citroën AX-based beach cars and offroad vehicles
• Mega Concept
• Mega Monte Carlo
• Mega Moskito Micro
• Mega Multitruck
• Mega Track (1992)
• Mega e-Worker

• 

  Mega Track

• 

  1996 Mega Club

• 

  Mega Ranch

• 

  2009 Mega Van

• 

  Mega Multitruck

• 

  Mega e-Worker

See also

In Spanish: Aixam para niños

• Renault Kangoo Z.E.
• Tazzari Zero

Images for kids

• 

  Aixam 400

• 

  Aixam A.721

• 

  Aixam Crossover GTR

• 

  Aixam eCoupé GTI, an electric model from 2024

• 

  Aixam Crossline (front view)

• 

  Aixam Crossline (rear view)

• 

  2018 Aixam Crossline Premium GT (front view)

• 

  2018 Aixam Crossline Premium GT (rear view)

• 

  Aixam Coupé (front view)

• 

  Aixam Coupé (rear view)

• 

  2023 Aixam Mega e-Scouty (front view)

• 

  2023 Aixam Mega e-Scouty (rear view)