Automotive Recyclers Association - Archive

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• Ligier Cars
• Ligier Website

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Ligier Cars

From racing prowess to protecting the environment, what do F1 and F2 contenders have in common with microcars and no-permit vehicles? The answer is Ligier Automobiles from France. Founded in 1968 by Guy Ligier, the company has a long association with racing, building at least twenty single-seater Formula One cars, and culminating in the victory at the 1996 Monaco Grand Prix.

Having made his fortune in construction, Ligier was fascinated with the sport of car racing. Along with boyhood chum, Joseph Schlesser, the two worked the circuit creating a Formula Two team as well as driving the cars themselves. Sadly, Schlesser was killed in a horrific crash at the 1968 French Grand Prix. As a tribute to his friend, Ligier named the vehicles he produced with the letters “JS”, the first being the JS1 in 1970. Ligier continued to make a name for himself and has been credited with having one of the most prominent Formula One teams, partly because of his boisterous behavior at the track, and also because of the excellent racing vehicles that he produced.

As one of the top teams in the 1980s, Ligier was able to command large sums of support money from the French government through SEITA, the government controlled tobacco and cigarette company, in addition to Francaise des Jeux, the lottery games organization. Ultimately problems plagued the team, public support waned, and eventually, the team was sold in 1992 to Cyril Bourlon de Rouvre. Ligier retained only ten percent for himself, finally selling that last block of shares to Alain Prost in 1997.

But that does not end the story of Ligier Automobiles. Racing was only one facet of the name. The 1973 energy crisis was causing havoc in the automotive industry all over the world. As a result, companies were scrambling to build more efficient cars, and smaller models that the public would accept. It was at this time that Ligier Automobiles felt that it is was time to invest their energies and vast experience into creating a microcar. Two resulting examples of the new direction were the JS4 in 1980 and the JS6, a moped powered vehicle released in 1983.

Further, Guy's son Philippe had become an active player in the no-license car industry as head of Ligier Automobiles, setting standards regarding construction techniques, vehicle reliability and safety, and innovative processes. These points are evident in the significant investment afforded the production plant in Auvergne. Between the years of 2003 and 2007, fifteen million euros (approximately 22.2 million US) was spent to upgrade equipment and install new robotic assembly lines.

Crash testing of current models is completed both physically with dummies, and virtually on computer screens. Vehicles are built with safety cells, side protection systems, reduced blind spots, advanced braking systems, parking proximity sensors, headlight height adjustments, and door lights. All of these features contribute to the safety and road worthiness of the brand. As the company states, "a new means of urban transport".

Lastly, a press release from September 2008 indicated that "21 Centrale Partners - 21 Investimenti S.p.A", an equity firm and holding company co-founded by Alessandro Benetto and Gérard Pluvinet had made an investment garnering controlling interest of Liger and thus, Microcar. Alessandro is the son of Luciano Benetton, co-founder and chairman of the fashion empire Benetton Group. Philippe Ligier who is CEO of the newly formed group felt that this favorable alliance would give them the opportunity to expand while at the same time, “preserve the identity and the independence of both brands".

Highlights of Ligier

• 2005 Guy and Philippe purchased controlling interest in Automobiles Martini in order to return to their roots in racing.
• 2006 First “licence-free car” manufacturer to offer a three year manufacturer's warranty on the X-Too range.
• 2008 Ligier acquired Beneteau Group's Microcar division and immediately put together a deal whereby 21 Centrale Partners would become the controlling interest in Automobiles Ligier. Both brands would continue independently with Philippe as the Managing Director.
• Presently found in several European countries – Germany, Austria, Belgium, Spain, Finland, France, Holland Netherlands, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Poland, Portugal and Switzerland.
• Various forms of the logo existed but generally included the name LIGIER, the black and white checkered racing flag, and the French tricolor flag of blue, white and red.

Models and Years Released

• 1970 JS1
• 1973 JS2
• 1971 JS3
• 1980 JS4
• 1976 JS5
• 1983 JS6
• 1983 JS8
• 1985 330 Diesel
• 1986 Serie 5
• 1992 Optima II
• 1993 Optimax
• 1993 Prima Eco
• 1995 162
• 1996 161 L EXCELLENCE
• 1997 Ambra
• 1999 Dragon Fly
• 2000 Be Up
• 2002 Nova
• 2004 JS47 - Ligier MK84
• 2005 JS49
• 2005 X-Too
• 2008 X-Pro
• JS7
• JS9
• JS11
• JS15
• JS19
• JS17
• JS17B
• JS21
• JS23
• JS25
• JS27
• JS29C
• JS31
• JS33
• JS33B
• JS35
• JS35B
• JS37
• JS39
• JS39B
• JS41
• JS43

Current Models

• X-Too S Design
• X-Too S Sport
• X-Too RS Premium DCI
• X-Too RS Premium Progress
• X-Too RS Selective
• X-Too RS Optimum
• X-Too RS Optimum 4 places
• X-Too RS PACK DCI
• Be Two
• Be Up
• Optimax Prestige
• Optimax Prestige DCI
• Optimax Primo
• X-Pro
• X-Pro GL
• Be Four 50 HR
• Be Pro 300
• Be Four 350
• Be Truck
• Be Truck 4x4