For the related Formula One team, see Equipe Ligier
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| Type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1968 |
| Founder(s) | Guy Ligier |
| Headquarters | Abrest, France |
| Industry | Automobile & Formula One |
| Parent | 21 Investimenti Partners |
| Website | Ligier-Automobiles.com |
Ligier is a French automobile maker created by former racing driver and rugby player Guy Ligier.
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History
The firm entered the automobile business with the Ligier JS2,[1] a mid-engined sports car for the road powered by the same Maserati V6 engine as the Citroën SM. The Maserati V6 engine had a modern design and the JS2 was considered by many as a well designed car with a very good power-to-weight ratio[citation needed]. The final SMs were also produced in the Ligier factory in Vichy[citation needed]. The 1973 energy crisis caused such a decline in the market for the JS2 that production ceased soon after, and the firm changed its focus to microcars, for example, 1984 moped-powered Ligier JS6.
In September 2008, Ligier Automobiles completed its acquisition of Beneteau Group's Microcar division, with financing provided by 21 Investimenti Partners. Phillipe Ligier, son of the company's founder, remains as CEO. The Ligier and Microcar brands are to retain their separate identities and manufacturing facilities. The merger creates Europe's second largest microcar manufacturer (after Daimler's Smart unit), and largest manufacturer of drivers license-exempt vehicles.
Models
The Ligier model line currently consists of the X-Too line of mini cars, the X-Pro line of small commercial vehicles, and the Be Up/Be Two line of open air, roadster-type vehicles. The company also produces a line of quad bikes and off-road utility vehicles sold as the Be Pro, Be Four, and Be Truck.
Ligier motorsport
Ligier is best known for its Formula One team that operated from 1976 to 1996. Ligier entered Formula One in 1976 with a Matra V12-powered car, and won a Grand Prix with Jacques Laffite in 1977. This is generally considered to have been the first all-French victory in the Formula One World Championship.[2]
Gallery
 Ligier JS2 |
 Ligier JS2 |
 Ligier Junior Team (Jérémie Dufour, British Formula Three Championship, 1995) |
 Ligier Be Up |
Notes
- ^ The Ligier motorcars were all designated with the prefix "JS" in honour of Ligier's great friend and cohort, Jo Schlesser, who was killed in the 1968 French Grand Prix while driving for Honda.
- ^ Chassis, engine and driver were French. The gearbox was British (Hewland) and the tyres American (Goodyear). Alain Prost and Renault had later victories with an all-Renault car and Michelin tyres.
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Ligier |
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