Small series manufacturer: this is how small series production of cars works!

Reading time 5 Min.

The automotive industry is known for its diversity and innovation, with a particular segment comprising small-volume manufacturers. Brands like Alpina, Bitter, 9ff or AC Cars have made a name for themselves in this area. But what exactly are the requirements to be considered Small series manufacturer to act, and why do companies often enjoy special privileges? First of all, it is important to understand the concept of small series define. In the automotive sector, one speaks of a small series when the production number of a particular vehicle does not exceed a set limit. This limit varies depending on the country and the laws in force there, but is usually in the range of a few hundred to a few thousand pieces per year.

everything for the small series manufacturer

To as Small series manufacturer To apply and receive the corresponding production permit, companies must meet certain requirements. This includes, first of all, Compliance with safety and environmental standards, which, however, are often less strict than those of large-scale manufacturers. This is because small series manufacturers are not subject to the same economic and technical possibilities due to their lower production volumes. Another aspect is that Registration of vehicles. Small series manufacturers have to produce their models type approval which certifies that the vehicle complies with the applicable standards. However, the process is often less extensive than with mass manufacturers, as the vehicles are often based on already approved platforms from other manufacturers.

Production itself is also a challenge. Small series manufacturers require specialized know-how and often special production equipment (tools) to produce the vehicles. This is one of the reasons why such companies often operate in niche markets High-end or specialty vehicles focus. An interesting aspect of small batch manufacturing is the ability to take advantage of certain regulatory exemptions. This is what manufacturers are allowed to do louder exhaust systems install or on specific ones for mass manufacturers mandatory Avoid technologies. The reason for this is the assumption that small series vehicles have a lower overall impact on the environment because they are produced and used in much smaller numbers.

Small series manufacturers are more individual!

The privileges give small series manufacturers the opportunity to produce vehicles with special properties to build things that stand out from the crowd. This can refer to performance features, design, equipment or special technical solutions. Such vehicles often appeal to a specific target group that values ​​individuality and exclusivity. An important factor for small series manufacturers is branding. The companies often position themselves as exclusive, high-quality providers and use their flexibility to react quickly to market trends and customer requests. This requires an understanding of the market and the ability to create products that are both technically innovative and emotionally engaging.

As a rule, everything is more expensive!

From a financial perspective, entering small series production is a challenge. Investments in research and development, production technologies and vehicle registration are heavy. Small series manufacturers therefore often have to rely on a combination of equity capital, funding and possibly partnerships with larger manufacturers. Finally, customer relationships and after-sales service also play a role. Small series manufacturers often have particularly personal customer service and individual customization options. This requires close cooperation with customers as well as a comprehensive service and maintenance network.

In summary, it can be said that small series production in the automotive sector is a complex and demanding undertaking. It requires not only technical know-how and financial resources, but also a deep understanding of the market and customer needs. However, for car fans and lovers of niche vehicles, small series manufacturers are a must, with unique and often customized vehicles that stand out from mass production.

German small series manufacturers of sports cars such as Wiesmann, Artega, Gumpert, and Melkus were struggling with financial difficulties. Wiesmann manufactured exclusive roadsters, but had to file for bankruptcy in 2013. Artega tried to establish a Porsche competitor, but filed for bankruptcy in 2012. Gumpert, known for high-performance sports cars like the Apollo, also had financial problems and filed for bankruptcy in 2012. Melkus tried to revive a GDR legend, but had to file for bankruptcy in 2012. However, some manufacturers, such as Roding Automobile, were able to hold their own.

Overview: Small series manufacturers & special vehicles

• aaglander
  • Location: Pottenstein, Upper Franconia
  • Products: Modern carriages
  • models:
    • Duc: Open carriage, two seats, hood
    • mylord: Four seats
  • Engine: Three-cylinder diesel engine, 900 cm³, 20,4 hp
  • Special feature: iron-clad wooden spoke wheels, disc brakes, steering column like reins
• 9ff
  • Owner: Jan Fatthauer (Frauke Fatthauer)
  • Specialization: Performance enhancement for sports cars
  • Products: 9ff GT9, 9FF Edition-1111, 9ff Porsche GTurbo R, CALL CTR3
  • Engine: 987 HP, Four-liter biturbo boxer
• AC Cars
  • Location: Heyda, Saxony
  • Rights: AC Cars name since 2009
  • models: MK VI, Cobra 427 Roadster, AC ACE RS, 378 Superblower V8 etc.
  • Versions:
    • GT: 437 hp, Corvette C6 engine
    • GTS: 647 hp, Corvette ZR1 drive
• Alpina
  • Status: Official automobile manufacturer since 1983
  • Base: BMW
  • models: Alpina B5 Biturbo, Alpina BMW 2002 tii, B12 5.0 Coupe etc.
  • Engine: All-aluminum V8, +600 hp, 4,4 liters
  • Performance: 0-100 km/h in 4,3 seconds, max. speed 322 km/h
• Artega
  • Location: Delbrück, East Westphalia
  • models: Artega GT etc.
  • Body: Carbon fiber reinforced composite
  • Structure: aluminum space frame
  • Weight: 1.100 kg
  • Engine: 300 hp, 3,6 liter six-cylinder, direct injection
  • Performance: Over 270 km/h
• Bitter
  • Founder: Erich Bitter
  • Specialization: Luxury tuning
  • Model: Insignia by Bitter, Holden statesman etc.
  • Features: Modified front, leather luxury interior
  • Engine: 260 HP, Insignia 2.8 V6 Turbo Sport 4×4
• Carlsson
  • Origin: Mercedes tuner
  • projects: C25
  • Engine: 6 liter V12 bi-turbo from Mercedes
  • Power: 753 hp, limited to 1.150 Newton meters
  • Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 3,7 seconds
  • Max. Speed: 352 km / h
• Cargofun
  • Location: Ludwigslust
  • Offer: Conversion of the VW New Beetle into a pick-up
  • Loading area: 1,30 x 1,45 meters
• CityEL
  • Sales: Since 1991 by Smiles AG, Aub, Franconia
  • Product: Three-wheeled electric single-seater
  • Market launch: 1987
  • Speed: Maximum 63 km/h
• Hotzenblitz
  • Type: Two-seater electric car
  • Performance: 16 PS
  • Presentation: 1993
  • Special feature: lithium-ion batteries, up to 120 km/h
• Irmscher
  • Known for: Opel tuning
  • Own model: Irmscher Turbo 7
  • Inspiration: Lotus Super Seven from 1957
  • Engine variants: 210, 240, 265 HP
  • Basis: two-liter Opel engine, five-speed manual transmission
• Jet car
  • special feature: Extremely streamlined
  • Engine: 800 cm³ diesel, 41 HP
  • Speed: Maximum 160 km/h
  • Consumption: 2,5 liters
  • Price: From 48.000 EUR
• Melkus
  • Comeback: GDR legend
  • Model: Melkus RS 2000
  • Basis: Lotus Exige technology
  • Engine: Two-liter Toyota engine, 270 hp (compressor)
  • Limitation: 25 copies per year
  • Price: At least 107.500 EUR
• Reputation
  • Status: Independent car manufacturer since 1981
  • Specialty: Porsche refinement
  • Highlights: CTR3, CALL R Spyder, RUF CTR3 Evo etc.
  • Construction: sheet steel, aluminum, tubular space frame, carbon outer skin
  • Performance: +700 HP, up to 375 km/h
• Veritas
  • Model: Veritas RS III
  • Performance: 507 PS
  • Speed: 347 km / h
  • Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in under 3,2 seconds
• Wiesmann
  • Trademark: Gecko
  • Basis: BMW technology
  • models: GT MF4, Project Thunderball, MF5 GT etc. 
  • Engine: 4,8 liter V8, 367 hp
  • Max. Speed: 290 km / h
• Yes (Young Engineers Sportscar)
  • Location: Großenhain, Saxony
  • Product: Lightweight roadster
  • Motorization: VW engines
  • Production: Until 2009, then the manufacturing company went bankrupt

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