Arola started to produce 3-wheelers in France 1976 though they changed their name to Aixam in 1986. The first generation of 3-wheelers was the “Type 12” that was powered by a 47cc Saxonette engine with 2 automatic gears. The body of the vehicle was made from fibreglass whilst the doors were completely in Plexiglas.  A single seater, the vehicle would reach 40 mph. At the time these vehicles could be driven in France without a car license

A pick up version of the Arola was also produced, the Arola Super Pratique.  This was essentially the same as the Type 12 with the addition of a rear loading area.  Arola / Aixam  then continued to make further models but all were based on four wheels.