Small Size and Big Opportunity - The City Transformer

In my latest 4NewMobility Leadership Talk, I had the privilege of sitting down with Udi Meridor, the co-founder and COO of City Transformer. Udi’s profound expertise in the fields of nanophysics, computer science, and entrepreneurship, as well as his

time at the Singularity University, has driven him through a fascinating career, from pioneering nanosatellites to advancing solar thermal energy ventures. Today, he stands at the forefront of urban mobility innovation with City Transformer, a company that is set to revolutionize how we navigate our increasingly congested cities.

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The Vision Behind City Transformer

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City Transformer isn’t just another player in the electric vehicle (EV) market; it embodies a bold vision to redefine city transportation. As Udi elaborated during our conversation, their mission is rooted in addressing key urban challenges: congestion, pollution, loss of time, and space inefficiency. Merely shifting to electric or hydrogen-fueled vehicles is not enough. A look at satellite images of major cities like Berlin or Paris shows that even if every car on the road were electric, the problem of space and congestion would persist. This realization pushed Udi and his team to rethink the fundamentals of urban transportation.

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Introducing the City Transformer Vehicle

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So, what sets the City Transformer vehicle apart? Designed with the urban environment in mind, this vehicle boasts an innovative, adaptable chassis that can morph from a motorcycle-like width of one meter to a wider, stable structure while driving. This unique ability allows it to navigate tight city streets, park efficiently, and drive safely at higher speeds of up to 90 km/h.

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Udi explained that the City Transformer concept took eight years and numerous prototype iterations to perfect. This dedication led to the development of a foldable, dynamic chassis that not only passes strict homologation standards but also ensures safety through advanced features like airbags, ABS, ESC systems, and passive ADAS—elements not commonly found in vehicles of its size category.

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Challenges and Triumphs

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Reflecting on the journey of developing the City Transformer, Udi candidly shared the technical and financial hurdles faced. One significant technical challenge was redesigning the vehicle’s mechanism to meet regulatory standards and ensure stability and safety during its unique folding and unfolding operations. This effort was compounded by the need to collaborate with experts outside of Israel, ultimately leading them to Germany, where they found ideal partners for development and homologation.

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On the financial side, like many startups, City Transformer faced periods of extreme uncertainty. Udi recounted how a sudden withdrawal by an investor almost left them without sufficient funds, leading to team downsizing and reliance on the dedication of employees who volunteered to keep the project alive. This commitment from the team and their suppliers underscored the strong sense of family and shared mission within City Transformer—a culture that Udi emphasized is central to their resilience and success.

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A Unique Company Culture

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One of the standout elements of my discussion with Udi was hearing about the company culture at City Transformer. Unlike large corporations with hierarchical structures and extensive bureaucracy, City Transformer operates on transparency, openness, and agility. This approach allows ideas to flow freely and decisions to be made swiftly—an essential quality for innovation. The culture extends to external partners, fostering relationships that are built on trust and shared vision rather than rigid contracts and power dynamics.

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Pioneering a New Mobility Ecosystem

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City Transformer is more than just a car manufacturer; it’s a mobility company aiming to integrate its solutions within a broader ecosystem. This outlook includes strategic partnerships with municipalities and other urban stakeholders to embed their vehicles as part of city mobility plans. Udi shared that while some European cities are cautious about four-wheelers and champion two-wheeled solutions, the City Transformer offers a compelling alternative: compact, efficient, and safe vehicles that meet the needs of diverse urban commuters, including families and individuals who prioritize safety and weather protection.

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The company is also building coalitions with other small vehicle manufacturers to push for equitable policy support across Europe. Currently, EV incentives often favor larger, heavier vehicles over compact solutions like the City Transformer. Udi’s collaborative approach in working with policymakers and industry peers aims to level the playing field and accelerate the adoption of sustainable urban mobility solutions.

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The Future: Scaling and Innovating

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Looking ahead, City Transformer envisions expanding into the B2B market, targeting shared fleets and mobility services that could redefine car-sharing operations in dense urban environments. With the capability of four City Transformer vehicles fitting into a single parking space, shared models could offer unprecedented efficiency for residential complexes, office parks, and public fleets. This vision aligns with future mobility trends that prioritize accessibility, sustainability, and reduced environmental impact.

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Udi also hinted at an exciting future expansion into last-mile logistics. While details remain under wraps, he confirmed that their foldable chassis technology could play a crucial role in revolutionizing urban goods transport, promising a compact, adaptable solution that no other vehicle currently offers.

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A Call for Partnerships and Collaboration

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Throughout our conversation, Udi emphasized the importance of partnerships—whether with tier-one suppliers, technology innovators, or city planners. The company’s vision of a sustainable, shared, and connected mobility ecosystem relies on these collaborative efforts. City Transformer invites investors, strategic partners, and stakeholders who share their commitment to revolutionizing urban mobility to join their journey.

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Why Should Cities Care?

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As a closing thought, Udi proposed a compelling case for city authorities: if cities aim to reduce congestion, promote sustainability, and improve quality of life, integrating compact, shared electric vehicles like the City Transformer into their transportation fabric is essential. The alternative is a future where larger EVs, despite being zero-emission, continue to contribute to space inefficiencies and traffic chaos.

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Final Reflections

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My conversation with Udi Meridor was nothing short of inspiring. His clear vision, resilience through challenges, and commitment to creating a product that embodies both sustainability and practicality provide a roadmap for the future of urban transport. As we move toward an era that demands smarter, more efficient mobility solutions, City Transformer stands as a beacon of what’s possible when innovation meets dedication.

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Let’s keep the conversation going—what are your thoughts on the potential of compact, adaptable vehicles in shaping the future of city mobility? Feel free to share your insights and join the movement for a more connected and sustainable urban world.

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Links to Video Podcast

YouTube: https://youtu.be/tnAmZaE0UsM?