The Hindu Business Line : Piaggio plans € 65 m diesel engine facility in Pune

Chennai May 31 Piaggio Vehicles Pvt Ltd, which today launched the Ape' Truk, a sub-one-tonne vehicle, plans to invest a € 65 million (Rs 353 crore) in a diesel engine facility at Pune, according to Mr Ravi Chopra, Chairman and Managing Director.

At the launch of the Ape' Truk, a commercial vehicle, Mr Chopra said Piaggio Vehicles, a subsidiary of Piaggio & C Spa, Italy, sees India as a global sourcing hub through the diesel engine facility. It is now a global sourcing hub for three-wheelers for the markets in Africa, Latin America and Asia.

Passenger vehicle

The Ape' Truk is positioned in the segment catering to the large three-wheeler commercial carriers and the smaller four-wheel commercial carriers. In two-three years Piaggio would consider a passenger vehicle on the Truk platform, Mr Chopra said.

The commercial vehicle application would serve to expand Piaggio's reach and complement its own diesel three-wheeler Ape'.

According to Mr Ashutosh Khosla, Director - Sales, Piaggio Vehicles, said the Ape' Truk, described as `India's only international pick-up in the sub-one-tonne' category, is the same model that runs in Europe.

Ape' Truk will meet the needs of those who move goods within the city and their long distance transportation. It is priced at Rs 2.15 lakh in Chennai.

Starting with select cities in the South, the Ape' Truk would be introduced across the markets in India. The South is a disciplined market and an accurate feedback can be obtained as the vehicle's markets are expanded, he said.

Sales cross 1.4 lakh

Piaggio Vehicles' sales of commercial three-wheelers crossed 1.4 lakh vehicles in 2006. It has a production capacity of 1.50 lakh vehicles a year.

The Ape Truk is powered by a 482 CC engine with a 5-speed (plus reverse) gearbox with a kerb weight of 685 kg and a capacity to carry a payload of 865 kg. A unique feature is the driver cabin, which offers the comfort and safety features of a car.

More Stories on : Announcements | New Products & Services | HCV/LCV/Tractors

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page