Piaggio launches CNG three-wheeler vehicle

Calcutta News.Net
Wednesday 26th September, 2007

In a bid to cater to the environment friendly vehicle market, Piaggio Vehicles Pvt. Ltd, a 100 percent subsidiary of Piaggio and C.Spa of Italy, launched the compressed natural gas (CNG) version of its three wheeler passenger and cargo vehicle 'ape' here Wednesday.

'We at Piaggio are truly passionate about offering the Indian customer a benchmark in eco-friendly transportation. The ape, which will now be fuelled by CNG is a product of advanced research and development in Italy and India,' said Ravi Chopra, chairman and managing director of Piaggio Vehicles Pvt. Ltd during the launch.

'In cargo industry we have a significant market share of 44 percent as we are the pioneers of the three-wheeler category in the world. The launch of CNG version of the ape will help us to fulfil our commitment to provide eco-friendly, efficient and powerful three-wheelers in the country,' said Chopra.

The ape has been fitted with a 400 cc four-stroke engine to ensure that the vehicle has enough additional power to prevent overheating of the engine under load conditions. The passenger vehicle will come at a price of Rs.130,000, while the cargo vehicle will come with a price tag of Rs.1,40,000.

At present, the company plans to sell 5,800 passenger versions of ape and 7,400 cargo versions.

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