Date:13/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/13/stories/2008031356181700.htm

Business

Piaggio launches two new three-wheeler variants

Corporate Reporter

Southern region contributes 50 per cent of sales
To increase reach in rural market

CHENNAI: Piaggio Vehicles Private Limited (PVPL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Piaggio of Italy, has announced the launch of two new 3-wheeler variants — Ape Xtra and Ape Xtra-LD in the 0.50 tonne category.

Addressing presspersons here, on Wednesday, J. Narayanan, Head (3 wheeler business), said these two models were likely to set a whole new standard in 3-wheeler performance. While Ape Xtra is priced at Rs. 130,800 (ex-showroom Chennai), the Ape Xtra-LD will cost Rs. 134,800.

The standard version ‘Ape Xtra’ has an extra strong cold-rolled loading platform with additional reinforcement to enhance strength and give longer durability to the tray.

The ‘Ape Xtra LD’ variant has extra long deck with an increase in loading area of 2.5 sq. ft. offering 12 per cent more loading area.Mr. Narayanan said the company was the second largest manufacturer of 3-wheelers in India with a 44 per cent market share in the cargo segment. In the passenger segment the company had a market share of 36 per cent. More than one third of 4.5 lakh three-wheelers produced in India were from Piaggio, he said.

According to Shyam Kumar, DGM Sales (Tamil Nadu and Kerala), the southern region contributed more than 50 per cent of total sales in India.

With a strong dealer network in Tamil Nadu, the company was planning to increase its reach in the rural market, he said.

The vehicles are manufactured in the company’s plant in Pune with most modern facilities with modular concept.