Piaggio Group’s Indian subsidiary Piaggio Vehicles on Friday launched 300cc powered Ape’ HT Range in both Petrol and CNG fuel options. The new launches are available in both the cargo and passenger segments.
The Ape’ HT Range includes petrol cargo - Ape’ Xtra HT, CNG cargo - Ape’ Xtra HT LDX and Ape’ Xtra HT LDX+ and CNG passenger - Ape’ Auto HT DX, Ape’ Auto HT DXL and Ape’ Auto+ HT.
Piaggio indigenously developed the Ape’ HT’s engine to deliver a high-tech experience of alternate fuel technology to its customers who need more power and torque from their CNG and petrol products.
Diego Graffi, Chairman & MD, Piaggio India, said the new 300cc engine is developed in India with technical support from Piaggio Italy. “With the launch of HT range, we aim further to strengthen our position in the alternate fuel segment space,” he added.
| Fuel Type | Ex-showroom Price in INR (Ex-Pune) |
| Ape’ Xtra HT Petrol (cargo) | 2,24,942 |
| Ape’ Xtra HT CNG (Cargo) | 2,45,642 |
| Ape’ Auto DX HT CNG (Passenger) | 2,55,980 |
The company claims that it is the only player to offer a petrol variant in the three-wheeler cargo segment. The petrol cargo offers a substantial acquisition cost-benefit for the price-sensitive customer.
It is also planning to introduce a passenger variant, Ape’ Auto HT Petrol, in the coming months.
The vehicles are equipped with a new aluminium clutch which can last up to 30,000 km, the company said.
The cargo range is available in three variants with 5.0 ft, 5.5 ft and 6.0 ft deck length options for varied load requirements and usages.
Piaggio offers a five-year warranty or 1.5 lakh km in the petrol cargo and three years or one lakh km in the CNG passenger and cargo variants.
Saju Nair, EVP and Head of Commercial Vehicle Business, Piaggio India, said, “This is the first time any player has launched a bigger capacity engine in the alternate fuel segment space in the 3-wheeler industry. The higher torque and gradability enables customers to take on flyovers which was always a concern with earlier alternate fuel engines.”