The Hindu Business Line : Piaggio launches 2 variants of three-wheelers in TN

New launch: Mr J. Narayanan (left), Head- 3w Business of Piaggio Vehicles, and Mr R. Shyam Kumar, DGM-Sales (Tamil Nadu and Kerala), at the launch of Ape Xtra and Ape Xtra-LD in Chennai on Wednesday. —

Our Bureau

Chennai, March 12 The Pune-headquartered Piaggio Vehicle Pvt Ltd (PVPL), a 100 per cent subsidiary of Piaggio of Italy, on Wednesday launched two new variants of its diesel driven cargo three-wheelers — ape Xtra and ape Xtra LD. The ex-showroom prices in Tamil Nadu are Rs 1.3 lakh and Rs 1.35 lakh respectively.

Announcing the launch at a press conference, the Head of three-wheeler business of PVPL, Mr J. Narayanan, said the objective was to offer more space and power while retaining the payload of 600 kg. This would help certain segment of customers to enhance their business, he said. The ‘ape Xtra’ has improved gearbox and clutch besides additional reinforced load carrying tray. In addition to these features the ‘ape Xtra LD’ has 180 mm longer deck and longer wheelbase, offering more space.

Southern India accounts for about 50 per cent of the total sales for the company and it has been selling around 1,200 three-wheelers in both cargo as well as passenger vehicles. The company was banking on increased sales from southern region this year, especially Tamil Nadu, he said. Towards this, it would be increasing dealership and service centres by 20 per cent. At present, the company has 21 dealers and 50 service centres, he added.

In 2007, the company sold 1,55,840 units, growing 11 per cent over last year.

In the current year, it hopes to maintain the rate of growth and the two new variants would help accomplish the objective, he said. The company hopes to sell about 30,000 units of new vehicles this year.

On the sub-one tonne four-wheeler — ape truk, he said the company would be completing the national launch by the year end. The company launched the vehicle about 8 months ago; however, the vehicle was available with about 100 dealers against the total of 671. This was due to non-availability of requisite infrastructure, technical compatibility and systems with the dealerships.

More Stories on : New Products & Services | Two/Three Wheelers | Tamil Nadu

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