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Perodua UK Limited,
the importer of Piaggio Commercial Vehicles, are delighted to announce
that they are now adding the popular Ape range of 3-wheel vehicles to
their existing line up of light commercial vehicles in order to appeal
to a wider market.
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Ape recently
celebrated its 60th birthday in Italy as the first Ape was launched in
1948 based on the Vespa scooter. Corradino D’Ascanio, the designer of
both the Vespa and the Ape, designed Ape when he realised the demand for
a compact light commercial vehicle in Italy. The result of this unique
design and Ape’s unbeatable versatility has led to sixty years of
success for Piaggio as Ape is now recognised and admired worldwide. |
Since the first Ape
was introduced, there have been many welcome developments with the
range.  The
first evolution came in 1952 when the displacement of the Ape increased
from 125cc to 150cc resulting in a higher load capacity. Then in 1954
the Ape C was launched, which was a small truck able to carry up to
350kg. In 1958, the Ape D came along which was bigger than previous
models with a displacement of 170cc and also saw the introduction of the
cab complete with doors.
The Ape TM, still
in production today, was launched in 1982 and was a completely new
concept as the dimensions of the vehicle and cab were bigger resulting
in a larger payload, plus the option of a steering wheel made it more
comparable to a traditional 4-wheel commercial vehicle. In 1984, the
422cc diesel engine with 5 speed gearbox was introduced further
broadening the range.
In 2007, Piaggio
reintroduced a limited edition version of the Ape Calessino, a truly
unique vehicle of which only 999 will be available. The Calessino was
incredibly popular during the 1950’s when Hollywood stars used them as a
runabout at exclusive holiday resorts on sunny Mediterranean islands.
The latest version is an ideal reinterpretation of the design that was
admired in the 1960s with its blue body, wood inserts, cream upholstery
and chrome finishes.
Today, Ape is
available for the UK market in the 50cc petrol, TM 218cc petrol, TM
422cc diesel and the special Calessino versions. The use of Ape is
longer limited to the world of work and is becoming more popular as a
method of personal transport.
Ape 50 is available
as a Panel Van, Pick Up or Cross and is ideal for deliveries in busy
towns as it can travel down narrow streets and park in the smallest of
spaces. The most functional use for Ape 50 is as a marketing tool for
businesses, as its unique design is guaranteed to attract attention from
passers by whether stationary outside a shop or on the move.
Ape TM is available
as a Panel Van, Pick Up or Tipper and has a choice of either a 218cc
petrol or a 422cc diesel engine. The Tipper and Pick Up also have the
option of a steering wheel² or handle bars. TM has an impressive payload
for such a compact vehicle and although larger in size than the Ape 50,
is still easy to manoeuvre with a turning circle of just 3.4m. The load
volume of the Panel Van is a surprising 2.5m³ making it useful for
delivering goods.
Calessino
is ideal for leisurely drives in the country or by the coast with its
fold down hood. The limited edition design makes it perfect for lovers
and collectors of the Ape brand.
Prices for the Ape
range start from only £3,595.
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