Piaggio Ape

Infobox Automobile


name = Piaggio Ape
aka =
manufacturer = Piaggio
assembly = Pontedera, Pisa, Italy, Pune, India
production = 1948-present
predecessor =
successor =
class = Submicro Van
platform =
body_style = Van, Pickup, Autorickshaw
engine =
transmission =
wheelbase =
length =
width =
height =
weight =
aka =
fuel_economy =
fuel_capacity=
related =
similar =
designer =

The Piaggio Ape (pronounced "ah-peh" - Italian for bee cite web| url=http://www.3wheelers.com/piaggio.html | title=Piaggio Ape | accessdate=2006-07-16] , "vespa" meaning "wasp") is a three-wheeled light commercial vehicle built by Piaggio.

History

The idea for the Ape stemmed from an idea from the Italian aeronautical engineer Corradino D'Ascanio. Enrico Piaggio head of the Italian scooter firm Piaggio put d'Asconio's idea into production as the Ape. [http://www.piaggio-ape.co.uk/] The Ape was first built in 1948 . Early Ape Giardinetta's were basically Vespa scooters fitted with twin rear wheels and a load platform above them. The first Apes had 50cchttp://www.greencarsite.co.uk/GREENCARS/piaggio-ape.htm] , 125cc or 150cc and more recently 175cc engines. By the Ape D of 1964 a cab had been added around the driver. [http://www.piaggio-ape.co.uk/]

Performance is suited to the job, with good torque for hills, but a low top speed (irrelevant in cities), and Apes are customarily driven as close as possible to the curb to allow traffic to pass.

Uses

The vehicles comes in various configurations such as vans and pickups for load carrying and autorickshaw (Tuk-tuk) for human transportation. More recently

The Ape is also commonly used as a promotion tool. Advertising hoardings marketing companies are mounted in the load bay. The Ape's unusual looks can help draw attention to a brand or business [http://www.piaggioape.co.uk/advertising/] .

Ape in Italy

The Ape is a common sight in Italy where its compact size allows it to navigate narrow city streets and park virtually anywhere. It's also often seen at the roadside where the load area is used as an impromptu market stall by farmers.

Ape in India

The Ape is produced in India by Piaggio India, and a similar vehicle is manufactured by Bajaj Auto. Here, the Ape is found most commonly as an autorickshaw or (tuk-tuk).

Recent Times

Nowadays 2 model ranges are offered- The "Ape 50" with a 49.8cc Petrol Engine [http://www.piaggio-ape.co.uk/ape50panelvan.htm] and the larger "Ape TM" which comes available with a 218cc Petrol engine or a 422cc Diesel engine ["Performances" http://www.piaggio-ape.co.uk/apetmpanelvan.htm] . The "Ape 50" can carry 170Kg while the "TM" can carry 700Kg.

Recently, a limited edition named the Calessino was made available this had retro styling and came in an autorickshaw body. The bodywork was close to the Ape of the 1950s and 1960s and was designed to evoke memories of the era of dramatic economic growth in Italy known as

References

External links

* [http://wieseundco.de/ wieseundco /Restauration Ape 600 MP/MPV]

* [http://www.ape50.co.uk Ape50 restoration project with lots of useful info.]

* [http://www.piaggioape.co.uk/range/ Website of the UK Importer]

* [http://www.piaggio.com/ Official Website of the Piaggio group]