Back in the province and even in some places here in the metro, tricycles are the main transportation for the average Juan Dela Cruz from his home and into the main thoroughfares, where he will then ride the bus or jeepney. In some cases, the tricycle also serves as the hauler of goods, from vegetables to almost about anything that you can fit inside its sidecar.
This traditional tricycle transportation may soon change with the re-launching of the Piaggio Apé. Held last November 25 at the Festino Market, Filinvest City Alabang, the event was titled “Arangkada Pinoy Entrepreneur,” headed by Autohub Group President, Willy Tee Ten.
In his speech, Willy Tee Ten mentioned the importance of strong yet economical all-around transportation for the average Filipino, especially during this time of economic expansion. When the devastated post war Italy was rebuilding itself, its people lacked the means and financial capacity to afford 4-wheeled vehicles and a cheap and simple alternative was needed. So in 1948, the Piaggio Apé was born.
The first Apés were Vespas with the single rear wheel modified to 2 wheels. The name ”Apé” refers to the vehicle’s hard-working nature, inspired by the bees in the garden who work all day to produce honey (Apé is the Italian word for bee).
All units delivered here in the Philippines are currently made in India with gasoline or diesel engines coupled with a 4-speed transmission with reverse.
The Apé comes with the following configurations and SRP:
People Transport:
Ape City
200cc single-cylinder, air-cooled gasoline engine: PhP 154,000
Ape Passenger
435cc single-cylinder, air-cooled diesel engine: PhP 199,000
Cargo:
Drive away chassis
435cc single-cylinder, air-cooled diesel engine: PhP 190,000
Long Deck
435cc single-cylinder, air-cooled diesel engine: PhP 225,000
With the ever increasing fuel prices, the Piaggio Apé may soon be the next versatile vehicle of choice for the Filipino masses with a claimed fuel economy of 36 km/l from the diesel variant and bank financing options of up to 48 months.
For more info, visit www.piaggioape.com.ph or the nearest Piaggio dealer near you.
