EuroApe 2018: the most famous three-wheeler in the world has never been so young

Ape Piaggio – EuroApe 2018 ended yesterday, the large gathering dedicated to the Ape organized in Salsomaggiore Terme which was an opportunity to celebrate the first 70 years of the most loved three-wheeler in the world. Organized by the Ape Club of Italy in collaboration with Piaggio Commercial Vehicles, the event saw the participation of over one hundred Apes of all eras from all over Europe over the past weekend, from the rarest and most historic models to the latest creations, presented precisely on the occasion of EuroApe 2018: the new Ape 50 Euro 4, the smallest commercial vehicle in the world today equipped with an innovative 50 cc two-stroke engine in line with the Euro 4 regulation, and the special limited edition version Ape Calessino 70 °.

Ape rhymes with news

At the same time, Ape presented the new natural gas and methane range in India: Ape Xtra LDX and Ape Auto DX which respond to the growing demand for commercial mobility solutions and the Indian market's interest in alternative energy sources. Ape Xtra LDX e Ape Auto DX they are initially intended for the Indian market and subsequently for developing countries. They are the first Ape variants equipped with a water-cooled engine and offer the best performance in the category in terms of power, recovery, consumption and maintenance, confirming the Group's commitment to researching innovative solutions for last mile transport. The new models are designed to respond to the growing demand for commercial mobility solutions, in particular as regards travel between urban centers in India, and are equipped with latest generation eco-compatible engines and cutting-edge technologies to in the face of ever-increasing interest in alternative energy sources. In India, the Piaggio Group is recording a particularly positive moment: in the first half of 2018, the overall market share of three-wheeled vehicles was reached at 22,8%, and in the single month of August 2018, the associated company Piaggio Vehicles Pvt Ltd (PVPL) sold 27.289 vehicles, up 23 percent from 22.175 units sold in the same month in 2017.

New Ape 50

Among the novelties of EuroApe 2018 was the long-awaited Ape 50, profoundly renewed thanks also to the introduction of an innovative 50 cc 2-stroke engine with cut-off system, secondary air and expansion muffler, capable of meeting the stringent Euro 4 emissions regulations without sacrificing performance. The new Euro 4 engine is accompanied by various technical and aesthetic updates aimed at enhancing the practicality and versatility of the Ape 50, while at the same time giving it a "fresher" and more captivating look. On the technical front, the update particularly concerned the braking system, with a new combined hydraulic system (front-rear), with pedal operation, to the full advantage of comfort and safety while driving. Inside, the instrument panel has been completely revised in terms of design and position: the contents now also integrate the fuel level indicator in addition to the reserve warning light, while the graphics are more pleasant and legible. The Ape 50 Euro 4 also stands out for the new headlights with LED lights, which ensure better visibility and greater durability, for the wheel covers with a more modern design and for new side mirrors capable of increasing rear visibility. The wide color range offers eight colours: Green Sherwood, Red Sprint, Orange and Yellow Green combined with black interiors, and White Silk, Blue Action, Black Volcano and Wolf Gray combined with red interiors.