Chennai: Piaggio Vehicles has launched the Ape'' Truk, a sub-one-tonne vehicle positioned in the segment catering to the large three-wheeler commercial carriers and the smaller four-wheel commercial carriers. In two-three years Piaggio would also consider a passenger vehicle on the Truk platform the company said. The Ape Truk is powered by a 482 CC engine with a 5-speed (plus reverse) gearbox with a kerb weight of 685 kg and a capacity to carry a payload of 865 kg.

The commercial vehicle application would serve to expand Piaggio''s reach and complement its own diesel three-wheeler Ape''.

The company said the Ape'' Truk, was India''s only international pick-up in the sub-one-tonne'' category and is the same model that runs in Europe.

Ape'' Truk will meet the needs of those who move goods within the city and their long distance transportation. It is priced at Rs2.15 lakh in Chennai.

The company has also announced plans to invest € 65 million (Rs353 crore) in a diesel engine facility at Pune.