Piaggio, the Italian two wheeler maker announced their plans to bring a more affordable city car for markets like India and other Asian countries. A concept was displayed at the Milan Motorcycle Show. The concept (Code:- NT3) can accommodate three passengers, one in the front (driver) and two in the rear bench. The design of this small car was conceived in India.
NT3 is developed on Piaggio Ape three wheeler platform. Piaggio Ape is a well proven product in India, both in cargo and passenger version. The concept model has got 200cc and 300cc engine options both borrowed from their motorcycle line up. The engine options may further broadened to 500cc as well.
The commercial launch will happen in three years time. As Piaggio is planning to use their Ape platform, the time line looks realistic and can be achieved. After it’s launch in India and other Asian countries, Piaggio may take MT3 to European markets.
The search for location for setting up manufacturing plant is still on, India could be one of the probable option.
“This marks the first phase of innovation. The next move would be to work on cost-effective manufacturing technologies to make it competitive. The third phase will involve sharp retail and brand strategies,” Mr Ravi Chopra, Chairman and Managing Director of Piaggio India said Hindu Business Line. “The idea of the project was developed in India to deal with traffic in big cities. It is for big cities in Asia and Europe. I have very high numbers in mind for India,” Mr Roberto Colaninno, Chairman of Piaggio, said to media during preview of MT3 at Milan.
So a car which is smaller and cheaper than Tata Nano is on it’s way, we know we have to wait for long three years to see Piaggio MT3 in flesh, let us wait. Meanwhile stay tuned to us for more updates.
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