27 June 2001: The new Piaggio range of three and four wheel, light commercial vehicles is now being imported into Ireland and many local authories and companies have already bought into the range of vans, pickups, tippers and chassis cabs.

The range is being marketed by Reliant Cars Ltd, based at Cannock, Staffordshire, which was famous for decades for its Robin three-wheeler cars and vans, as driven by Del Boy in the BBC TV show, Only Fools and Horses.

The models are based on the quirky, little three wheel Piaggio Ape 50, (left) popular throughout Europe for more than 50 years. Thanks to its 50 cc engine, the Ape 50 is classified as a moped and can be driven as such attracting many concessions on licensing and driving costs. At a retail price here of £3,495 plus VAT, it is almost one-third the price of its nearest commercial rival.


Councils buy them in the UK for park maintenance, cleaning, and picking up refuse bags for a fraction of the price of sending someone out in a full sized van, according to Stewart Halstead, managing director of Reliant Cars Ltd. Many Ape 50 models can be converted into ‘drive and sell’ business ventures that allow retail sales directly from the rear of the unit. Think hot drinks, ice cream or even a Pizza delivery service and you’ll get the idea.

The larger, four wheel, Porter range of light commercial vehicles offers a combination of vehicle types suited to cater for a wide range of business customers offering a cost-effective method of freight transportation.

The standard diesel range of Piaggio Porter light commercial diesel microvans is powered by a new generation of 1.4 diesel Lombardini engines, producing some 38 bhp at 4300 rpm and 65 ft/lbs torque at 4300 rpm. Maximum speed is 70 mph. A range of electric engines will also be available.

All are compact in size but can handle payloads of up to 760 Kg while returning over 40 mpg.

The award-winning van (see top) has twin sliding and rear opening doors providing access to a long 1900 mm completely flat floor pan. The Pickup has three-drop sides for ease of material handling, while the hydraulically operated tipper (below left) makes easy work of loose loads in confined spaces.

Special equipment versions like the Waste R106 unit can go into those narrow little side streets which are not able to accommodate the bigger refuse collection trucks in some towns. Among those viewing this model were members and officials of local authories in the area.

During a quick test drive of the 635 Kg payload Porter Panel Van around the streets of Newbridge, we found it indeed a nippy little vehicle and simple to drive. This version comes with a total interior space of 3 cubic meters.

Reliant Cars have shown the range to a wide number of dealers here who have expressed interest. Retail prices for the Piaggio Porter range vary from IR£8995.00 (incl VAT) for the PickUp to £19,794.00 for the R106 Waste with hydraulic bin lifter.

Prices for the Ape 50 range vary from IR£4194.00 for the Pickup model to £5394.00 for the 50 Waste vehicle. All prices are landed costs at Dublin port. Delivery costs, VRT and related charges are extra. TW