Singer Sri Lanka PLC recently unveiled the latest range of Piaggio Apé three-wheelers at a grand launch event held at the Monarch Imperial in Kotte.
This marked the full-scale return of the globally renowned Italian Piaggio brand into the Sri Lankan market with a focused vision to uplift local, especially rural, livelihoods, strengthen economic activity, and provide versatile last-mile mobility solutions that can navigate Sri Lanka’s most compact and challenging roads.
Backed by Singer’s extensive nationwide reach (over 400 showrooms and service centres in all key towns), the new made in India Piaggio three-wheeler range is positioned as a game-changing mobility solution for Sri Lankans. Piaggio offers reliable, fuel-efficient vehicles tailored to the needs of passenger transport, goods delivery, and small-scale enterprises across the country. An electric version is also offered for the first time, in addition to the usual diesel option. Piaggio is also the only manufacturer to offer diesel three wheelers in Sri Lanka.
The Piaggio three wheeler range
Commenting on the launch, Managing Director of Singer Sri Lanka, Mahesh Wijewardene said: “The introduction of Piaggio Apé three-wheelers is a meaningful step towards improving mobility, income potential, and livelihood opportunities for Sri Lankans. These three-wheelers are tools for progress, enabling thousands of Sri Lankans to earn, grow, and thrive, even in hard-to-reach areas.”
With a legacy spanning over two decades in Sri Lanka and more than 100,000 vehicles already on the road (out of 1.2 million three wheelers), Piaggio brings advanced Italian design and robust engineering to the forefront of the local transport scene.
Cargo and passenger models
Leading the line-up is the Piaggio Apé Diesel Cargo Model (Ape Xtra DX) with its 435cc engine which is ideal for transporting goods across both urban and rural landscapes. With its enhanced load-carrying capacity and fuel efficiency, the Piaggio Cargo model is poised to be a workhorse for Sri Lankan SMEs, traders, and delivery operators. Available in a range of vibrant colours it represents reliable transport and income-generation all in one.
The newly launched range also features the Piaggio Diesel Passenger (Ape Auto Dx), ideal for commuting through narrow streets and dense cityscapes. It is also ideal for rideshare and ride hailing services. With its exceptional manoeuvrability and fuel efficiency, it is a smart choice for daily commuters. Also on offer is the Piaggio EV Passenger – a zero-emission electric model offering a clean, quiet, and vibration-free ride. Powered by an 8kW Lithium-ion battery which can easily be recharged at home or public charging points, it delivers a sustainable and low-maintenance solution for environmentally conscious mobility.
Appearing via video link, Diego Graffi, Chairman and Managing Director of Piaggio Vehicles Pvt Ltd, said that “Sri Lanka holds a strategic position in Piaggio’s vision for growth in South Asia. We are confident that our partnership with Singer Sri Lanka will pave the way for a strong and successful re-establishment of the Piaggio brand in the country. Singer’s trusted name, extensive customer reach, and solid after sales care make it an ideal partner to bring our innovative mobility solutions to the country”.
CEO Silverline Ventura, UAE, the logistics partner of Piaggio, Anil Chandran said: “We are proud to support Piaggio and Singer Sri Lanka in this strategic launch, which blends global engineering excellence with local empowerment. This range is purpose-built to drive micro-entrepreneurship, and we are confident it will contribute meaningfully to income generation and economic revitalisation at the grassroots level across Sri Lanka.”
Singer is uniquely positioned to support the rollout and servicing of these vehicles. Singer Finance itself and partner banks/finance institutions are also offering flexible financing and leasing solutions, making these vehicles accessible to a wider clientele all over the island.
Singer and Piggio officials pose with one of the new three wheelers (Pictures by Sudath Malaweera)
