As three wheelers gradually replace motorcycles in many parts of the country as a means of public transportation, Boulos Enterprises Limited has introduced Piaggio tricycle into the auto market. The firm calls the new product Ape City.
The ban or restriction on commercial motorcycles by many state governments has significantly increased the patronage and popularity of three wheelers in the country.
The new product unveiled at the Boulos head office in Lagos on Tuesday is expected to further increase the competition in the three wheeler business in Nigeria, as buyers/users now have more options.
General Manager, Boulos Enterprises, Mr. Julian Hardy, said the Ape City came fitted with a Piaggio three valve engine introduced for the first time in the three-wheeler category in India.
It was also built with a four-stroke engine technology, which would significantly raise the product’s profile in fuel economy, performance and eco-friendliness.
Although Hardy noted that some competitors are developing three wheelers of four stroke engine technology, he stressed that the Piaggio came with three valves, making the engine more powerful and giving it higher response.
The vehicle, he added, “is significantly longer, wilder and higher than the competitions.”
He gave its fuel tank capacity as 10.5 litres and it could travel for 300km.
The Ape City, he said, had incorporated the high standards that Piaggio was known for internationally and the reliability of Boulos brand name in Nigeria.
“It is a leading brand worldwide for three wheelers. And it is a good synergy for both companies, as both have got a lot of rich history, representing great products for a long time,” he said.
He also spoke on the after-sale package of the company for the product as he disclosed that Boulos planned to immediately commence the training of local mechanics and dealers of the three wheelers on how to assemble and maintain the product.
“Our next stage is to have regional engineers. We’ll conduct service clinics around the country on regular basis on where the vehicle can be serviced and maintained to keep it in top shape so that there will be return on investment for people who use them,” he said.
Chairman, Boulos Enterprises, Mr. Robert Ugbaja, who spoke with our correspondent, said the company decided to diversify into assembling three wheelers in order to remain in business, having been known as a motorbike assembler for decades.
According to him, it is also a way of moving with the changing society and to continue to serve the people.
He said, “The business is dynamic; the environment is changing. In most of the states, they have banned the use of motorbikes, including all the eastern states. It means we’ve lost all the market there.
“As the people are moving away from motorcycle by legislation of government, we have to move with them and fill the gap created.”
The Boulos chairman said the firm went for Piggio because of its track record of manufacturing strong and reliable product.
“The tricycle technology was invented by an Italian firm, Piaggio Vehicles Pvt Limited. It is the oldest three wheeler maker in the world. In terms of quality, Piaggio is the best,” he said.