I'd argue that almost everyone over the age of 20 has seen Piaggio's iconic Ape (Bee) 3-wheeled vehicle at some point, especially those who are into cinematography. The Ape is a quintessential part of Italy's history, and you're likely to see one buzzing around in any movie that's been shot there over the last 76 years, as that's how long the Ape has been produced there.
The Ape was designed by Corradino D'Ascanio, and the unique vehicle was a necessity to bring economic stability and mobility to post-war Italy. It's hardly any surprise that D'Ascanio's design has lasted so long as he was also the designer who brought the Vespa to life—essentially the Ape's sibling minus a wheel—and built upon the idea conceived by Enrico Piaggio.
Since 1948, the Ape has been produced by Piaggio in Pontedera, near Pisa. However, some parts of the manufacturing process have been moved to India over the past few years. And now, the entire manufacturing process of the Italian icon will take place in India. But the change in production location isn't because the Ape has become too costly to make in Italy, it's due to emissions regulations.
The Ape, as we know it, will now be made exclusively for the African and Indian markets due to the ever-tightening European Union emissions and safety regulations. But the Pontedra factory will still be in use, albeit converted to produce the electric Porter lorry—quite a fitting change.
Even after 76 years, the Ape continues to do what it was designed for—build economies. But now, it'll just continue to do that on other continents. There's a nostalgia in thinking it belongs in Italy, but partly because the Ape operated with such success there, it's no longer needed.
Have you ever come face to face with an Ape? Let us know in the comments.
