Goodbye to the production of the Piaggio Ape in the factory Pontedera (Pisa) After 76 years old. As reported by the city news of Tyrrhenian And Nationwill be made exclusively in India for the local market where safety and pollution regulations are less stringent than in Europe.
The decision would be communicated by the company to the delegates MSW in the past few weeks, when the period of stop production of the various departments of the plant for the end of the year. Security reasons first of all: according to what the newspapers reported, research and innovation would be needed to adapt theBee to safety standardsincluding airbags and assisted braking systems. And the theme environmental: next year the legislation will change again. As Piaggio he decided to stop.
In the factory Pontederese the lines will be reconverted, so as to produce the Porterthe commercial vehicle that inherited the market. However, in the warehouses of Pontedera there are still stocks and therefore, through the dealers, the sale will continue also in Italy. Production will instead continue in Indiawhere there is also an electric version, with both models giving excellent results.
The stop to the production of the Ape in the Piaggio factory in Pontedera (Pisa) “It was predictable.” The secretary declares it Fiom Pisa Angelo Capone. “Beyond the romantic aspect of the connection with the territory, it is a somewhat obligatory choice.Bee it’s a 4 euros two-stroke, imagine a two-stroke 5 euros It’s a complicated thing from a mechanical point of view. It would be necessary to change the engine but at that point it would no longer be a problem.Bee».
Despite this there should be no consequences regarding theemployment: «To date we have no worries, the company has said that there will be no repercussions on workers. Sorry for what theBee represents, it has already happened in the past with the ‘Calessinò but with the current regulations it was predictable”.
«The halt in production of the Ape» at the factory Pontedera (Pisa) it is «something that strikes from a sentimental point of view. It is a historic vehicle that has ensured that Piaggio had the imprint it has today and that it was visible and recognizable throughout the world.” He states it Flavia Capillinew regional secretary of Fim Cisl.
«When they told us the news – he continues – there was concern at the time, but we had reassurances on the fact that there are other models to develop and invest in, the lines will be reorganised, even if we are sorry for this “retirement”». However for the Fim Cisl There remains «a cautious concern, which always exists when social safety nets are involved. Three weeks of redundancy fund For 1,100 workers they still have a strong impact. However – he concludes – the real issue is knowing as soon as possible which products the investments will be made in and how the reorganization will take place. We don’t know yet.”
«With the current regulations there are no longer margins to produce in Italy. Our regret is for a piece of history Pontedera that goes away, with theBee which will still be made in other factories in other countries. Perhaps certain laws were introduced a bit hastily, it seems that only theEurope worry aboutpollutionwhile the rest of the world doesn’t give a damn.” As Samuele Nacciprovincial secretary Uilm Pisacomments on the stop in production of the historic three-wheeler at the factory in Pontederaone of the historic Italian factories.
For the rest «here the production ofBee it’s not even about the 10% of the staff and there should be no employment consequences, these are workers who can be easily relocated. Also because despite the classic Cig of December, this is not a company in crisis and we will already find ourselves the December 9th at a table to discuss thesecond level supplement».