NAIROBI,Kenya,May 19-Car & General has introduced a Piaggio LPG-powered three-wheeler into the Kenyan market, targeting urban transport operators facing rising fuel costs and tightening margins.
The company is positioning Piaggio Ape NXT+ LPG model as a lower-cost alternative to petrol-powered three-wheelers, with the company citing fuel savings of more than 30 per cent.
The firm says the savings are expected to translate into reduced daily operating costs for last-mile delivery and passenger transport operators.
The introduction comes at a time when operators continue to grapple with volatile fuel prices, which have squeezed earnings across the matatu and informal logistics sectors. Industry players are increasingly exploring alternative fuels as a buffer against operating cost pressures.
Speaking during the launch,Car and General,General Manager George Rubiri said the model is aimed at improving operator profitability.
“This new LPG three-wheeler is designed to put more money into the pockets of our operators,” said George.
“With fuel savings of over 30 percent, operators can significantly lower their running costs and ultimately increase their daily earnings, making their businesses more sustainable.”
The company also highlighted the environmental benefits of LPG technology, noting reduced emissions and lower noise levels compared to petrol engines.
“Transitioning to LPG is an important step towards cleaner urban mobility,” said Nishant Bindra, General Manager – International Business of Piaggio Vehicles Private Limited, India.
“This technology reduces harmful emissions while also offering a quieter ride, which improves both the operator’s experience and the urban environment.”
However, LPG adoption in Kenya still faces infrastructure constraints, with limited refuelling stations in Nairobi and other urban centres. Stakeholders expect gradual expansion as demand for alternative-fuel mobility grows.
Car & General also outlined technical specifications of the model, pointing to hybrid fuel capability and payload efficiency.
The company says the launch aligns with its broader push into green mobility solutions, following earlier electric three-wheeler deployments in 2024.
Car & General, which is marking 90 years in business and over two decades of partnership with Piaggio, says it will continue expanding its low-emission transport portfolio as urban mobility demands evolve.
