To date Lagland, from its East Wall Road, Dublin 3 base has concentrated on promoting the broad Piaggio range which extends from the Porter micro van and pick-up together with the rather unique three wheeled APE. "With the Porter, thanks to its comprehensive line-up of seven models (available with 50 special equipment adoptions) meeting the requirements of a wide variety of professions is easy," according to Gavin McGrath, Managing Director, Lagland Holdings Limited. "And with the diesel version coming in at less than €10,000 (plus VAT) together with a 2 Year/Unlimited mileage warranty, extremely good value is to be had with the Porter version too," he adds.

Both the panel van and pick-up versions of the Porter can be powered by petrol, diesel, electric or LPG with the former having twin sliding doors and tailgate while the later has either alloy or steel dropsides and taildoor. Payload is 560 and 680 kgs respectively.

The 1.3 litre four-cylinder fuel injected petrol engine is supplied by Daihatsu in a reciprocal agreement in which Piaggio manufacture the Hi-Jet for the Toyota owned Japanese company at its Pisa plant. This 64bhp unit powers both the panel van and the single wheel or twin wheel chassis cab range. Italian engine builder Lombardini provide the diesel alternative, a 1.4 litre four cylinder indirect injection block that produces 38bhp @ 4300 rpm. Lagland see the Porter's adaptability as a prime asset to local authorities. From refuse collection to gritters to fire appliances Piaggio's big little van and pick-up range is multi-tasked that works well in the tight confines of urban environments. Gavin also expects interest to come from Tool Hire firms and Van Rental companies.

With distinctive looks and unique styling, the three-wheel Ape has contributed to the everyday lives of many generations across Europe. Whether you need a long or short rear cargo deck, a panel van or even a cross-country model, up to 250kg can be carried. All types are powered by a 49.8cc two-stroke single cylinder engine.

Looking for a new delivery channel for brand promotion? Interested in novel way of distributing product samples? Could your business benefit from a mobile advertising unit that is guaranteed to attract attention? Are you an event management company searching for a novel and creative idea for your clients? Whoever you are, if you are looking for something eye-catching, then you need look no further than the Ape 50 panel van. Cover it with a full photographic bodywrap to make a strong visual impact. Or kit it out with an isothermal cell for hot or cold food, a cappuccino machine or equipment for dispensing soft or alcoholic drinks, and you have an unusual and versatile product sampling unit.

Profile: Piaggio Group

Based in Pontedera (Pisa, Italy), the Piaggio Group is one of the world's leading manufacturers of motorised two wheelers and leader of the European market in this sector.

Piaggio's production includes scooters, motorcycles and mopeds in displacements from 50 to 500cc under the Piaggio, Vespa, Gilera and Derbi brands. The Group also manufactures the Ape and Porter ranges of three and four-wheel light goods transport vehicles.

Since October 2003 the Piaggio Group is controlled by Immsi S.p.A., an industrial and property holding quoted on the Milan Stock Exchange. Recently, Piaggio acquired the Aprilla Group to become the fourth largest motorcycle company in the world.

Pertaining to the Light Commercial Vehicle market, Piaggio developed its business primarily on: mobility (dedicated in satisfying the personal mobility needs of our customers), utility (to satisfy professional customers' expectations using the vehicles for the everyday working needs) and fleets (dedicated in serving in the best way townships, public administration and key private and public customers).

The Piaggio Group has factories in Italy, Spain, India and the People's Republic of China and a sales network in 55 countries on every continent.

In 2003, Piaggio sold 430,000 vehicles overall and had a consolidated turnover of 987.2 million Euro (+4.4% compared to the 2003 turnover of 945.8 million Euro).

Founded in 1884 by Rinaldo Piaggio and managed by the Piaggio family until 1999, the company has operated in practically every sector of mobility in its 120 year history - from ship fitting to rail engine and wagon construction, from building aircraft engines and seaplanes to producing civil and military aircraft.

The company's recent history is linked to light transport. With the launch of the Vespa in 1946, Piaggio anticipated an emerging need for personal transport and created one of the world's best known symbols of Italian style, a product that was and still is enormously successful, with over 16 million units sold to date.