• Startup Pulse
    Kalyani Steels names Amit Kalyani as Chairman, effective close of business on 28 October, succeeding Dr. Babasaheb Kalyani, who chaired the company since its incorporation. Info Edge MD and CEO Hitesh Oberoi will leave his executive role on 2 December; founder Sanjeev Bikhchandani becomes executive vice chairman, MD and group CEO from 3 December, subject to shareholder approval. Vama raises ₹19.03 crore in ongoing pre-Series A funding led by Writers and Publishers Private Limited (Dainik Bhaskar family office). CHOSEN raises an undisclosed amount in a Series A extension from Wellbeing Nutrition founders Avnish Chhabria and Saurabh Kapoor. QwikBuild raises $2.3 million in pre-seed funding led by Globalway, with Blume Ventures, DeVC and Marsshot participating. Kalyani Steels names Amit Kalyani as Chairman, effective close of business on 28 October, succeeding Dr. Babasaheb Kalyani, who chaired the company since its incorporation. Info Edge MD and CEO Hitesh Oberoi will leave his executive role on 2 December; founder Sanjeev Bikhchandani becomes executive vice chairman, MD and group CEO from 3 December, subject to shareholder approval. Vama raises ₹19.03 crore in ongoing pre-Series A funding led by Writers and Publishers Private Limited (Dainik Bhaskar family office). CHOSEN raises an undisclosed amount in a Series A extension from Wellbeing Nutrition founders Avnish Chhabria and Saurabh Kapoor. QwikBuild raises $2.3 million in pre-seed funding led by Globalway, with Blume Ventures, DeVC and Marsshot participating.
  • Piaggio Ape Xtra Bada 700 Launched, Portfolio Expands with 7-Ft Cargo Deck Three-Wheeler

    Piaggio Ape Xtra Bada 700

    Pune: Piaggio Vehicles Pvt Ltd (PVPL) has expanded its diesel cargo portfolio with the launch of the Piaggio Ape Xtra Bada 700 and the Apé Xtra 600, reinforcing its leadership in the last-mile transportation segment.

    The introduction of the Piaggio Ape Xtra Bada 700 marks a significant development, bringing India’s first 7-ft cargo deck and a best-in-segment 750 kg payload to the three-wheeler cargo category.

    Piaggio Ape Xtra Bada 700 Sets New Standards in Diesel Cargo Mobility

    The Piaggio Ape Xtra Bada 700 represents a newly engineered platform featuring a redesigned chassis, upgraded cabin, enhanced suspension geometry, and a new 700 DI diesel engine.

    This model is built to meet the increasing demand for higher payloads, improved performance, and greater comfort in commercial last-mile operations.

    Also Read: Mahindra Last Mile Mobility Becomes India’s First OEM to Reach 3 Lakh EV Milestone

    Key Features of Piaggio Ape Xtra Bada 700

    • Powered by Piaggio’s 700 DI diesel engine offering stronger pickup, improved torque, and enhanced pulling power
    • India’s first 7-ft cargo deck for transporting larger and longer goods
    • Segment-best 750 kg payload capacity
    • New 3.5-inch digital instrument cluster
    • Spacious, ergonomically improved driver cabin for extended duty cycles
    • Larger 12-inch radial tyres for better stability and load distribution
    • Fully new vehicle platform with upgraded chassis and suspension
    • New front fascia with refined design elements
    • Optional rear parking sensor for safer reversing
    • Industry-standard 5-year warranty

    With its combination of power, space, and superior payload, the Piaggio Ape Xtra Bada 700 is positioned as a high-value solution for fleet owners and small businesses seeking higher productivity and improved earnings.

    Ape Xtra 600 Expands Diesel Cargo Options with New Engine Platform

    Alongside the flagship launch, Piaggio introduced the Apé Xtra 600, featuring an all-new 600 DI diesel engine. This model provides better gradeability, improved fuel efficiency, and higher load-carrying capability for intra-city and semi-urban logistics.

    Key Features of Apé Xtra 600

    • Newly developed 600 DI diesel engine
    • Enhanced performance and mileage
    • Improved load-handling capability
    • Durable, comfort-oriented design for daily commercial usage

    Also Read: Skoda Auto India Sales Hit Record High in 2025, Crossing 61,000 Units in 10 Months

    Diego Graffi, Chairman & Managing Director, Piaggio Vehicles Pvt Ltd, said the launch underscores the company’s continued focus on innovation. He described the Ape Xtra Bada 700 as a landmark product that elevates the three-wheeler cargo segment through category-first features in engine performance, payload, and deck size. He added that the Apé Xtra 600 further strengthens the company’s diesel cargo lineup.

    Amit Sagar, Executive Vice President, CV Domestic Business & Retail Finance at Piaggio Vehicles Pvt Ltd, stated that changing cargo mobility needs demand vehicles with higher power, payload, comfort, and operational efficiency.

    He noted that the Ape Xtra Bada 700 offers a viable alternative to entry-level four-wheel cargo vehicles due to its favourable operating and ownership cost.

    Availability and Pricing

    Both models – the Ape Xtra Bada 700 and the Apé Xtra 600 – are available from November 2025. Prices start at ₹3.45 lakh (ex-showroom, Maharashtra) for the Ape Xtra Bada 700 and ₹2.88 lakh (ex-showroom, Maharashtra) for the Apé Xtra 600.

    Author

    • Salil Urunkar

      Salil Urunkar is a senior journalist and the editorial mind behind Sahyadri Startups. With years of experience covering Pune’s entrepreneurial rise, he’s passionate about telling the real stories of founders, disruptors, and game-changers.

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