A CROSS between a van and a moped is already creating interest in the fleet industry after debuting at the London Motor Show. The Piaggio Ape, imported by Reliant, has a 50cc engine, offers 85mpg, hits 25mph using four gears, takes up to 200kg payload and costs about £2,400.

The Ape was joined by a revamped Reliant Robin as part of the new range from the revamped Reliant company. The Robin costs between £8,137 and £9,654. Alan Sutton, chairman, said: 'We are expecting a lot of interest from local authorities in the Ape and orders should move from the hundreds into the thousands.'