[1] Built by Lancia under license from German firm Junkers, the Tipo 89 engine fitted to the Ro was a compact 3,180 cc (194 cu in), four opposed-piston, straight-two cylinder, two-stroke diesel.

[2] Its Tipo 98 petrol engine was a side valve 5,120 cc (312 cu in) inline-four, developing 65 hp (48 kW) at 1,700 rpm.

[2] The Ro-Ro was powered by a Tipo 90 4,770 cc (291 cu in) inline-three cylinders, opposed piston, two-stroke diesel developing 95 hp (71 kW) at 1,500 rpm.

[2] From 1934 to 1938 the Royal Italian Army acquired 4,757 Lancia Ros which were equipped with pneumatic tires where it was used to transport artillery and light tanks.

Ro's traveled over roads and tracks in all temperatures; and did not encounter difficulty in the mountain routes where grades can reach 25%.

The Lancia 3Ro 4x2 heavy truck evolved from the earlier Lancia Ro by receiving a stronger five cylinder engine to replace two and three cylinder engines, pneumatic tires and an improved transmission; it is best known for its role as one of the main trucks of the Royal Italian Army in World War II.

Besides the diesel military model, the 3Ro was also built in civilian versions, with petrol and gas engines, as well as in extended wheelbase coach chassis.

Production of the 3Ro chassis began in 1939, continued throughout the Second World War and finally ended in 1949, when it was superseded by the Lancia Esatau.

In North Africa and Sicily with the top of the cab cut away and lower sideboards the Lancia 3 Ro became well suited for desert warfare serving as a self-propelled gun porting the Cannone da 90/53 as well as the 100/17 howitzer.

German armed forces always in need of supplies and material made use of any Ro and 3Ro as well as any other equipment, Italian or otherwise, that came into their possession.