The minivans will be built in Piaggio 's Pontedera factories and the expected investment is approximately 150 billion Lire, of which 65 will be borne by the joint venture.

The new small commercial vehicle, called Porter for the European market that would allow the Italian manufacturer to offer a larger and more capable alternative to the classic Piaggio Ape.

The Porter was developed starting from the Japanese keivan Daihatsu Hijet S80, using the same frame and the same sheet metal but the front section has been redesigned and strengthened using reinforced steels to withstand crash tests for European homologations.

In 2002 the commercialization in the European market of the Daihatsu branded version ended following the liquidation of the joint-venture signed in 1992; production from that moment continued only under the aegis of Piaggio.

In addition, the range of versions and equipment is also extended with all-wheel drive (system made by Grecav).

In 2006 the Euro 4 petrol version was presented which, thanks to the integration of the Japanese Daihatsu system with a control unit produced by the Italian CF3000, manages to overcome the new stringent emission limits.

Also in 2008 was presented the Maxxi version with increased capacity, which allows to reach a full load weight of 2,200 kg.

The diesel range consists of the new twin-cylinder engines developed by Piaggio and Ricardo: the 1.2-liter P120 is equipped with turbocharger, EGR and common rail direct injection, delivers 64 horsepower and 140 Nm of maximum torque.

[7] In 2013, after years of absence on the market, a 4x4 version of the Porter Euro 5B + range, produced by Officine Cucini, returns.

[8] In 2020 the production of the first generation ends, replaced by the new Porter NP6 made by Piaggio in Pontedera together with the Chinese manufacturer Foton.

In 2013 the Porter was launched on the Indian market produced at the Piaggio Vehicle India Private Ltd plant in Baramati.