Piaggio U.S.A. Encourages Aftermarket Manufacturers to Develop
Custom Accessories for Its Vespa Motor Scooters
RANCHO DOMINGUEZ, Calif., Oct. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Piaggio U.S.A.,
manufacturer of the world-famous Vespa motor scooter, today announced the
company's invitation to the automotive aftermarket industry to develop
accessories for the Vespa motor scooter. The company will debut a special
customized Vespa at the 2001 SEMA show at the Las Vegas Convention Center,
October 29 through November 2, 2001, marking the first time in the company's
history that Vespa will be featured at the annual Show.
The concept Vespa, created by So Cal Speed Shop of Pomona, California,
illustrates some of the emerging trends in the scooter industry. Following
the concept debut, Piaggio U.S.A. will extend an invitation to the thousands
of SEMA-member aftermarket suppliers and manufacturers to develop and produce
similar products to enhance its iconic Italian motor scooters.
"Because of the Vespa's long history in Europe, specialty products for
Vespas are quite commonplace," says Giancarlo Fantappie, president of Piaggio
U.S.A. "We are attending the SEMA Show this year to encourage aftermarket
manufacturers to take advantage of our return to the U.S. market and develop
performance products and accessories for our scooters. Traditionally, the
SEMA Show has been the industry trendsetter for emerging technologies and a
launching pad for innovative products developed by the automotive accessory
industry. We invite the aftermarket industry, with its long history of
entrepreneurship, to do for us what it has done for Harley-Davidson -- to
create new technologies, new styling and appearance products -- everything
from flame decals to ground effects kits -- for our Vespa models."
The specially customized 50cc Vespa ET2 will be on display in a prominent
location at the Las Vegas Convention Center and will be a true So Cal
Speedshop-style vehicle, customized in the red and white racing colors the
company is known for. Additionally, the Vespa will feature a chrome kit to
capture the hot rod essence.
For the first time in more than 15 years, Piaggio USA has reintroduced its
Italian-built Vespa motor scooters to the American market. The iconic Vespa
has been a European favorite for decades and combines the cool of a motorcycle
with practicality, versatility and a sense of style and fun to personal
transport. Vespa is a distinctive, yet elegant, mode of transport whether
you're commuting to work, or out for a weekend ride. Its stability and
maneuverability allows riders to move through slow or stopped traffic and its
fuel economy ranges from 45-70 mpg in city traffic.
For 2002, new Vespa models start at $2,980 for the 50cc ET2 and $3,980 for
the more powerful 150cc ET4 version and both come in a variety of contemporary
colors with a number of options including automatic gearboxes and electric
starters, one year of road side assistance and a standard one-year unlimited
miles factory-backed warranty. Enthusiasts can pursue the Vespa lifestyle
through the company's special apparel and accessories, available at its
nationwide Vespa Boutiques, many of which also feature "Vespa Cafes" where you
can enjoy an espresso and biscotti while planning an Italian adventure.
Vespa boutiques are now open in select cities across the U.S. including
Sherman Oaks, CA; Santa Monica, CA; San Francisco, CA; Denver, CO; Houston,
TX; Chicago, IL; Miami, FL; Naples, FL and Manhattan, NY and will be opening
in additional cities nationwide in coming months.
Manufactured by Piaggio in Tuscany, Italy, the Vespa was designed in 1946
by Enrico Piaggio as a solution to transportation following the destruction of
World War II. Combining the best elements of aeronautics, automobiles and
motorcycles, the Vespa instantly became an icon of design and economy. During
the 1980's Piaggio was obliged to stop selling the Vespa in the United States,
where it had been available since 1951, due to increasingly stringent demands
of the Environmental protection Agency (EPA). In 2000, after a 15-year
hiatus, the fabled Italian scooter returned to the U.S. to entice new
generations and rekindle a feeling of nostalgia with past generations. For
additional information, or to locate a dealership or boutique, visit the Web
site at http://www.vespausa.com.
SOURCE Piaggio U.S.A.
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Related links:
http://www.vespausa.com
CONTACT:
Kathy Jammal or Tulsi Anderson, both of JMPR,
+1-818-992-4353, for Piaggio U.S.A.
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