Vespa Cruises Into Santa Cruz

Legendary Italian Motor Scooter Now Available Locally

SANTA CRUZ, Calif., April 8 -- Vespa, the world-famous Italian motor scooter, celebrates its debut in the scooter-friendly city of Santa Cruz, CA. The newest U.S. Vespa dealership will herald its grand opening on Saturday, April 9.

To commemorate the opening, il Motorino/Vespa Santa Cruz "Change your World" campaign will give anyone who purchases a Vespa or Piaggio scooter during the month of April a gas card worth $150.00, approximately one year's worth of gas. The event will include a live KPIG-FM broadcast from 12 Noon to 2pm. In addition a red Vespa scooter will be raffled off with the proceeds benefiting the Green Acres elementary school "Life Lab Garden" program.

"We are excited to bring the practicality and fun of Vespa scooters to the people of Santa Cruz," said Paolo Timoni, CEO of Piaggio USA, Inc. "Scooters are great vehicles for commuting, errands, or joyrides. Americans are beginning to appreciate the ease and versatility of driving a motor scooter and Vespa is, and has always been since 1946, the best of all scooters."

"il Motorino is proud to offer a cost-effective, eco-friendly mode of transportation to the central coast region," says Marychris Fees, who is one of the owners of il Motorino/Vespa Santa Cruz. "Vespa motor scooters provide commuters, students and weekend pleasure riders a smart alternative to automobiles."

The Vespa lifestyle has long been synonymous with freedom and adventure since its introduction in 1946. With its sleek modern design and fuel-efficient engine, the Vespa has proven to be one of the best ways to get around town. il Motorino/Vespa Santa Cruz features both sales and service support for the Italian motor scooters, as well as the full range of Vespa products and accessories.

il Motorino/Vespa Santa Cruz is located at 2890 Soquel Avenue. Operating hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10am - 6pm and Sunday 11am - 5pm. For more information contact il Motorino/Vespa Santa Cruz at (831) 479-9075 or on the web at http://www.vespasc.com/. Additional information may be found by logging onto Vespausa.com.

Piaggio USA, Inc. is a subsidiary of Piaggio & C. S.p.A., based in Tuscany, Italy. Since 1884 the Piaggio name has stood for innovation, quality and superior performance. The company's rich history, which includes ship outfitting, railway construction and aviation, gave way to developing practical and accessible means of transportation for post-war Italy when the first Vespa(R) motor scooter was designed in 1946. As Europe's largest manufacturer of two-wheeled vehicles (Piaggio owns 30% of the European market), Piaggio is known throughout the world for their superior technology, craftsmanship and design. The Piaggio Group owns the following brands: Piaggio, Vespa, Gilera and Derbi and has factories in Italy, Spain, India and China. Piaggio's stylish and fuel-efficient line of motor scooters is the epitome of practical indulgence.

Piaggio USA is an active member of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and encourages riders to always wear a helmet, appropriate eyewear and proper apparel. The company suggests that all scooter owners/operators attend a motorcycle/scooter rider-training course to learn how to safely and skillfully operate a Vespa and recommends the MSF RiderCourse(R) (800/446-9227) as the best introduction to riding. For additional information, or to locate a dealership in your area, visit the Web site at http://www.piaggiousa.com/.