REMINDER/Vespa Scoots into Seattle; Grand Opening of Vespa Seattle to Showcase Italy's Legendary Motor Scooter

    --

WHAT:     
        Vespa(R), the definitive symbol of romance and freedom, makes
        its debut in Seattle this Thursday. The Vespa Seattle boutique
        features Vespa motor scooters, Vespa apparel and unique
        vehicle accessories in an environment that celebrates the fun
        and uniqueness of Vespa. This opening marks the arrival of the
        first Vespa boutique in Washington.

WHEN:   
        Private party (MEDIA): 
        Thursday, June 19, 2003 -- 7-11 p.m.
        
        Public open house: 
        Saturday and Sunday, June 21-22, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

WHERE:    
        93 Denny Way (1st and Denny)
        Seattle, WA  98109

ADDITIONAL INTERVIEW/
PHOTO OPPS:         
        -- Interview owners of vintage and new Vespas about why they 
           ride scooters: learn how practical, economical and fun 
           Vespas are to ride, getting 45-60 miles per gallon, making
           commuting to work and finding parking a breeze
        -- Interview Vespa Seattle owner Victor Voris about how his 
           passion for Vespa began and why he decided to bring Vespa 
           to residents of Seattle
        -- Photograph several scooters from the owner's private 
           collection, including one of the oldest Vespas in 
           America, a 1948 rod model, which is the first registered 
           Vespa in the Northwest
        -- View the Vespa Seattle showroom -- more than 2,500 square 
           feet that has a mid-century modern feel, created by a 
           Seattle Science Center designer
        -- Photograph "non-traditional" scooter enthusiasts on a 
           Vespa
        -- Photograph and interview regular group scooter riders 
           about the social aspects of owning a Vespa -- 50 members 
           of the Vespa Club of Seattle will be in attendance, along 
           with members of seven other local clubs

BACKGROUND:         
        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, it instantly became an icon of design and
        economy. In 2000, after a 15-year hiatus, the fabled Italian
        scooter returned to the U.S. to entice new generations with
        its efficient, entertaining and still nostalgic nature.