Vespa Celebrates Its Grand Opening in Austin, TX

Legendary Italian Motor Scooter Now Available Locally

AUSTIN, Texas, April 15 -- Vespa, the world-famous Italian motor scooter company, this week celebrates the grand opening of its first Vespa store in Austin, TX. The festivities for the newest U.S. Vespa dealership will feature a ribbon cutting ceremony and an in-store party on Saturday, April 16th beginning at 7 PM.

The in-store event will take place between 7 PM and 10 PM and will include music from renowned local artist DJ Manny as well as food from local restaurants. Attendees will receive special promotional giveaways and gift bags full of items from local businesses.

"We are thrilled to bring the excitement and fun of Vespa scooters to the people of Austin," said Paolo Timoni, CEO of Piaggio USA, Inc. "Americans are discovering what Europeans have known since 1946 -- Vespas are great vehicles for commuting, short travel adventures or simply taking a ride to the grocery store."

"Vespa Austin provides a fantastic alternative for commuting and local travel in the area," says Lester Chiu, general manager of Vespa Austin. "Vespa motor scooters are not only known as stylish and fun, but also a cost saving alternative in a time when gas prices keep climbing."

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. Vespa Austin features both sales and service support for the Italian motor scooters, as well as the full range of Vespa products and accessories.

Vespa Austin is located at 500 North Lamar Boulevard, Suite 140. Operating hours are Monday through Friday 10 AM - 7:30 PM and Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM. For more information contact Vespa Austin at (512) 482-8377. 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/.