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Moto Guzzi and Piaggio Agreement for Motorcycle Engine Development

30 April 1998

Moto Guzzi S.p.A. and Piaggio Complete Agreement For Motorcycle Engine Development and Manufacture

   Trident Rowan Group, Inc. Continues Efforts to Build Value at Moto Guzzi

    SOMERSET, N.J., April 29 -- Trident Rowan Group, Inc.
today announced that Moto Guzzi S.p.A. -- the company's
Italian-based subsidiary that manufactures high-performance motorcycles -- has
signed an agreement with Piaggio S.p.A. for the development and manufacture of
four stroke engines for new motorcycles being developed by Moto Guzzi
specifically for urban transport and "sports" applications.
    As part of this agreement, Moto Guzzi will acquire the tools and drawings
for a 600 cc monocylinder engine, which Moto Guzzi will manufacture in-house.
In addition, Piaggio will supply Moto Guzzi with medium capacity scooter
engines which Piaggio will manufacture for Moto Guzzi's account from November
1999-the planned delivery date of the first of such engines-until 2004.
    "This is a decisive step in the direction of the planned expansion of Moto
Guzzi's product range," stated Oscar Cecchinato, Chief Executive Officer at
Moto Guzzi, "designed to increase the competitiveness of our trademark in the
new millennium.  This agreement gives the Mandello business another key
element in its plans for innovative products, which will allow Moto Guzzi to
reenter market segments in which in the past it was the undisputed market
leader."
    "The agreement between two prestigious trademarks such as Piaggio and Moto
Guzzi is extremely positive for two reasons," confirmed Lucio Masut, Head of
Motor Development at Piaggio. "From one side it confirms the validity of the
strategic choice of Piaggio as a motor producer offering advanced technology
and competitive prices. From the other side, it is important for the Italian
two-wheeled vehicle industry, demonstrating how industrial collaboration can
give rise to the challenge of creating an "all Italian" product capable of
competing with the leading producers in the world."
    Moto Guzzi, which is now entering its 76th year of operation, is well
recognized for the manufacture and sale of high-performance, mid-to-large
motorcycles and engines. "Our agreement with Piaggio," commented Mark S.
Hauser, President and CEO at Trident Rowan Group, "represents a significant
strategic alliance that can enable Moto Guzzi to leverage its strong
reputation and renown in market niches that are rapidly growing and present
high sales volume potential." Continued Howard E. Chase, Chairman of Trident
Rowan Group, Inc., "Moto Guzzi's partnership with a company as prestigious
as Piaggio further underscores the industry's excitement level and confidence
in Moto Guzzi's strategic direction and recent achievements."

SOURCE  Trident Rowan Group, Inc.