National Press Release

NEW YORK, Nov. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Piaggio Group Americas, Inc., importer of the iconic Vespa scooter brand, continues to accelerate ahead of the personal transportation curve with the debut of its new consumer web site, scheduled to go live Friday, November 14. Functional, fun and fast, the new web site -- just like Vespa scooters -- connects with users by delivering an entertaining interactive experience, a shared sense of community and a wealth of practical reasons to ride. Every element of the new site, from the latest product news to user-generated favorite riding routes, has been designed to educate and engage visitors while giving them plenty of fun reasons to return.

"The Vespa brand appeals to both the emotional and rational side of the brain, and the new www.VespaUSA.com site offers a world of content that speaks to both," said Paolo Timoni, President and CEO, Piaggio Group Americas, Inc. "With more consumers than ever considering a scooter as a personal transportation option, we have created a one-stop resource center that provides all the tools, information and inspiration any consumer needs to join the nation's rapidly growing scooter community."

Whether in the scooter market for the first or fifth time, www.VespaUSA.com will help riders maximize the fun and function of ownership. Content highlights include:

-- A Google Maps-based 'Community Rides' tool that helps scooter commuters or tourers uncover, share, rate, download and comment on new riding routes. Post a new discovery or vote on an existing excursion. Mapped rides can also be updated, saved and resubmitted. Shortcuts to popular destinations, scenic weekend rides, regional routes that avoid local traffic snarls or multi-state adventures are all archived and available in one convenient location.

-- No other scooter brand has Vespa's rich history. To fully understand the romance that fuels consumer passion for Vespa, a new interactive 'History & Heritage' section traces the evolution of the world's iconic scooter, including the legendary campaigns, calendars, advertisements -- even songs -- that were and are synonymous with significant model introductions.

-- How do you get 43 mpg from a luxury SUV? Easy -- just swap 50% of your automotive driving miles for Vespa riding miles. VespaUSA.com continues the company's mission to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil by focusing on immediate solutions for minimizing the carbon footprint. A new 'Vespa vs. Auto MPG' fuel savings calculator in the Vespanomics section invites visitors to see how fast they can supercharge their car or SUV's fuel economy average by adding a Vespa to the fleet.

Two-Way Traffic to Local Vespa Experts

With more active clubs, forums and groups devoted to the brand than any other scooter manufacturer in the world, Vespa placed a premium on accessibility and ease of use. Navigation is fast and direct, thanks to liberal use of icons and images. Information, such as how to join the scooter scene or which product meets a special need, can be quickly found. And, for consumers ready to shop, a new dealer locator section makes short work of identifying a local dealer, complete with easily mapped directions, e-mail addresses and a "contact me" feature.

Designed to Get Personal

London and New York based design firm Last Exit was charged with creating the new www.VespaUSA.com, integrating the global spirit of the brand while focusing on the unique needs and preferences of the American consumer. With U.S. scooter sales at record highs, one web site challenge was to meet the needs of the rapidly growing base of potential new riders while building strong relationships with Vespa's ultra-loyal owner community. As a result, the new site is chock-full of tools that invite visitors to learn -- and play. From sections that answer consumer questions on licensing and ownership benefits and an e-newsletter, to a toolbox full of Vespa images, video, news, graphics and community links to share, both new and veteran Vespa enthusiasts find a rewarding experience.

About The Piaggio Group:

Established in 1884 by Rinaldo Piaggio and based in Pontedera (Pisa, Italy), the Piaggio Group is one of the world's top manufacturers of two-wheel motor vehicles. With over 7,000 employees, an annual production of more than 708,000 vehicles in 2007, 5 R&D centers, 7 production facilities in Europe and Asia, and operations in over 50 countries, the Piaggio Group has a consolidated leadership in the European two-wheeler market.

The company produces scooters, motorcycles and mopeds in the 50cc to 1,200 cc displacement range, marketed under the Piaggio, Vespa, Gilera, Derbi, Aprilia, Scarabeo and Moto Guzzi brands. The Group also manufactures three- and four-wheel light transportation vehicles for the Ape, Porter and Quargo ranges.

SOURCE Piaggio Group Americas, Inc.