Italian Transportation Icon, Vespa(R), Scoots Into Modesto, CA

Vespa(R) Motor Scooters Make Debut at Cycle Specialties as Owner Marks His 35th Anniversary in the Two-Wheel Trade

MODESTO, Calif., April 6 -- Modesto residents looking for a smart and stylish way to travel should scoot over to Cycle Specialties this weekend. That's when the world-famous Italian Vespa(R) motor scooter line makes its Modesto debut -- helping John Wienholz, owner of Cycle Specialties, celebrate his 35th anniversary in the business. To herald both the arrival of Vespa and its own business milestone, Cycle Specialties will host an open house for the public from 9:00am to 6:00pm on Saturday, April 8th. Festivities will include scooter test drives and door prizes for attendees.

As gas prices climb and congestion grows across the nation, increasing numbers of Americans are turning to motor scooters as a viable transportation alternative. Vespas, which are widely embraced throughout other regions of the world, provide a smart and safe way to reduce gas consumption -- helping Americans benefit their pocketbook as well as their environment.

Scooter Rides and Door Prizes

Open house attendees with a valid motorcycle license will be permitted to test drive Vespa's newest scooter models this weekend at Cycle Specialties, including the powerful GTS 250 i.e. Tandem rides will be available for those without licenses who still want to experience the excitement of the Vespa line. Items such as an Autocom (intercom) kits, a DOT-approved helmet and tire pressure gauges will be on hand as door prizes for attendees.

"We are thrilled to bring the passion and practicality of the Vespa scooter line to the people of Modesto," said Paolo Timoni, CEO of Piaggio USA, Inc. "Americans are rapidly discovering what Europeans have known since 1946 -- that Vespas are smart cost- and fuel-effective vehicles for commuting, short travel adventures or simply taking a ride around town."

"We're proud to offer Vespa scooters in our dealership," said John Wienholz, owner and president of Vespa Modesto. "Our customers are sure to recognize that Vespas are not only stylish and fun, but also offer a great way to save money on gas and save energy."

The Vespa lifestyle has long been synonymous with freedom and adventure since its introduction 60 years ago in 1946. Iconic Vespa scooters feature a modern aesthetic paired with a classic design and their fuel-efficient engines (which surpass the strictest CARB standards) reduce harmful emissions to the environment and maximize fuel mileage.

Vespa Modesto will feature both sales and service support for the Italian motor scooters, as well as a range of Vespa products and accessories. It is located at 307 Maze Blvd. in Modesto, CA 95351. Operating hours are Tuesday through Saturday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM. For more information contact Vespa Modesto at 209-524-2955. Additional information may be found by logging onto http://www.vespausa.com/

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 6,000 employees in 50 countries, the Piaggio Group has a consolidated leadership in the European 2-wheeler market, and a particularly strong presence in the scooter and 50cc vehicles segment, with 40 percent market share in Europe and 48 percent in Italy. Its production includes scooters, motorcycles and mopeds in the 50cc to over 1000 cc displacement range, marketed under the Piaggio, Vespa, Gilera, Derbi, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi and Scarabeo brands. The Piaggio Group is controlled by Immsi S.p.A., an industrial and services holding listed on the Milan Stock Exchange, and is headed by Chairman Roberto Colaninno and Chief Executive Officer Rocco Sabelli.

Across its more than 120-year history, the company has been active in almost every area of transport including: naval fittings; the construction of locomotives and rolling stock; engines for the aeronautics sector; seaplanes; and civil and military aircraft. Since the introduction of the Vespa scooter in 1946, Piaggio has led the way in meeting the growing demand for personal mobility. A universally recognized symbol of Italian style, Vespa is an outstanding success story with more than 16 million scooters produced to date.