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PIAGGIO GROUP SCOOTER RANGE

A WEALTH OF CONFIRMATIONS
AND NEW PRODUCTS FOR 2015



2015 will be a year rich in product confirmations and debuts for the Piaggio Group scooter range. After an extensive renewal of practically all the models, and the first-time-ever launch in the scooter industry of new technologies such as traction control and the ride-by-wire electronic accelerator, the offer is now one of the world’s most complete ranges in terms of variety and performance.

VESPA MEANS FREEDOM, AND FREEDOM OF CHOICE

The Vespa world shines with its own light with the new Sprint and Primavera: the so-called “Vespino” has never been so stylish and so sporty. The Sprint comes with 12-inch wheels, the largest ever mounted on a small-frame model, together with a new front suspension, for a superlative ride. The Primavera is the essence of Vespa elegance: a reference back to the golden years when the Vespa was (and is) the symbol of freedom. With the introduction of ABS on the 125 and 150 displacements, the Vespa Primavera reiterates its focus on safety and on-going technological updating.
A large frame, impressive performance and great technology. The Vespa GTS is the flagship model, equipped for the first time with ABS and traction control on the 300cc version. A scooter to ride in the city, but for travelling too. It is also available in a 125cc version, with the same technical content as its big sister.
Inimitable style, engines compliant with the severest emissions standards (125 and 150cc) and the classic four-gear shift make the Vespa PX unmistakeable and unique.

APRILIA SRV 850 ABS ATC: LEADING THE WAY FOR SPEED AND POWER

If performance is the priority, mention must be made of the Aprilia SRV 850 ABS ATC, quite simply the world’s fastest and most powerful scooter, such a strong performer that on the Aprilia.com website you’ll find it among the motorcycles. With 76 horsepower and a top speed of 200 km/h, plus traction control taken directly from the Superbike world champion bike, you’ll be able to ride, bend and travel in a way you never thought possible with an automatic scooter.

SCARABEO: A NEW LOOK FOR THE URBAN COMMUTER

If the Aprilia SRV 850 is pure sport, the Scarabeo is elegance and distinction. The Aprilia high-wheel scooter, a long-standing icon in this segment, is ready for 2015 with a new look and finishes, punchy new colours and four displacements (50 2-stroke and 50 4-stroke 4V – 100 4-stroke T-125ie-200ie) to meet every urban commuting need.

PIAGGIO 3-WHEELER RANGE: THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE IN THE WORLD

Sometimes two wheels are not enough, three are better. Riders of the MP3, the first-ever three-wheeler, know what we’re talking about. Piaggio has confirmed its position as the only constructor with a complete range of three-wheel vehicles, for every type of daily mobility requirement. There are two versions: the “traditional” MP3 in 300 and 500 displacements (and in Sport and Business configurations) is also available with a cutting-edge hybrid engine, while the more compact, lighter Yourban 300 also comes in a gutsy Sport model. Space on board, unequalled safety, high-performance powertrains and state-of-the-art technology, with the world’s first three-channel ABS, make the MP3 scooters leaders of a segment that is growing year after year, and will be even more important in 2015. The entire Piaggio MP3 range is available in an LT version combining the outstanding safety of the three-wheeler with the possibility to ride with an automobile license.

X10 AND BEVERLY, CONNECTED TO THE SMARTPHONE

High wheel or comfort? From the X10 to the Beverly, the “Premium” scooter is the answer for people looking for top-quality finishes, features and performance. Moreover, the Piaggio Multimedia Platform (PMP) allows you to connect your smartphone to the scooter and monitor a host of information about the engine, performance, even the angle of tilt. The result is a real on-board computer, like the devices on luxury sedans, raising these scooters to the role of flagship!

INFO:
www.vespa.com
www.aprilia.com
www.scarabeo.it
www.piaggio.com
Prodotto

FIRST SCOOTER, FIRST LOVE:
BUT WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?



AS EVERYONE KNOWS, YOU NEVER FORGET YOUR FIRST SCOOTER. JUST LIKE YOUR FIRST LOVE. BUT WITH SO MANY MODELS ON THE MARKET, IT’S DIFFICULT TO FIND YOUR WAY. THIS QUICK GUIDE OFFERS TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME BUYERS





Wheels, footboard, brakes, weight. These are the keywords for first-time scooter buyers, young and old. It’s a completely new world for people who decide to leave the car in the garage and dribble through the traffic, saving precious time by halving the hours and minutes spent on the daily commute. Or for school kids using their beloved two-wheeler to go to school or meet up with friends. If this is your first time, finding your way on the scooter market isn’t easy, because the choice is endless. So here is an informed guide to help you choose the right scooter for your needs.

WHEELS: 2 OR 3? HIGH OR LOW?

The choice concerns not just the diameter but also the number of wheels, because three-wheel models are now as well established as traditional two-wheelers. Indeed, the first preference for many people entering the scooter world for the first time is often a “three-wheeler”. Because three wheels are safe, eclectic, spacious and, above all, just as much fun as two wheels. And with the tilt-lock feature on the Piaggio MP3 range, you can stop at a traffic light without having to put your feet on the ground, an important advantage especially when it rains. The new scooter rider will find the compact lightweight MP3 Yourban an ideal companion. All the models in the Piaggio three-wheeler range (MP3 and Yourban) are available in an LT version, so you can ride them with a normal driving licence.
The wheel question also means deciding whether you want your wheels “high” or “low”. Different diameters mean differences when riding. Scooters with small wheels are more agile (and are preferred by younger users), “high”-wheel models offer greater stability (and are preferred by women) and make for a smoother ride on uneven surfaces, but inevitably the saddle is a little higher, something to be taken into consideration if you are on the short side. Remember that easy manoeuvring when the engine is switched off is very important.

FOOTBOARD: FLAT OR NOT?

Should you choose a flat footboard? This is an important point for people who use their scooter not just for individual mobility but also for “utilitarian” purposes. The classic test is the so-called “6-bottle” test: a simple way to check whether the scooter will be a reliable ally when you use it as a mini “goods van” to carry your shopping and a normal six-pack of 1.5 litre bottles. Scooters with a flat footboard are certainly more practical, but they are usually high-wheel models with the seat raised higher from the ground and a smaller compartment below the saddle than a traditional scooter. The “traditional” frame (without a flat footboard) is a little more rigid and often offers better ridability, but it is less practical. Standing out from the crowd is the Vespa, whose steel body is naturally rigid but as versatile as a flat footboard in terms of loading capacity. The Vespa is as trendy today as it ever was, and of course it used to be regarded as a means of transport to take the whole family to the seaside, complete with picnic basket.

BRAKES: BETTER WITH ABS

Yes of course, all scooters have brakes, but the question here is not the type of brake, but an optional feature: ABS. Anti-lock braking systems first appeared on more expensive premium products, but now they are spreading rapidly to the common or garden scooter too. And it’s worth knowing that from 2017 ABS will be compulsory on all new two-wheelers (motorcycles and scooters) with more than 125cc displacement: so it’s best to be prepared. Choosing a scooter with ABS is much more than a tip. The latest anti-lock systems are highly advanced and in city traffic, where most emergency braking occurs, they are veritable “guardian angels”. Yes, a scooter with ABS will cost more, but simply avoiding a skid (something that can happen to first-time users) will repay the outlay with interest. Safety at all times.

WEIGHT: START OUT LIGHT



There’s a whole world of difference between the nimble Vespa Sprint 125 and the super-fast Aprilia SRV 850. Weight is a key consideration when you buy your first scooter. A lightweight model is obviously better, as is a lower displacement in the early days of your two-wheeler career, so you won’t find yourself dealing with demanding weights and masses that could leave you floundering in the traffic.



It’s best to make a “natural” progression towards larger engines (and more powerful performance), once you’ve gained experience with lower weights and displacements. There’s always time to move on to the heavyweights.

WHAT A SELECTION! THE MAGNIFICENT DOZEN

It’s easy to offer advice when you have a comprehensive range of scooters for the widest possible variety of tastes and requirements. Here is the list of the 12 magnificent models from our brands, available in different displacements, for two-wheeler novices. What they all share is style and advanced technological content.

PIAGGIO

Fly 125/150, Liberty 3V 125/150, Typhoon 125, Beverly 125 i.e/300 i.e, MP3 Yourban 300 LT.
VESPA

Primavera 125/150, Sprint 125 (also available with ABS) e Sprint S 150 (available with ABS), GTS 125/300 ABS.

Aprilia

SR Motard 125, Scarabeo 100/125/200

Derbi

Variant 125 Sport, Boulevard 125 4T.

Event

STOP PRESS! A DATE AT
THE MOTOPLEX MILANO CITY LOUNGE



AN INNOVATIVE LOCATION HAS OPENED IN CENTRAL MILAN FOR TWO-WHEELER ENTHUSIASTS: NOT JUST A STORE, MORE THAN A BAR, BETTER THAN A LOUNGE. SOAK UP THE ATMOSPHERE FOR A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE WHERE EVERY DETAIL MEANS MOTOPLEX
The original MOTOPLEX made its official debut in Mantua in June 2014, during the great Vespa World Days rally; less than six months later, in December 2014, the MOTOPLEX MILANO CITY LOUNGE opened. The location, in downtown Milan (Via Broletto 13), offers a new “oasis of experience”, where visitors can take a break from the hectic city and immerge themselves in the Motoplex world, whose smells, colours, shapes and details evoke legendary Italian brands and unique products that represent the best in Italian style. The Motoplex Milano City Lounge, which replicates the successful retail format and distinctive characteristics of the Mantua Motoplex, is a unique place combining Vespa style, Aprilia adrenalin, Moto Guzzi legendary appeal and Piaggio scooter technology. A stage where the Group two-wheelers put on a daily show in an elegant, full-faceted performance that intrigues, surprises, entertains and delights.

INSIDE THE MOTOPLEX MILANO CITY LOUNGE. With its skilfully lit and eye-catching windows designed to capture the attention of passers-by (local residents but also many tourists and foreign visitors), the Motoplex Milano City Lounge is a perfect combination of meeting place, bar and store, where the client experience is the key focus. A harmonious balance of technology, high-quality craftsmanship, colour and sobriety, the new Piaggio Group space is intended for all two-wheeler enthusiasts. This is a genuine “city lounge”, catering for and entertaining people with a value system where a warm welcome and hospitality are top priorities. Motoplex visitors are immediately attracted by the brilliant colours of the videos, carefully selected to keep customers up to date with the latest products and create an authentic brand atmosphere, the distinguishing feature of the Motoplex concept stores.

SMALL AND TRENDY. You realise straightaway that this is an environment with something for everyone, even the youngest visitors: on the left is a small pearl white Vespa with contrasting trim, for kids taking their first steps in the two-wheeler world. Budding Vesparados will also be attracted by the wide selection of clothing and accessories (including cute mini hoodies and sunglasses), or the Vespa gift package and the Winx fairies, an irresistible mix of fashion and magic for trendy girls.

FUN WITH THE ONLINE CONFIGURATOR. The visit continues with a display of top-of-the-range Vespa, Piaggio, Aprilia and Moto Guzzi vehicles: a guaranteed thrill. Then there’s the multimedia infotainment system, accessible via the counters equipped with tablet PCs, where clients can configure their vehicle online and display it on the giant screen inside the shop for a truly memorable experience. Already active for the Moto Guzzi V7 II, the configurator will gradually be extended to the other top-end vehicles (such as the Piaggio MP3, in March), with the opportunity to use the “vidiwall”.

RELAX AND ENGAGE. A stressful day? Nothing beats taking time out to enjoy the Motoplex sensory experience. The visual language puts priority on strong colours and sharp contrasts, full-screen photos and videos, ergonomic design and a careful balance in the organisation of the space and furnishings. It’s easy to relax here as you sip a cocktail at the bar, surrounded by style with a capital S.

STYLE DETAILS. The finishes and the discreet presence of the Motoplex logo (an elegant relief on the display totems) adopt the colours and materials of the Motoplex format, as do the dynamic display solutions, which simultaneously ensure a coherent overall brand experience, while guaranteeing practical flexibility. For example, the modern equipped walls are light, modular structures designed as multifunctional elements for use in any occasion, such as launch events for new products, clothing collections, accessories and merchandise; or workshops and themed evenings. Podiums and merchandise display cases are integrated with the counter of the impressive bar, transformed from a simple functional element into a display stand for vehicles and accessories. The result is a seamless pleasurable blend of consumer and brand experience.

APPEALING BRAND ISLANDS. The colour codes are harmoniously juxtaposed to suggest a route around the brand islands, where accessories, design objects and clothing create an elegant setting for the motorbikes and scooters, the core of the display and the beating heart of the concept store.
The hallmarks of the Motoplex identity – a predominantly black and white colour scheme and materials such as high-quality glass and dark leather (for the furnishings and for the finishes of the display cases and systems) – are flanked by the warm welcoming colours of the luxury wenge wood chosen to characterise the Moto Guzzi spirit. Meanwhile, the carbon look of steel evokes the technology behind the Aprilia brand, and the bright pastel colours of the modern plastic materials on the Vespa island convey the intrinsic vitality and creativity of this world-famous symbol of Italian design.
The representation of the value worlds of the Moto Guzzi, Vespa, Aprilia and Piaggio brands starts with the most iconic models: the Moto Guzzi California and V7 II, the Vespa 946 and Primavera, the Piaggio Mp3, as well as Sylvain Guintoli’s Aprilia RSV4 number 50 bike, which swept the board at the WSBK 2014 championship, capturing both the Rider and the Manufacturer titles.

EVOCATIVE STAGING. The setting created for the products has a high emotional impact, achieved with layouts using memorabilia, period photos and objects that evoke brand identity. Examples include the commemorative magnum bottle of Berlucchi spumante and the exclusive #bearacer T-shirt celebrating Aprilia’s recent WSBK victory; or the collector volumes also dedicated to Moto Guzzi and Vespa. These books are presented together with other quality items in the display cases built into the bar counter, or set out on the wooden shelves along the walls for easy browsing, perhaps while enjoying an Illy coffee served in a designer cup with the unmistakeable Vespa look, or a spiced tea in a Moto Guzzi mug, sitting comfortably at the bar on the modern metal and leather stools with handsewn Motoplex tags, or relaxing in the lounge areas.

A DESIGNER LIFESTYLE: WHAT PASSION!



 The brand offer is completed with style items, previewed lifestyle articles and the unique series of gadgets with the distinctive design of the Piaggio Group brands, whose style enhances the distinctive soul of each brand: echoes of the iconography of the 1960s for Vespa; a custom look for Moto Guzzi; aesthetic details conveying a sense of energy and sport for Aprilia.

In short, this is an experience container that puts visitors immediately at their ease as it ushers them gently into the Motoplex universe. Italian brands that are milestones in the history of motorcycling welcome visitors in an environment steeped in the refined stylistic and technological content successfully incorporated by legendary names – Moto Guzzi, Vespa, Aprilia, Piaggio – into motorcycles that have acquired mythical status and scooters that have transformed the concepts of mobility and freedom for ever.

INFO. www.motoplexpiaggio.com
Event

VESPA AROUND THE WORLD/1
THE 946 BELLISSIMA IN VIETNAM AND INDONESIA



Two exclusive events marked the launch of the luxurious Vespa 946 “Bellissima” collection, first in Hanoi, in the presence of the Italian Ambassador in Vietnam, Lorenzo Angeloni, then in Jakarta. Customers had the opportunity to admire not just a scooter, but a true “work of art” on two wheels, in its new liveries (silver grey, blue): a concentrate of stylistic and technological innovation, combined with design, performance and safety excellence. The scooter has a “premium” positioning on all international markets, and in Asia too, for which it is produced to order (in the Italian factory in Pontedera, Tuscany), and delivered to Vietnamese customers through the dealer network. Customers will also receive a second saddle, to transform the 946 into a two-seater for passengers.

PHOTO GALLERY

AND IN AUSTRALIA
AT THE MOTO EXPO IN MELBOURNE



The Australian importer, Peter Stevens Importers, took part in Moto Expo in Melbourne, with a large stand displaying the Piaggio and Vespa ranges, organised jointly with Piaggio Asia Pacific. During the show, the 946 Bellissima, the most extraordinary Vespa scooter ever built, was presented to the public and the media. An exclusive dream that could come true for 40 top Australian customers.
In Indonesia, around 50 lucky customers will be able to acquire “the ultimate Vespa 946 Bellissima”, as it was described during the presentation at the Gaia Restaurant in The Plaza in Jakarta. The new 946 comes with a special line of exclusive accessories.

PHOTO GALLERY



SCOOTER TV, INDONESIA:
LAUNCHING VESPA 946 BELLISSIMA
Event

VESPA AROUND THE WORLD/2
68th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS IN THAILAND



Vespiario Thailand, the Piaggio Group’s sole distributor, organised a major event recently to mark the 68th anniversary of the Vespa (which made its debut in 1946), with the launch of the Sprint and the Primavera models in a special “68th Anniversary Limited Edition” livery (moss green paint and the number 68 on the front shield and rear wheel cover). An advertising campaign, prize competitions and promotions accompanied the launch.

PHOTO GALLERY

The party, held in November at the “Scala Theatre” in Bangkok’s Siam Square, coincided with another important milestone: the fifth anniversary of the Vespiario business in Thailand, with more than 25,000 vehicles sold nationwide. For the occasion, the theatre was transformed into a kaleidoscope of colours, in an atmosphere mixing the fun of the circus and the gaiety of carnival. More than 200 guests were at the festivities, with numerous journalists and PR specialists. The event received wide press coverage in more than 120 publications on the main media. (Photo Vespiario).

PHOTO GALLERY

The celebrations continue: the next date in the calendar is 14 March 2015. Many other events were held last year to mark the Vespa anniversary, attracting a strong fan club turnout. Take a look at this gallery from the Official Vespa Society Thailand.

PHOTO GALLERY



Daily Scooter Tv - 68 Years Of Vespa celebrated in Indonesia
MARKET

ROME: APE, THE QUEEN BEE OF THE ON-THE-ROAD BUSINESS



Rome has just hosted the first and very successful “Be(e) Happy Fest”: a street food & market event starring specially equipped Ape vans. Tempting gastronomic specialities, fashion, music and art attracted more than 10,000 people. As well as workshops for new entrepreneurs: business is advancing on three wheels, labelled Piaggio Commercial Vehicles

Food, art, fashion, music and innovation. The “Be(e) Happy Fest”, the first urban festival, celebrated the legendary “Apetta” with a week-end in early February devoted entirely to street food, located in the Officine Farneto “creative factory” in Rome. The wide selection of mouth-watering cuisine at affordable prices had something for every palate. Gourmet sandwiches, cheese and cold meat boards, pancakes, pizza and mortazza (mortadella) specialities, tigelle from Emilia, hamburgers made with chianina beef, fried food, pizza, desserts and fruit: a high-quality menu all prepared on board the Apette vans, fitted out with imagination and efficiency.

LA BRUNA – TIGELLERIA – MOZAO
Not just food, but fashion too: Ape vans in a “moving shop” version offered clothes, accessories and handcrafted jewellery, made in Italy. Veritable travelling boutiques, which are also the choice of fashion and cosmetic brands.

PHOTO GALLERY


The success of the festival was a tribute to the Ape, more than 60 years after its original debut (1948): a commercial means of transport, a versatile and always up-to-date work companion, in recent years the three-wheeler has taken a key role in Italy’s contemporary gastronomic panorama, sealing the success of Italian-style street food.

GURMETTI – ITALIAN STREET FOOD
Once regarded as “poor food”, today street food is headline news, a favourite with a growing public of all ages, in and outside Italy. Two figures reflect the extent of the phenomenon: every day 2.5 billion people around the world eat street food (FAO estimate); in Italy, the number of companies registered in the “ambulant catering” segment has soared, trebling in the three years 2009-2012 from 563 to 1,664, and estimated today at more than 1,700.

MILANO - CALIFORNIA BAKERY


Business workshops. Tradition and innovation merged at the “Be(e) Happy Fest”, with a business slant provided by workshops for people who have decided to invest in their creativity by starting up their own business with the legendary Ape as a mobile shop. The topic was discussed during the two-day event, at meetings organised by BIC Lazio, Piaggio Commercial Vehicles and outfitters: useful information was provided for people starting out, with an explanation of the steps to be taken (business plan, vehicle design, manufacture, licenses, etc.). The festival was part of the final course of the Event Management Master’s of the Luiss Business School: a group of students developed marketing and communication projects for the event.
Piaggio Commercial Vehicles and outfitters. Piaggio was the point of reference for operators, journalists, entrepreneurs and potential entrepreneurs. Vehicles on display included the Porter Chassis, Ape Classic 400, Ape Calessino 200 HL, as well as an historic vehicle from the Piaggio Museum (a 1953 Ape Cassone, a model based on the Vespa). A number of specialist outfitters were present, including Resti and Andrea Carletti’s Street Food Mobile™. Visitors saw a broad and innovative range of possible vehicles based on the Ape and Porter, to meet every business need. The event highlighted the advantages of on-the-road business: starting with the low initial outlay (vehicle + outfitting), compared with a bricks-and-mortar shop. The public approves, the business takes off.



INFO:
www.piaggioveicolicommerciali.it
www.resti.it
www.streetfoodmobile.com

PORTER AND APE ICE-CREAM STALLS



This year once again, the Resti Extensive outfitter was at SIGEP, the annual international exhibition for artisan producers of ice cream, pastries and bread (Rimini Fiera, 17-21 January). The Resti exhibit focused exclusively on products developed from Piaggio vehicles, from the well established Porter “Flò” to “LaPina”, a new product based on the Ape Classic, whose innovative opening system makes it the perfect choice as a bar, ice-cream, chocolate or fried food stall.

PHOTO GALLERY

INFO: www.resti.it

Outfitter Cereda Anito also presented vehicles for on-the-road food and ice cream developed from the Piaggio Ape. Offers ranged from Japanese food to patisserie specialities.

PHOTO GALLERY

INFO: www.ceredasrl.it

The Business on the Road group was in Rimini too; it began operations 35 years ago and now has more than one million vehicles on the road.

PHOTO GALLERY

INFO: www.businessontheroad.it
I NUMERI DI SIGEP 2015.



The fanfare drawing world attention to the excellence of food made in Italy came from Rimini Fiera. For five days, the 16 pavilions at the exhibition centre (110,000 m2 sold out more than two months earlier) put the spotlight on the more than 1,000 businesses at the 36th SIGEP, RHEX Ristorazione and A.B.TECH EXPO, who showcased the outstanding quality of the supply chain in the ice cream, patisserie and bakery business, as well as food service, coffee and pizza.

SIGEP RHEX


The number of trade visitors reflects the unprecedented success of the event: 187,233, up 8% from 2014. Foreign visitors rose to 38,122 for an increase of 10%. The tradeshow has almost doubled visitor numbers in the last five years. In the press room were 615 accredited journalists, including 78 foreign correspondents. The event attracted wide coverage on the social networks, with 3,368,719 contacts.
SIGEP 2016 will be held from 23 to 27 January, together with RHEX Ristorazione.
Style

NEW ENTRIES:
PIAGGIO SAFETY PROJECT
THE AIRBAG BACKPACK

AT LAST, A PROTECTIVE SYSTEM THAT’S EASY TO WEAR WITH ANY GARMENT: A CLEVER GIFT FOR THE KIDS: SAFETY IN A BACKPACK!

A GREAT IDEA MR HETRICK!

The first airbag was invented in 1952 by an American engineer, John W. Hetrick. He had the idea after his wife and daughter had an accident in their car. The crash was “providential”: John began thinking about systems to protect the driver and passengers. The use of the airbag was subsequently developed by the automobile industry in the 1960s, as the various elements were perfected. After almost all the US carmakers presented and tested a range of prototypes, the first mass-produced automobile to feature an airbag was the Oldsmobile Tornado in 1973.
The initial response from the market was not encouraging: there were many arguments over the real usefulness of the device, which finally became established in the first half of the 1980s. Once concerns over possible contraindications had been overcome, the airbag quickly became a core element in automobile safety. Initially installed on luxury vehicles, it was later extended to consumer models. Its motorcycling debut came in 2006.



In sports like motorcycling and horse-riding, the airbag system is worn inside gilets and technical jackets designed to protect the rider in the event of an accident; in some cases, the protection is an integral part of the technical garment, an “all-in-one”. It adopts the same principle as the automobile airbag, but provides protection for the “vital” areas of the body (chest, neck, hips and spine).

  • raduni
  • raduni
Enhanced safety, and style, on a scooter. That’s the guarantee from the new Piaggio Safety Project backpack, with the MotoAirBag system: EN1621/4:2013 certified technology for maximum safety and maximum comfort.
The pneumatic system is enclosed in an “active” container in the form of a practical backpack, which can be slipped on easily without the need for any other specific garment.
Once the backpack protector has been put on and adjusted, it offers the two-wheeler rider an intelligent safety solution.



The new backpack is smart in every sense of the word:
it can be worn with any outfit (in any season and with any item of clothing);
unlike the “technical” garment for motorcycle riders, the Piaggio Safety Project airbag backpack is ideal for scooter riders young and old. Super-practical, unisex, easy to put on, adjust and take off;
the backpack is not limited to any type of clothing, so it can be worn by the whole family! The person who gets their hands on it first in the morning has a safer, protected ride to school or work.
An excellent buy, a present for the kids. Better than a videogame. Because safety isn’t a joking matter. And of the many fashions youngsters take up, “safety in a backpack” looks set to become a trendsetter.
(The Piaggio Safety Project airbag backpack is available from leading Piaggio Group dealers).
PEOPLE
MOVING WITH STYLE/1

CARIN OLSSON:
ROME, PARIS AND VESPA



IN ROME, LIKE AUDREY ON A VINTAGE VESPA

“Why a Vespa tour is the best way to explore Rome” is the title of an article by Carin Olsson, published by the Condé Nast Traveler international magazine.

PHOTO GALLERY

Carin says: “I’ve toured Rome just about every way possible: on foot, riding (and sweating) on a big bus, in large groups, and by myself. But it wasn’t until recently that I discovered the very best way to experience this beautiful city—perched on the back of a Vespa. Let’s take a ride...
For my motorized adventure, I used the touring company Scooteroma, co-owned by Annie Ojile Nerone (originally from Minnesota) and her Italian husband. They offer tours on Vespas, a three-wheeled Piaggio Ape Calessino, or bikes, and they’ll customize the excursion to suit your interests.
Want to eat your way through Rome? The Foodie Tour will stop at local eateries—whether you're craving pizza bianca, gelato, or alfresco coffee in the neighborhood of Monti (pictured), you are guaranteed to end your day feeling sated. The day's itinerary depends on the client's palate, and Scooteroma's food and wine expert is present the entire time.
You can also pretend to be Audrey Hepburn for a day, zooming around the capital city with handsome locals alongside you. The “Roamin' Holiday Tour” (ah, puns) pays tribute to the classic Hepburn movie. You get to enjoy this particular tour as a passenger, seated behind one of Scooteroma's local drivers (just pretend it's Gregory Peck) on a vintage Vespa—the same vehicle made famous in Roman Holiday.”

PARIS, IN FOUR MONTHS



Swedish-born Carin, a blogger and photographer, spent a wonderful four months in Paris, recounted in detail on her Facebook blog and on her website – entitled “Paris in four months” – together with splendid photos, also published in Condé Nast Traveler magazine. On her website, she tells her story: “In February 2012 I went to Paris for four months, to learn the language, enjoy the French cuisine, stroll the streets and find out about life in another country.” After returning to Stockholm, she decided to move permanently to Paris, telling her readers and followers about her experiences in the French capital (as well as her travels), with photos, stories, ideas. Carin still lives in Paris, where she works as a photographer. Her glamorous images capture original facets of the city: not just fashion shows, but hidden corners and intriguing details.


And there’s a special place for the Vespa: like this delightful vintage mint green PX, photographed on the Ile Saint Louis. Carin often rides round the city on a Vespa scooter (“It’s great fun,” she tells us). And also on the Vespa of Verjus, a Parisian wine bar.



INFO:
www.facebook.com/ParisInFourMonths
www.parisinfourmonths.com
PEOPLE
MOVING WITH STYLE/2

NANCY MILLER:
HOW A VESPA CAN CHANGE YOUR L.A. LIFE



Nancy Miller’s article published recently in “Los Angeles Magazine” is funny, sharp and competent. Because in recounting what it means to move through the traffic in the huge American city on a Vespa rather than in a car, she knows what she’s talking about: she took a 100-mile personal test drive on the new Vespa Sprint 150ie. Below the translation of her article, whose title – “Float like a butterfly, drive like a wasp: how a Vespa can change your L.A. life” – reveals whose side Nancy is on. Life is better on a Vespa!

VIPs ON VESPA IN LOS ANGELES

  • Andrew Garlfield
  • Billy Joel
  • Gwyneth Paltrow & Chris Martin
  • Jim Belushi and daughter Jamison
  • Queen Latifah
  • Tom Hanks
NANCY MILLER: “To the SUV lady lumbering down Sunset this morning at 80 miles per hour in a "These people are such idiots!" huff: You are a Vespa driver-you just don't know it yet. You see, the word Vespa means "wasp" in Italian, and all of that breakneck zooming and maneuvering you (like most of L.A drivers) are doing in that big-ass car? Those moves come naturally to a small, nimble wasp, not so much to a giant, four-door lummox named Tahoe. Too many Angelenos mistake big vehicles with power, convenience, and safety, but anyone who's felt trapped, frustrated, bored, and fat sitting in traffic should consider a few pros and cons-but mostly pros-of scooter riding, using the Vespa Sprint 150ie that I recently tested for roughly 100 miles.
Vespas Make Driving Feel Like Flying: Its been said that two-wheeled riding makes travel speed feel ten miles faster than how it feels in a car. (For instance: 40 miles per hour on a Vespa feels like 50.) With a top speed of nearly 60 miles per hour, Vespa's Sprint is fast and light-and even held up during a jaunt over the 101 and tearing down Olympic, with relative ease.
(No teeth rattling over speed bumps or minor potholes.) The new Sprint features an anti-lock breaking system that is impressively efficient: no skidding or scary wobbles when I tested the brakes at quick, unexpected stops. Vespas Make You Look Sexier: Somewhere between Roman Holiday and Daft Punk, a shiny scooter paired with even shinier helmets have become instantly attractive. In fact, the Sprint's handlebar and headlight shape echo the 1950s and 60s models much better than the plastic-looking, bubblegum ET series from several years ago.
A three-quarter helmet (with flip shield) fit under the Sprint seat-which seems roomier than the Vespa GT 250 (circa 2009) that I already own.
The Vespa Sprint I tested came in an azure blue color that I found to be a little sorority girl for the L.A. crowd, but it didn't stop me from feeling like a 1960s Italian mod from one of these awesome vintage Vespa ads.”
Our thanks to Nancy Miller! Let’s hope the Angelenos can be persuaded to leave their SUVs in the garage more often and get on a Vespa, to nip smartly through the city traffic in style. Yes, the Vespa does change your life, and not just in Los Angeles.

SOURCE NANCY MILLER ARTICLE:
www.lamag.com/driver/float-like-butterfly-drive-like-wasp-vespa-can-change-l-life

A TYPICAL DAY IN SAN PEDRO, CALIFORNIA: RIDING ROUND ON A 946



When you have a two-wheeler, just jump on and enjoy the ride, long or short, wherever it takes you. Like this girl on a Vespa, filmed by MotoGeo on a normal day, which becomes special, even if you’re just going into town for errands at the post office, having a cup of coffee, window-shopping or going a little bit further to relax at the beach. And if the scooter is a stylish and luxurious Vespa 946, then every excuse is a good reason to go out, put on your crash helmet and ride off! It’s great riding a Vespa, every day.

Vespa Girl - MotoGeo Fun
DAN RATHER: CUTTING FUEL COSTS WITH THE VESPA

Seen on the website of the Vespa dealer in Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, California, this “instructional” video with reporter Dan Rather for HDNet, which, a few years ago, as fuel costs were rising, was looking for mobility alternatives, including the purchase of a Vespa. A valid option even when gas prices have fallen, as they have recently. But for how long?



Dan Rather Reports - Vespas and gas prices
ADVENTURE MEMORIES
LISBON-BEIJING IN AN APE

EURASIA EXPEDITION ‘98
THE GREAT THREE-WHEEL ADVENTURE

25,000 KM, 212 DAYS ON THE ROAD, 20 COUNTRIES, FROM PORTUGAL TO CHINA

In 1998, as part of the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the Piaggio Ape, Paolo Brovelli (traveller, writer, cultural mediator) and Giorgio Martino (architect, photographer, extreme traveller) decided to undertake a EurAsia Expedition: an itinerary of discovery and exploration across the Eurasian continent. At the wheel of two Ape TM703 vans specially fitted out by Piaggio for the trip, they left from Lisbon on 30 April and arrived in Beijing on 28 November, after travelling 25,000 kilometres in 200 days and crossing 20 countries at an average rate of 120/130 kilometres a day.


“212 days, 25,001 kilometres, 19 countries (9 in Europe and 10 in Asia), 6 deserts, 5 mountain passes at an altitude of more than 3,000 m, 4 at more than 4,000 m (…) 278 pages of notes between the departure from Torre di Belem and arrival at destination.”


Inspired by a great passion for discovery and meeting other peoples, by a thirst for adventure, Paolo and Giorgio made their way along often difficult roads and dirt tracks, travelling through some of the planet’s remotest and least known (but fascinating) regions. From the Anatolian plateau to Tibet; from the deserts of Turkmenistan to the Indo-Gangetic plain; from the ancient caravan centres in central Asia to the cities of classical China; from the Karakorum to the Himalayas. Hugely contrasting landscapes, ethnic and political-social scenarios, in a journey whose challenge was to overcome the physical, but above all mental distance between East and West, to restore a contact between two civilisations that increasingly seems to be lost.

THE TRIP IN A BOOK: “ON THE WINDS OF AN APE”



Almost ten years later, the trip became a book, entitled “Sulle ali di un’Ape” [“On the wings of an Ape” – ape is Italian for bee] (Corbaccio, 2007), now also available as an e-book and regarded as a classic of travel literature. The author is Paolo Brovelli, co-protagonist of the great seven-month expedition on board the Piaggio three-wheeler.

euroape

“It all began at the end of summer 1997”: this is how Brovelli begins his tale of a wonderful journey “on the wings of an Ape” across the Eurasian continent. A journey that followed the Silk Road at the leisurely pace of the small van, through distant lands where time seemed to have stopped, but now is evolving fast. Brovellli introduces the friends who, mile after, mile, fill the story with their lives and thoughts. We explore the grey Georgian suburbs with Mi'a, we smoke Iranian opium with Ahmet, we listen to the tales of Turkmen nomads beneath Amen’s pergola. Later, we meet Ramin, during the days in Teheran, Abu and his Samarkand, and many others, whose stories intertwine with Genghis Khan and Tamerlane, Iranian mullahs, Kyrgyz camel drivers, Uzbek shepherds, Chinese merchants, ancient travellers like Morocco’s Ibn Battuta and the omnipresent Marco Polo. A thousand journeys in one enthralling adventure, in some of the planet’s most fascinating regions, the mysterious deserts of central Asia and the impervious Himalayan passes, the backstreets of Istanbul and the majestic madrasas of Samarkand. And Persepolis, Buhara, the Gobi desert, Beijing…

MODEL OF THE PIAGGIO EURASIA EXPEDITION APE
On the road

STERGIOS GOGOS:
MEETING AFRICA ON A VESPA


HE HAS JUST COMPLETED A 14-MONTH TRIP IN AFRICA, RIDING MORE THAN 32,000 KM ON HIS PX 200. HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY HIS FRIEND THANOS KIRGIANNIS ON A GT. NOW STERGIOS AND HIS TRUSTY VESPA ARE BACK ON THE ROAD: THIS TIME IN SOUTH AMERICA!

THE TRIP IN NUMBERS



Days spent travelling: 438.
Countries visited: 19 (Italy, Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania, Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Lesotho).
Total kilometres: 34,310 km of which 32,000 on the Vespa.
Average daily distance: 73 km.
Average fuel consumption: 3.315 litres/100 km.
Petrol: 1,061 litres.
Accidents, fines, thefts: 0!
Overnight stays: Campsites (in own tent): 145 nights. Other: camping off site, guest with friends, couchsurfing.com, hotels.
Average lodging cost: Campsites: 4.48 €/night. Hotels: 6.38 €/night.
Total cost for entry visas: 752.5 €.
Total expenditure: 5,491 €, or 12.53 € per day!
(Stergios Gogos 14/01/2015).



ATLAS MOUNTAINS & SAHARA DESERT
The story of Stergios Gogos, 27, a bartender and waiter from Thessaloniki, a Vespa fanatic who has had a passion for mechanics and engines all his life, is an interesting and emblematic tale. In 2012, like many young people, he was trying to cope with the repercussions of the economic crisis that had hit Greece (and other European countries). What did he do? He decided to take out his savings, give his 2003 Vespa PX 200 (with a 2-stroke single-cylinder air-cooled engine) a makeover and, together with his friend Thanos Kirgiannis on a Vespa Granturismo, set off for a journey on the road. Get away, change scene, see a bit of the world, lighten up.
After 11 months of preparations, the pair left for Western Africa and eventually visited 20 countries, from Morocco to South Africa, accumulating experiences, memories, photos, video clips, all posted on Stergios’ blog – World Vespa – which has collected more than 32,000 views. Thanks are due to the businesses who sponsored the trip of a pair of youngsters rich in enthusiasm, less so in cash.

MY FAVOURITE 100 PHOTOS IN AFRICA
Stergios and Thanos travelled at a relaxed pace – a daily average of around 70 km – taking the time to savour landscapes and faces; they also had to organise their overnight stays in campsites and guesthouses, meals, refuelling. Proceeding in leisurely fashion, they made a truly extraordinary trip, documented in full. The faithful and cherished Vespa scooter was – no surprise – an important and reliable travelling companion.

PHOTO GALLERY

Stergios didn’t think twice about the choice of vehicle for his on-the-road adventure (he also knew that the vast worldwide network of Piaggio and Vespa dealers and mechanics would provide assistance as well as friends ready to give him a hand). On his Vespa, the young Greek had already travelled in Serbia, Norway, Portugal and Austria. So what’s next? He’s caught the bug: Stergios didn’t really want to go back to Greece, so now he’s riding off again: this time to South America!


Stergios’ Vespa ready for shipping to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

SOURCE AND INFO:
worldvespa.wordpress.com

Community

WAITING FOR VESPA WORLD DAYS 2015



Full registrations for the top worldwide Vespa event of the year: preparations are in full swing for “Vespa World Days 2015”, to be held in Croatia from 11 to 14 June, based at the Vespa Village in Biograd na Moru (“Zaravecchia”). The organiser is the Vespa Club Croatia (in cooperation with Croatia’s many Vespa Clubs), under the aegis of the Vespa World Club. The program offers a series of exciting excursions, including the Kornati National Park, the island of Pag, Pasman-Ugliano, the Krka National Park, Zara, Lovran, as well as gastronomic tours to discover Dalmatian specialities.


A passion for the Vespa, multilingual friendships, history and culture, impressive architecture and beautiful scenery will all contribute to the success of the event. Information and the program are available on the official website.

INFO: www.vespaworlddays2015.com

JAMIE ROBINSON AT VWDAYS IN MANTUA

Words are insufficient to describe the extraordinary atmosphere at every Vespa World Days. To fill the gap, take a look at the video of Jamie Robinson, a passionate two-wheeler-rider, founder of MotoGeo, who had a great time at the 2014 Vespa world rally in Mantua.

VESPA RALLY - MOTOGEO ADVENTURES

A NICE SONG: “DER VESPA ALP DAYS”

(von Chris Cora)

www.vespa-alp-days.at

UPCOMING EVENTS AND MEETINGS

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BEST VIDEOS OF THIS ISSUE/1

CHARO GALURA & MACIEK CZEMPLIK:
MUSICAL PERFORMANCE AT THE PIAGGIO MUSEUM



A model and a musician at the Piaggio Museum: Charo Galura and Maciek Czemplik. The duo put on an extraordinary musical performance in a special location: the Piaggio Museum in Pontedera (Pisa). Surrounded by vintage vehicles and advertising posters for the celebrated Vespa scooter, Charo and Maciek sang “Is it a crime?”, a famous track of British singer Sade. Here is the clip of their exhibition.

IS IT A CRIME
He is a well-regarded guitarist, she is a singer, songwriter and performer, who graduated in Art Management & Cultural Events from the University of Florence. She has worked as a model with professional photographers in Europe and the USA, for magazines, advertising and art projects. She has also acted in short films and videos. She studies music and is active in voluntary groups for immigrants and women in Florence, where she lives.
BEST VIDEOS OF THIS ISSUE/2

KUWAIT: “VIVA VESPA” VIDEO:
MORE THAN 1.8 MILLION CLICKS



The 2014 World Cup in Brazil may be just a memory now, but a great video entitled “Viva Vespa” – worthy of inclusion in our “Best” ranking – continues to capture interest and offer soccer fans an opportunity to re-experience the thrills triggered by the FIFA World Cup (the next championship will be Russia 2018). The video was shot by the Kuwait Telecom Company VIVA, which chose the Vespa, the world’s most famous scooter, for its communication campaign (offering a weekly prize of a Vespa during the championship). An excellent choice: “planetary” symbols uniting different worlds and generations are few and far between.
The Vespa’s co-star in the clip is a young boy who dreams of travelling to meet the football champions. Riding pillion on the scooter, whose colours change from country to country, he travels from Brazil to Argentina, from Rome to Madrid, from Paris to London. Packed with energy and colour, the video – where the Vespa gives full expression to its universal values of freedom and friendship – has been clicked by more than 1.8 million fans. Viva Vespa!

VIVA CELEBRATION OF FIFA WORLD CUP 2014
MY VESPA MOVIE

NEW ORLEANS: HITCHED ON SCOOTER



Christian and Cynthia were married on 13 June 2014 in New Orleans, during the great annual “Amerivespa” event – the 22nd – held in the Louisiana capital (12-15 June). Hundreds of scooter enthusiasts and Vespa fans (as well as Moto Guzzi California and Aprilia bikers) took part in the three-day “big event”, organised each year in a different US city by the Vespa Club of America. Amerivespa 2015 will be held in Indianapolis, from 11-14 June.
A great special day for a cheerily curvy bride and groom with a passion for scooter: after taking their vows, the newlyweds jumped on to their scooters – in their wedding finery and helmet – to ride with a procession of fellow Vesparados to the reception venue. Congratulations!

PHOTO GALLERY

Images from the wedding video.


YOU AND YOUR VESPA
ON WIDE!


Every Vespa scooter, whatever its age, whatever the model, is a cult object, a collector’s item to be treasured, cared for and kept for years after any other vehicle would have finished its working life. The new WIDE feature “My Vespa Movie” is dedicated to everyone who rides off to work on a brand new Vespa every morning, to everyone who fondly conserves a Vespa handed down in the family from generation to generation, to everyone who lovingly cherishes a vintage Vespa.

MAKE YOUR
VESPA MOVIE!

Make a short video with your Vespa to tell us what the Vespa name means to you. You can tell the story of your scooter or recount a trip you’ve made together. You can include shots of daily life, or evoke the emotions you have shared.
The videos we select will appear on Wide, in the new feature “My Vespa Movie”, to present you and your Vespa, the most special scooter in the world, to Vespa devotees all over the globe. Because every Vespa story is unique.

Send your video clip video to: wide@piaggio.com

THE BEST PHOTO

VA DAD’S TRIP ACROSS THE USA, FROM NEW MEXICO TO NEW YORK, TO SEE HIS SON WHO LIVES IN BROOKLYN. A HEROIC JOURNEY OF 2,638 MILES ON TWO WHEELS!