THIS PARTNERSHIP HAS PRODUCED THE (VESPA 946) ^RED : A UNIQUE AND EXCLUSIVE PRODUCT THAT WILL HELP SUPPORT THE GLOBAL FUND

A collaborative partnership between the Piaggio Group and (RED) has created the (VESPA 946) ^RED – an all-red version of the classic scooter, sales of which will go towards initiatives fighting AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. The (VESPA 946) ^RED has been designed with elegance and style in order to show sensitivity to this serious problem. It symbolises the chance to join the battle against some of the most difficult illnesses humankind has to face.

This most exclusive and most valuable Vespa, a model born to celebrate the beauty of a mode of transport that has achieved legendary status, is also the only product in the automotive world to have been chosen by (RED). This is a record and a privilege that the Vespa 946 is honouring by turning every aspect of itself red, which has never been done before. The courage of the (VESPA 946) ^RED is also the asset that will make the biggest contribution to a very noble cause and allow it to join the ranks of other prestigious (RED) brands, such as Apple, Nike, American Express, Starbucks and Coca-Cola.

Founded in 2006 by Bono and Bobby Shriver, (RED) has donated $360 million to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. This money has gone to Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania and Zambia; 100% of its resources have been invested in Africa to fund initiatives aimed at combating HIV/AIDS. (RED)'s donations to the Global Fund have had an impact on over 70 million people and been used to provide preventive measures, treatments, counselling, HIV tests and assistance services. Having been previewed in Rome as part of the Global Fund event last June with Bill Gates – one of the world's greatest players in the fight to promote the health and well-being of people in developing countries with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation – the (VESPA 946) ^RED has now arrived with its final outfit: This how is the model will be sold in Europe, Asia, the Pacific Area and the United States.

For each (VESPA 946) ^RED sold, $150 will be donated to the Global Fund and the fight against AIDS. This valuable and substantial donation will enable (RED) to guarantee over 500 days' worth of life-saving medical treatments for HIV and help prevent mothers infected with the virus from passing it on to their unborn children.
Throughout its history, Vespa has been capable of surpassing the motorcycle's initial function as a simple and elegant vehicle and turning it into an extraordinary testament to its time, interpreting societal change and evolving accordingly. As such, funding an international project of such high social sensitivity is wholly consistent with Vespa's values and DNA – after all, this is a company whose charity "Vespa for Children" has already launched a healthcare programme for young patients affected by rare diseases at the paediatric hospital of Hanoi (Vietnam). Vespa is now joining forces with (RED) to try to create a world in which no child is born with HIV.

The (VESPA 946) ^RED is the 2017 version of the Vespa 946, a highly exclusive model dedicated to aesthetic and technological perfection whose name commemorates the year in which the Vespa – the ultimate symbol of Italian elegance – was born: 1946. The Vespa 946 tells the story of how the scooter's style evolved, of its role in contemporary society, and of the creation of new lines that have taken the original design to new levels of elegance. Artisan yet futuristic at the same time, the Vespa 946 both harks back to our magnificent past and rewrites its aesthetics afresh in meticulous attention to detail and deep respect for the environment. The (VESPA 946) ^RED represents the new chapter in an incredible story of beauty, enthusiasm, diligence and sensitivity.

STYLE AND TECHNOLOGY THAT WILL REWRITE THE FUTURE

Just one look at the (VESPA 946) ^RED evokes memories of the inspiration and creativity that went into the original idea behind the Vespa.
Just like the MP6 prototype from which it draws inspiration, the (VESPA 946) ^RED is the product of the most advanced technology currently available. As per Vespa tradition, the bodywork is made of steel – on the (VESPA 946) ^RED this has been embellished with eye-catching aluminium components such as the mudguard and the side covers, which also serve to house and support the engine, the transmission, and all the scooter's mechanical parts. The aluminium mudguard at the front covers the 12-inch wheel with timeless elegance and is the same size as the rear cover. The detachable rims are made of an aluminium alloy. To ensure maximum safety, the brake system is of the double disc type and is complemented by a dual-channel ABS system. The (VESPA 946) ^RED is equipped with innovative ASR traction control, an advanced electronic system that prevents the rear wheel from skidding. This technological refinement, exclusive to the Piaggio Group, prevents loss of grip and ensures superior traction at all times.

ULTRA-MODERN AND ECO-FRIENDLY AT HEART

The beating heart of the (VESPA 946) ^RED is a 125 cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine with three valves, which is air-cooled and has an electronic injection system. This ultra-modern engine consumes minimal fuel, makes very little noise and boasts exceptionally low emissions levels.
The injection system is state of the art in terms of functionality and usability. The 3D curves for injection advance, quantity and timing are managed by a control unit of the latest generation.

INFO:
www.vespared.com/en_EN

SEE ALSO THE PREVIOUS ARTICLE:
wide.piaggiogroup.com/archive/wide3_16/scooter/index.html#/Event

THE PIAGGIO GROUP INVESTS IN ELECTRIC MOTORS TO REDESIGN THE MOBILITY OF THE FUTURE. INTRODUCING THE VESPA ELETTRICA PROJECT, THE NEW MOBILITY SOLUTION ACCORDING TO THE MOST ELEGANT AND BELOVED TWO-WHEELED BRAND IN THE WORLD THAT TAKES A STEP INTO THE FUTURE IN COMPLETE CONSISTENCY WITH THE VALUES THAT HAVE ACCOMPANIED ITS HISTORY.

Over four billion of the seven billion people residing on Earth live and work in heavily populated urban areas. New super-cities are constantly springing up and, becoming increasingly interconnected, a phenomenon, which is set to drive economic and social development. Today almost 80% of the world's GDP is generated in these huge urban metropoles, which in turn consume 80% of the world's energy. Higher and higher numbers of people are flocking to these cities, whose size is increasing to accommodate them despite the risk of social collapse owing to liveability problems. The world's 600 largest cities are now home to 20% of the world's population and they generate more than 50% of global wealth.

The mobility sector is facing a change of scenery that poses epoch-making challenges connected to the environment, pollution and the quality of life. In its most advanced developments, the electric engine is currently the favoured solution for the requirements of this new mobility.

A TECHNOLOGICAL AND CULTURAL CHALLENGE.

The Piaggio Group, whose tradition in electric motors dates back as far as the mid-seventies and who launched the first and best-sold hybrid scooter, is investing in the electric mobility of the future and presented the Vespa Elettrica project at Eicma 2016. It was only right that such a big challenge would be tackled under the wing of the Vespa brand.
Vespa has changed the lives of entire generations all over the world, always giving the most advanced answer to their desire for mobility that has skilfully interpreted and evolved while still remaining true to itself. On the back of more than 18 million models, over 1.5 million of which have been sold in the last decade alone, such global success has turned the brand into a universal symbol of elegance and technology.

Now the Vespa Elettrica project confirms the Piaggio Group's commitment, not only to people mobility, but to a desire to change the way in which people move. Because of the excellence of this project, the Piaggio Group is assessing the most advanced players in the sector on a global level to develop innovative technological electric motor solutions together. This concept will be translated into the final version of the Vespa Elettrica, for which production and sales are planned for the second half of 2017.

The Vespa Elettrica will, first and foremost, be a true Vespa, bringing the very latest in electric technology to a vehicle that will retain all the features that have been vital to its success. The style, agility, ease of use and riding pleasure will be the same as the Vespa we have always known, with the addition of technological and innovative connectivity solutions. A perfect mix of excitement, technology and environmental friendliness that only Vespa can create. Like it has always done in its first seventy years of history.

INFO:
www.vespa.com

Vespa is a timeless Italian style icon that goes beyond mere trends. Thanks to its unique design and technology, it has been a symbol for 70 years, because it is unique and always unexpected. Vespa is much more than a scooter: it’s the companion of countless adventures, a reflection of our personality, a celebration of design, technology and independence. For generations it has inspired freedom, mixing elegance, audacity and style, and adding a touch of unpredictability and colour to our lives. Take a look at the “Vespa is young” video: an explosion of irresistible colours, an injection of energy. Emotion guaranteed.

Colour is the dominant feature of the Vespa 2017 collection, presented at the 2016 EICMA motorshow in Milan, where the entire range appeared in delicious new liveries.

Here is a quick round-up of the entire range. The Vespa GTS (125, 150, 300 cc) blends innovation and elegance of the highest level. The scooter’s elegant lines offer a range of sophisticated colours and refined stylistic solutions: daytime running LED lights, new seats, new front suspension, analogue and digital instrumentation with new graphics, USB port, and bike finder system. The new, liquid-cooled 125cc and 150cc i-get engines offer the ultimate in efficiency, fuel economy, silence, and respect for the environment, in part thanks to the innovative Start&Stop system patented by Piaggio (RISS). The range is completed with the powerful 300cc engine, which also complies with the new Euro 4 regulations. The scooter delivers maximum riding stability thanks to the ABS system, coupled, on the 300cc model, with the ASR system for absolute safety. Colours: met grey, blue, met black, met beige. For the Vespa GTS Touring (125, 300 cc): met brown, met red

Vespa GTS Super (125, 150, 300 cc): Vespa expresses its most dynamic side with the GTS Super, a vehicle that enriches the Vespa design with sporting details like the grill on the right-hand panel, wheel rims with new black diamond finish, new front suspension, new analogue and digital instrumentation with red backlighting and new sporty graphics, USB port, and bike finder system. The new, liquid-cooled 125cc and 150cc i-get engines offer maximum efficiency, fuel economy, silence, and respect for the environment, in part thanks to the innovative Start&Stop system patented by Piaggio (RISS). The range includes a version with the powerful 300cc engine, which also complies with the new Euro 4 regulations. The scooter delivers maximum riding stability thanks to the ABS system, coupled, on the 300cc model, with the ASR system for absolute safety. Colours: black, red, white, met green. For the Vespa GTS Supersport (125, 300 cc): met matt grey, met matt yellow.

Vespa Primavera (50, 125, 150 cc): modern, flowing lines whose “key points” recall the exclusive style of the “Vespa 946”. Distinctive characteristics include the new body, offering many new features and enhanced overall quality. The increased space between the seat and handlebars, as well as the seat height for improved access to the ground, augment the space for driver and passenger. The greater wheelbase and length improve stability while maintaining the smooth ride and agility of every Vespa. The under-saddle compartment holds a full-face helmet without problems. The scooter also features LED daylights and taillight, new digital instrumentation with trip computer, USB port, 50 2-stroke, 50 4-stroke 4V, 125 4-stroke 3V Euro 4 with ABS and 150 4-stroke 3V Euro 4 engines with ABS to improve fuel consumption and reduce emissions. Colours: white, coral, met black, red, blue. For the Vespa Primavera Touring (50, 125, 150 cc): met brown, met red.
Vespa Sprint (50, 125 cc): The Vespa Sprint has the charisma of the Vespa tradition, a global style icon and symbol of the Italian lifestyle based on elegance and joie de vivre. The distinctive design that has made the Vespa range such a success is given a contemporary look in the Vespa Spirit, which embraces the Vespa S legacy to lead the way in small-body vehicles. The fluid lines, compact dimensions and attention to detail create an easy-to-manage, gutsy scooter that nips through city traffic. The USB port is standard on all versions, while Euro 4 and ABS are standard on all versions over 50cc. Colours: orange, met green, white, black, red. For the Vespa Sprint S (50 2T, 125, 150 cc): met matt grey, met matt yellow.

ALL THE VESPA SCOOTERS IN THE 2017 COLLECTION

INFO:
www.vespa.com

As per Vespa tradition, a wide range of lifestyle elements and accessories are available for owners to personalise their (VESPA 946) ^RED . These dedicated ranges are an integral part of the partnership between the Piaggio Group and (RED), a collaboration that promises not to stop with the (VESPA 946) ^RED but expand to include other brands and other products made by the Group.

The (VESPA 946) ^RED is also supporting (RED)'s cause with a range of dedicated accessories, including a leather case to fit in the rear luggage rack and a special top fairing. Not forgetting, of course, the (RED) helmet, t-shirt, baseball cap, shopper bag and matching mug.

INFO:

THE 2017 COLLECTION RANGES FROM CLOTHING, WHICH COMBINE SUGGESTIONS FROM THE PREPPY STYLE AND TH STREETWEAR WORLD, TO THE MOST TECHNICAL ACCESSORIES AND NOVELTY ITEMS.

NEW COLOURS AND NEW MATERIALS TRANSLATED INTO VESPA'S LIFESTYLE AND UNIQUE STYLE. IRRESISTIBLE PROPOSAL, ORIGINAL GIFT IDEAS.

With more than 18 million vehicles in the world since 1946, Vespa is unique in the history of personal mobility. Founded to help set Europe back on its feet in the reconstruction period, over time it became a universal symbol of freedom and now is an elegance and design icon. However, Vespa is more than this: it is the expression of a special and distinctive lifestyle.  Its fame is down to its ability to reinvent itself continuously, remaining faithful to its roots and its evergreen spirit that accompanies those who buy Vespa. An independent and free spirit that is embodied in an Italian icon brand, the joy of living and taste for beautiful things.

Driving a scooter, wearing Vespa clothing or a helmet are all expressions of the brand's personality, based on appeal, beauty, innovation, freshness, irreverence and freedom, as well as the courageous and spontaneous expression of a youthful state of mind that is unconventionally made tangible in a joyful expression of colours.

This is behind Vespa's decision to present a unique Lifestyle concept at EICMA 2016 that will embody the vehicle graphics, biker accessories, garments and merchandising in a single creative vision to create a total innovative Vespa look, where each object is an aesthetic and practical reference for the world's best-loved scooter.

A design philosophy that is inspired by Vespa style, and extends in a consistent eclectic manner into new product categories redesigning the brand's profile and creating a coordinated look down to the smallest detail. Each outfit element can be worn outside of a strict biking context, in the logical mix and match of modern streetwear. The new Vespa Lifestyle offers an elegant yet accessible expressive format that ironically and irreverently combines practicality and functionality with the classical Vespa look.  The garments play and experiment with colours and materials. Unexpected and well-balanced juxtaposition breathe life into a refined casual spirit with a modern urban feel.

The brand's outdoor vocation brings to Vespa Lifestyle 2017 certain preppy style images, the masculine style of the 1940s and 1950s that sprung from the most prestigious East Coast universities in the United States, such as Princeton, Yale and Harvard and the preparatory schools (hence the name) that indeed prepared young people to enter these. The look was elegant yet young and informal, suitable for playing the classical sports of the upper class such as tennis, polo, sailing and lacrosse. The new Vespa Lifestye concept borrows upon preppy-derived archetypes, such as the bomber, pullover and polo, mixing them with the musts of streetwear such as the T-shirt and hooded sweatshirt.

The collection's icons are the men and women's bomber jackets that, like the backpacks, are designed to promote rear and side visibility in poor lighting conditions and the men and women's sweatshirts in neoprene with wind-resistant lining. These garments, along with the sleeveless wind-stopper with removable storm flap feature reversed zips with a waterproof rubber strip to make biking easy in when the weather isn't great. The fashion accessories are multi-functional or transformational such as the reversible belt or the keyring-necklace and the portable keyring, the backpack that changes into a tote bag and the drawstring bag that holds a helmet with reflective details. Materials that are the result of technical exploration, with an eye on practicality: leathers and waterproof technical fabrics, light wind-resistant nylons, neoprene materials, mercerised and elasticised cottons and jacquard anti-slip strips.

The leitmotif connecting all the products, from the helmets to the clothing and from the backpacks to the technological accessories, is the visual elements of the striped band inspired by the new graphical personalisation of Vespa models. This striped iconic motif was created from the skilful union of lines of different thickness, with a particular focus on colour synergy, interspersed with visual counterpoints inspired by the stylisation of the "V" of the Vespa logo. This graphical element is expressed in a dynamic interplay of lines on the jackets and T-shirts, becoming the jacquard motif that features on the cuffs of bombers and sweatshirts, transforms into bands on the sleeves and the closures of bags and backpacks and makes up the elastic of the highly coloured pilot sunglasses.

They are also present in other details such as the college-style patches with three-dimensional stitching that borrowing from the scooter and motorbike world are replicated on reflective bases, highlighting the connection between functionality and look that is the Vespa Lifestyle. Other unusual details make their way into the highly coloured Vespa universe: the striped motif hidden under the shirt collars, the chromatic asymmetry of a button in a different colour to the rest on each garment.

Surprising details also peep out in the collection of finishes, such as the opaque varnished metals inspired by the Vespa bodywork and the pronounced mirroring in the transparent lenses, using technology derived from the skiing world for excellent visibility even in the poor lighting of the scooter. The palette is an explosion of full, vivacious, contrasting, audacious and yet well-balanced colours. Fresh and brilliant tones that express the youthfulness and the joy of living that is the Vespa world. The entire collection is designed to transport you deep into a design universe to experience unique mobility and style that is unmistakably Vespa.

INFO:

THE VESPA ELETTRICA PROJECT. MOTO GUZZI V7 III, THE THIRD GENERATION OF THE EAGLE BEST SELLER. MOTO GUZZI V9 MY 2017, NEW ERGONOMICS AND A TRAVELLING SPIRIT. THE NEW APRILIA SHIVER 900 AND DORSODURO 900. VESPA (RED). HERE THE EXCLUSIVES VIDEOS.

Milan, 8 November 2016 – The Piaggio Group will be at the 74th edition of Eicma, the World Motorcycle Exhibition (Fiera Rho, Milan, 8-13 November 2016) to consolidate its position as the number one European and Italian two-wheel group. In fact, the Piaggio Group is the European leader of the two-wheel segment with a total market share of 15.5% as of September (up with respect to 14.8% in the first half of the year) that goes up to 25.9% in just the scooter segment. The Piaggio Group will be at EICMA 2016 with a turnover in the first nine months of 2016 that exceeds one billion Euros (1,031.7 million Euros, +2.9% year on year) and 411,700 vehicles sold all over the world from January to September of this year, up 3.9%.

The Group led by Roberto Colaninno has registered increasing profits in the first nine months of 2016, particularly in the “high wheel” segment, thanks to the new Piaggio Liberty, the Beverly and the new Piaggio Medley ABS (that entered the market segment to increase the share for the Group's vehicles), whereas the Vespa brand has grown particularly in the European market, where it has registered +3.6%. The Group's motorcycle sector is also doing well, thanks to the 8% sales increase for Moto Guzzi (partly generated by the new V9 Roamer and Bobber and the initial sales of the MGX-21), and Aprilia, particularly the super sport bikes in the Tuono V4 family, that have registered a 43.4% increase.

Press conference, on stage: Roberto Colaninno, Chairman and CEO of the Piaggio Group. Run: Alessandro Bonan, TV journalist; Guests: Federica Fontana, showgirl; riders Sam Lowes (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, MotoGP 2017); Lorenzo Savadori (Milwaukee Aprilia Racing Team, WSBK 2017); Ringo (host of the tv show "Lord of the Bikes", Sky One HD).
(Videomaker: Lavinia Baroni; music by: Novadeaf – "It ends with a smile").

THE PIAGGIO GROUP NOVELTIES AT EICMA 2016 - PHOTOGALLERY.

INFO & BROCHURES:
www.piaggiogroup.com

Vespa and Shiseido joined forces for a special event on Thursday 10 November at the Motoplex City Lounge in Milan (a Piaggio Group store), celebrating a new way of interpreting femininity with the emotion of colour. The result of the alliance between Vespa and Shiseido, two style icons who recognise the value of beauty, was Woman Color Experience: an unusual all-female event in the form of time-out dedicated to beauty.

At the Motoplex City Lounge (a perfect combination of store and venue, in central Milan) converted for the occasion into a Beauty Lab, visitors enjoyed a unique experience: a team of professional make-up artists, coordinated by Shiseido, created two looks inspired by the colours of the new Vespa 2017 collection, simultaneously presented at the EICMA motor show.

Surrounded by the brightly coloured Vespa scooters, they enjoyed a unique “beauty experience”, with the choice, depending on their mood, between Classy and Irreverent, the two looks created by Shiseido: as in every woman, two personalities in one, to be enhanced with softer or stronger shades.

SHISEIDO CLASSY MOOD

SHISEIDO IRREVERENT MOOD

The co-star of the Motoplex event was the new Vespa Lifestyle 2017 collection, on stage on the Piaggio Group stand at EICMA, covered in a feature in the Accessories & Lifestyle column in this issue of Wide Magazine.

THE VESPA FOR CHILDREN PROGRAM ACQUIRES THE MICKEY MOUSE VESPA STATUE, CONTINUING ITS COMMITMENT TO CHILDREN. ALL THE PROCEEDS GO TO THE CREATION OF AREAS FOR CHILDREN IN HOSPITALS.

After a long tour around the main Italian cities, the 26 Mickey Mouse statues donated by Disney Italia to the ABIO Italia no-profit foundation were put up for auction in Milan. All the money raised has gone to ABIO for the creation of spaces for children in hospitals, notably the Children’s Neuropsychiatric Ward at the hospital in L’Aquila, the main medical centre for the areas hit by the earthquake in central Italy. The auction – at the Gala Hall at the Triennale in Milan on 22 November – was supported by many Italian celebrities, including Billy Costacurta, Martina Colombari, Marco Columbro, Camila Raznovich and Ezio Greggio, who joined the representatives of the companies who made donations to the charity initiative.

Vespa for Children, the Piaggio Group humanitarian program, made a concrete contribution to the success of the auction by buying the Mickey Mouse Vespa statue, which will go on display in the Vespa collection at the Piaggio Museum in Pontedera. The statue shows Mickey Mouse in perfect rider style, ready to get on his Vespa scooter. It’s easy to imagine the most famous resident of Mouseton riding round town on a Vespa scooter, because they share a love of the outdoors, a dynamic lifestyle, and a desire to go out and discover the world. So the statue shows Mickey ready for new adventures, on the world’s most famous and most popular two-wheeler.

The auction in Milan, conducted by Filippo Lotti, CEO of Sotheby’s Italy, concluded the TOPOLINO E L’ITALIA initiative launched in Milan on 22 April,which was warmly received at every stop (Milan, Bologna, Naples, Rome and Turin) and seen by more than 4 million Italians and tourists. The proceeds went to the ABIO Italia Foundation. Established in 1978, the no-profit foundation helps children in hospital thanks to the presence across Italy of 5,000 qualified volunteers and the creation of special spaces for children. In addition to the three works personalised directly by Disney Italia, the statues “signed” by the top brands, including Vespa, that took part in the initiative, celebrating Italy's long history with the Disney icon, were also put up for auction.

VESPA FOR CHILDREN. Launched by the Piaggio Group in 2013, Vespa for Children is a humanitarian initiative for charity, which, with the involvement of the Group companies, organises social solidarity projects providing health and welfare services for children. The first Vespa for Children project was in Vietnam, where the Hanoi National Hospital for Pediatrics and the Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital in Rome set up a new cooperation program thanks to the support of Piaggio Vietnam. The purpose is to develop assistance for children with complex urological conditions who require surgery, dialysis and kidney transplants.

IT TAKES PART IN INTERNATIONAL EVENTS AND TV PROGRAMS: THE VERSATILE THREE-WHEELER CHARMS EVERYONE WHEREVER IT GOES. THERE’S NOTHING LIKE IT.

LAMPEDUSA: AT THE 68^TH PRIX ITALIA. The request for help came from the Chairman’s Office of the RAI (the public Italian television): the supply to the island of Lampedusa of a fleet of Ape Calessino three-wheelers for a shuttle service for the guests, delegates and jury members of the international event. And here are the eight Ape Calessino vehicles in their smart customised livery displaying the Prix Italia logo, which travelled round the island, between the port, airport and centre, nimbly manoeuvring up and down the narrow streets. Their passengers included dignitaries (starting with the President of the RAI, Monica Maggioni, photo below) and many guests attending the event.

Other Ape vehicles, in a three-wheel shop version, were seen in the main streets of Lampedusa. The Prix Italia is an international award organised by the RAI for the best radio, TV and Internet programs.

A total of 87 public and private broadcasters from 46 countries around the world make up the Prix Italia community. The week-long event, held every year in September, in a different Italian city of art and culture, is an opportunity for the industry to meet up and discuss program quality, and also provides fertile ground for agreements and cooperation. The 2016 award – the 68th – was held on the island of Lampedusa, and also looked at the way Europe is handling the migrant question. The issue is a very familiar one on this Sicilian island in the Mediterranean, at the front line in receiving huge flows of migrants and refugees.
IN RIMINI, FOR TTG INCONTRI. TTG Incontri is Italy's main B2B tourism marketplace. At the 53^rd edition (13-15 October, Rimini Fiera), the Piaggio Commercial Vehicles stand exhibited two of the Ape Calessino used in Lampedusa (the other six have stayed in Sicily, where they were put up for sale by popular demand).

Emerson Gattafoni (Italian TV writer, presenter, director) with an Ape Calessino on the Piaggio stand at the Rimini tradeshow. Emerson has presented two seasons of the popular “Road Italy” TV program, travelling around Italy in an Ape Calessino.

The tradeshow is the top event of the year for the travel industry, where national and international players meet up to network, develop business activities and discuss new ideas. This year’s show had a record turnout of more than 63,000 visitors, who had the chance to admire the three-wheel icon on the Piaggio stand, and assess its use as a high-quality alternative for tourist mobility.
IN TV, ON “TU SI’ QUE VALES”. An Ape in a street food version, called “Ape Magna”, was a co-star of the 2016 Italian edition of the popular TV talent-scouting program “Tu sì que vales”, broadcast by Canale 5.

(Photos: wittytv.it).

A young couple (Manuel and Michela Renzi, 30 and 23) presented their on-the-road “chippie” (their speciality is a chip kebab), which they created by equipping a red Ape. The jury gave the idea the thumbs up, to great applause from the audience.
IN GERMANY, AS A TV SCREEN SUPPORT. The versatility of the Ape is legendary: it can even turn into a support for TV screens: the idea comes from the Italo-German association in Bayreuth to enable the public to watch the World Cup matches.

IN TURIN, “TERRA MADRE – SALONE DEL GUSTO”. Quality street food from Ape Piaggio in Turin, where itinerant cuisine encountered international gastronomy. The 20th edition of the most important international Slow Food event, “Terra Madre – Salone del Gusto” (22-26 September 2016, Turin), was a great success.

The gathering was a must for street-food versions of the Ape and the Porter, now fully paid-up members of the on-the-road food industry, with regional specialities and homemade ice cream. For five days, visitors were able to enjoy the best in street food, prepared with care and creativity. The Salone del Gusto was held outdoors in the most attractive and symbolic locations of the Piedmontese capital. This year’s extensive program took “Love the earth” as its theme, with exhibitors from around the world, events on gastronomic diversity, movie projections, conferences and debates on food-related questions.

SORRENTO: 25 APE VANS AT THE STREET FOOD VILLAGE. The last date of the year for the cheerful Ape is the event organised by the Pro loco association of Sorrento, from 8 to 10 December 2016: “Api Christmas”, at the Street Food Village in Piazza Angelina Lauro, with a huge range of delicacies on three wheels and heaps of entertainment at the heart of the Amalfi Coast. Twenty-five Ape vans, international chefs, music and performers, good food, a combination of tradition and modern show cooking exhibitions on the three-wheelers. Exclusively Ape, the one and only!

THE THREE-WHEELER – AKA “TUK TUK TEJAS” – RUNS ON ELECTRIC AND SOLAR POWER: IT’S THE INVENTION OF A YOUNG INDO-AUSTRALIAN ENGINEER, WHO PUT IT TO THE TEST ON A 10,000-KM JOURNEY THROUGH 10 COUNTRIES.

The mission of young automotive engineer Naveen Rabelli (35, born in India with Australian citizenship) was: to meet people and international teams developing innovative sustainable mobility solutions; to spread awareness of renewable energy, in the form of electricity and solar power, in Asia and Europe; to make use of an efficient prototype to demonstrate the benefits of eco-friendly vehicles for the environment and people. Mission completed: Naveen constructed a zero-emissions vehicle – based on a Piaggio Ape – running on electricity and solar power and drove it 10,000 kilometres, through 10 countries, from India (Hyderabad, Bangalore) to Britain (London).

INFOGRAPHIC: THE ITINERARY

During his long journey, from April to September 2016, Naveen had no particular problems until a week away from his destination: during a stopover in France with his zero-emissions vehicle, his wallet and passport were stolen (luckily he managed to obtain an emergency passport, take the ferry to Dover, and complete his journey to London). Another tricky moment was on a steep mountain road in Turkey, when it started to hail.

How did he get the idea for the project? Talking to the many newspaper and TV reporters who interviewed him on his arrival in the British capital, including the BBC, Naveen said it all started when he was stuck in traffic in India four years ago with a friend, surrounded by streams of cars and motorised rickshaws (known as tuk-tuks). Vehicles spewing out pollution, unbreathable air, especially in traffic jams (frequent occurrences in India’s huge cities).

Naveen decided to do something, making use of his professional skills (one of his inspirations was solar taxi inventor Louis Palmer) to undertake the “transformation” of a diesel-powered Piaggio Ape and convert it to a hybrid system using electricity and solar power.

The solar tuk tuk has a top speed of 40 km/h, can cover 85 km on a full battery, and has a load capacity of 500 kg. It has become the “ecological steed” of this ambassador for sustainable mobility. Naveen drove across India, then shipped the vehicle to Iran; subsequently he travelled through Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, Germany and France, with the UK as his final destination.

The intrepid travelling engineer says it’s been a positive experience: “People love the tuk tuk, they come up to take selfies, and are very surprised when I tell them it doesn’t need diesel or petrol.”

The self-modified vehicle features a bed, a solar-powered cooker, and a cupboard, where Naveen stored the food received from the people he met on his travels. “The best part of the trip was the people who helped me out along the way,” he says. When he was unable to find someone to put him up for the night, he slept in the van to save money for the journey. He bought the Piaggio Ape in India for 1,500 dollars and spent 11,500 dollars converting it. A real undertaking, in every sense.

Naveen with his Tuk-Tuk Tejas in Budapest, Hungary: a meeting with a group of Ape Piaggio Calessino 3-wheeled wehicles used as taxis.

INFO SOLAR TUK TUK:
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Passion for the Vespa is growing in Central and South America too. The Vespa World Club has national clubs in Argentina, Chile and Colombia, who in turn have dozens of local branches. Official clubs that have recently joined the VWC include the Vespa Clube do Brasil and the Vespa Club Ecuador. But the Vespa world across the Atlantic doesn’t stop there. Many clubs are active in Mexico, including the Vespa Club of Mexico City, which last year organised the first “Track Day Vespa” at the “Kartodromo Internacional de la Ciudad de México”; take a look at the video (produced by Eskine Media; music: New Street Adventure-The Big A.C.).

1° TRACK DAY VESPA CIUTAD DE MEXICO:

Track Day Vespa was such a success that it was repeated again this year, on 12 November. There was a great turnout of Vespa riders in racing mode (see the group photo under the title, ed.), ready for a day of healthy competition, the excitement of a challenge and the pleasure of being among friends. A memorable occasion: riding round the track on a Vespa is a special thrill.

And while the Mexican Vesparados were counting the laps, their Argentinian counterparts were out in full force for the “1st Vespa Sudamerica Days”, from 11 to 13 November in Cordoba, organised by the Vespa Club Cordoba with the support of the Municipalidad de Cordoba, and in cooperation with Vespa Club Argentina and Vespa World Club. Report and photos in the next issue.

Still in Argentina, the Vespa Club Rosario took part in the third edition of the “Exposicion de Motos”, at the Parque Nacional a La Bandera in Rosario, from 20 to 30 October. The huge display of international motorcycle brands included a number of rare vintage Gilera bikes – with a guest in the person of warmly welcomed rider “Chiche” Caldarella (photo below), who received an award at the event together with other champions from the 1960s – and vintage models from Moto Guzzi (which is celebrating its 95th anniversary this year): the exhibit was organised by Moto Club Rosario, a partnership dating back 103 years to 1913.

ARGENTINIAN RIDER BENEDICTO CALDARELLA, NICKNAMED “CHICHE” (BUENOS AIRES, 1940), STAR OF THE CLASSIC MOTORBIKE EXHIBIT IN ROSARIO. AT THE 1963 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP GP IN ARGENTINA, HE RODE A GILERA BIKE IN THE 500 CATEGORY, WINNING THIRD PLACE.

Here are some photos from the MCR FB page (photo credit: Sergio Canclini). The vintage two-wheelers were not just for show: they roared through the city centre, to great applause from the public.

The exhibition area dedicated to the Vespa included a number of historic vehicles (a tribute to the celebrated scooter’s 70 years) and memorabilia. Photos sent by Salvador Mateo Ruiz, president of Vespa Club Rosario.

THE PHOTO: VESPA CLUB MOSCOW.

From South America, a giant leap to Russia to share this marvellous photo: a wonderful accolade from the Vespa Club of Moscow for the Vespa’s 70th anniversary. The number and logo were created by dozens of Vespa scooters, forming a striking sight.