ADVISORY/Catch the Buzz -- Vespa Santa Barbara Offers Vespa Test Rides; One-Day Only Event.

Lifestyle Editors/Assignment Desks

ADVISORY...for Saturday (April 12)

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

WHO:         In an effort to better showcase a fun alternative to
             rising gas prices, frustrating commutes and expensive
             parking costs, Bobby Weindorf, the owner of Santa
             Barbara's Vespa Boutique, is offering free test rides on
             Vespa ET2 scooters for one day only to interested
             journalists and members of the public.

WHEN:        Saturday, April 12, 2003 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

WHERE:       Vespa Santa Barbara
             707 Anacapa Street

INTERVIEW
B ROLL/
PHOTO OPPS:  -- Visit Vespa Santa Barbara to see the latest models
                available in nine colors: white, pearl, alabaster,
                platinum, red, light blue, cobalt blue, black, light
                green
             -- Interview owners of vintage and current Vespas about
                why they choose to ride scooters
             -- Photograph "non-traditional" scooter enthusiasts on a
                Vespa
             -- Photograph/Interview the world-famous Santa
                Barbara-based scooter riding club, The Vesparados, and
                President Bobby Weindorf as this event kicks off their
                season of Monday Night Rides.

WHAT:        Interested riders, ages 16 and older with a valid
             driver's license, will be invited to participate in
             Saturday's free test rides of the ET2 Vespa scooter.
             Typically, to test ride a Vespa in California, riders
             must have a motorcycle license, which is why this special
             one-day offer is something community members won't want
             to miss. This test ride will allow those interested a
             chance to experience the thrill of riding a Vespa in a
             contained environment. The first 50 to test ride will
             receive a free gift and be entered to win an Italian
             night out on the town.

BACKGROUND:  Manufactured by Piaggio in Tuscany, Italy, the Vespa was
             designed in 1946 by Enrico Piaggio as a solution to
             transportation following the destruction of World War II.
             Combining the best elements of aeronautics automobiles
             and motorcycles, it instantly became an icon of design
             and economy. In 2000, after a 15-year hiatus, the fabled
             Italian scooter returned to the U.S. to entice new
             generations with its efficient, entertaining and still
             nostalgic nature.

CONTACT:     To line up an interview with a Vespa rider, or to attend
             the event on April 12, contact the following by April 11:
             Staci Miller
             SJ Communications
             P: 818/385-0167
             E: [e-mail]