ADVISORY/Grand Opening of Vespa Hartford to Showcase Italy's Legendary Motor Scooter.

Lifestyle Editors/Automotive Writers

ADVISORY...for Saturday, April 26

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

                             ARRIVA VESPA!

WHAT:         Vespa(R), the definitive symbol of romance and freedom,
              makes its debut in Hartford this Saturday. The Vespa
              Hartford boutique features Vespa motor scooters, Vespa
              apparel and unique vehicle accessories in an environment
              that celebrates the fun and uniqueness of Vespa.  Vespa
              Hartford's Grand Opening will be headlined by a group
              ride and followed by a scooter show, BBQ, performances
              by two local bands, and giveaways of Vespa merchandise.

WHEN:         Saturday, April 26, 2003, from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

WHERE:        161 Woodford Ave. Unit 54
              Plainville, CT 06062

EVENT
 TIMELINE:    10 a.m. - 4 p.m.  - Scooter show highlighting vintage
                                  and new Vespas and scooter demo
                                  rides

              11:30 a.m. - BBQ

              Noon - Vespa ride with local scooter club

              3 p.m. - Performances by popular local bands: Soul
                       Merchants and Double Back Alley

              3 p.m. - Winners of raffle prizes announced

ADDITIONAL INTERVIEW/
PHOTO OPPS:   - Interview owners of vintage and new Vespas about why
                they ride scooters; learn how practical, economical
                and fun Vespas are to ride, getting 45-60 miles per
                gallon, making commuting to work and finding parking a
                breeze
              - Interview Vespa Hartford owners Doug & Susan Day about
                their dedication to the Vespa lifestyle and what Vespa
                Hartford will bring to the community
              - Photograph "non-traditional" scooter enthusiasts on a
                Vespa
              - Interview regular group scooter riders about the
                social aspects of owning a Vespa

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 RSVP for the grand opening or to line up an interview
              with the Vespa Hartford dealer, please contact:

              Staci Miller
              SJ Communications
              P: 818-385-0167
              [e-mail]