ADVISORY/Newest Vespa Boutique Scoots Into Charlottesville; Grand Opening of Vespa Charlottesville to Showcase Italy's Legendary Motor Scooter.

News Editors/Assignment Desks

ADVISORY...for Thursday (June 12)

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

WHAT:    Vespa(R), the definitive symbol of romance and freedom, makes
         its debut in Charlottesville this Thursday. The Vespa
         Charlottesville boutique features Vespa motor scooters, Vespa
         apparel and unique vehicle accessories in an environment that
         celebrates the fun and uniqueness of Vespa. This opening
         marks the arrival of the first Vespa boutique in Virginia.

WHEN:    Thursday, June 12, 2003
         6-10 p.m.

WHERE:   900 Preston Ave.
         Charlottesville, VA 22903

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 Charlottesville owner Colin Dougherty
            about how his passion for Vespa began and why he decided
            to bring Vespa to residents of Charlottesville

         -- View the Vespa Charlottesville showroom designed by Jay
            Fitzpatrick, a prominent Manhattan boutique designer

         -- Photograph "non-traditional" scooter enthusiasts on a
            Vespa

         -- Photograph a 12-foot-by-40-foot original photo mural
            depicting Italian landmarks and starring the Vespa

         -- Photograph and interview regular group scooter riders
            about the social aspects of owning a Vespa and obtain
            information on the first Vespa Charlottesville Club ride
            on Blue Ridge Parkway

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 Charlottesville dealer, please contact:

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