PIAGGIO GROUP AMERICAS PLANS FOR CONTINUED GROWTH WITH NEW PROTOTYPES, PRODUCTION MODELS AND NEW ADVANCED DESIGN CENTER IN CALIFORNIA 2012 Dealer Meeting Celebrates 2011 North American Sales and Market Share Gains, Presents Company Vision for Global Expansion and Mobility Leadership NEW YORK, March 19, 2012 Italian manufacturer Piaggio Group, represented in the U.S. by its subsidiary Piaggio Group Americas (PGA), gave North American dealers a clear vision of plans for global and market growth during the company’s 2012 dealer meeting in Hollywood, FL. Led by Piaggio Group Chairman and CEO Roberto Colaninno and Piaggio Group Americas President and CEO Miguel Martinez, as well as Piaggio Group executives from engineering, design, racing and marketing divisions, the event, attended by over 300 U.S. and Canadian dealers, included the unveiling of three new production models, four new prototypes and the announcement of a new international Advanced Design Center in Pasadena, California. In addition to celebrating successes like an increase in scooter segment market share from 27.1 percent in 2010 to almost 30 percent last year, a 25 percent growth in sales of U.S. motorcycles, a 63.8 percent annual increase in total unit shipments and a strong 53 percent increase in revenues, the gathering also included several surprises such as a special appearance by Aprilia race pilots in the 2012 Superbike World Championship, five-time world champion Max Biaggi and Aprilia Racing teammate Eugene Laverty. “There’s never been a better time to be a Piaggio dealer or a customer, for that matter,” said Martinez. “I believe the news and investments we announced for the North American market this past week prove our absolute commitment to bringing award-winning motorcycles and scooters and a best-in-class ownership experience to North American Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio and Vespa customers.” New International Pasadena Design Center to Focus on the Future of Mobility The opening of an all-new International Piaggio Group Advanced Design Center in Pasadena, California was one signal of how serious the Piaggio Group is about its leadership role in defining the future of mobility. The new facility will be led by Piaggio Group designer Miguel Galluzzi, whose projects in Italy have included some of the most celebrated motorcycles of the last 20 years, including the Aprilia RSV4, winner of the 2010 Superbike World Championship and the brand-new Moto Guzzi California 1400, scheduled to debut at the end of 2012. “Setting up a research center in California opens a window on the changes that will be taking place in our society, our way of life and in urban and metropolitan mobility models in the next few years,” Colaninno told dealers. “The new Advanced Design Center in Pasadena will be working not only at the cutting edge of style developments, but will also be cooperating with the world’s top universities and research centers.” Galluzzi and team will be working closely with the Piaggio Group Style Center, led by Marco Lambri, on projects that impact all of the Piaggio Group product lines. In addition to styling the next generation of motorcycles and scooters, the Design Center team will be studying and developing alternative transportation innovations and solutions, such as the application of new energy accumulation technology and aerospace materials, for development of innovative emission-free engines using alternative energies. Prototypes Point to Model Portfolio Expansion The Piaggio Group’s product line continues to show how the company views each brand’s position and opportunity in the marketplace. Dealers received their first looks at four new prototypes bound for North American showrooms. They include: Motor Guzzi California 1400. Headed for a global launch in December on U.S. soil, the new Moto Guzzi California 1400 has true long-and-low cruiser styling, but with all the Moto Guzzi Italian authenticity and soul. A new 1,400cc, air-cooled, four-valve engine adds power and torque, and a touring version will come standard with panniers, a rear case and lots of other extras for long-distance rides. Vespa 946. The 946 exemplifies the next generation of design-forward, fuel-efficient, low-emission, low-noise scooters. The single-cylinder, 125cc four-stroke, three-valve, air-cooled engine with electronic injection, represents Piaggio Group’s state-of-the-art technology in scooter engines. Strong torque and performance make the 946’s powerplant the one to beat in the 125cc and 150cc scooter categories. Aprilia Caponord 1200. Developed for multipurpose use, the Caponord 1200 traces its adventurous roots to the Aprilia Dorsoduro maxi-moto. The Caponord 1200 will have the most advanced electronics package in its class: Ride-By-Wire electronic throttle control, Aprilia Traction Control, ABS and Electronic Dynamic Dampening. It also adopts the design DNA of Aprilia’s RSV4 superbike. Aprilia SRV 850. The Aprilia SRV 850 engine is the world’s first and only 90-degree V-Twin scooter engine. With 76 hp, it makes the SRV 850 the fastest, most powerful scooter ever manufactured. The Aprilia SRV 850 is based on the GP 800, the original maxi two-cylinder launched by Piaggio Group in 2007, then the highest-performance scooter available anywhere. Aprilia engineers embued the SRV 850 with the same racing DNA that the company has always transferred to its most sporty bikes, such as the 2010 World Superbike championship-winning Aprilia RSV4 and the muscular motard, the Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200. With evolved engine performance, revamped riding set-up and styling, the SRV 850 embodies Aprilia’s philosophy of performance without compromise. Three New Production Models Headed to North America Led by the all-new Aprilia Tuono V4 naked sportbike the most powerful bike in its category PGA’s new additions to the 2012 model portfolio also feature the new Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 NXT and Piaggio BV 350 maxi scooter. Aprilia Tuono V4. Designed in the spirit of the RSV4 racebike, with a streetfighter physique that is in its element when accelerating and braking, the Aprilia Tuono V4 features the world championship-winning Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC) electronics package and an Aprilia 65-dgree V4 engine. That makes it the fastest naked sportsbike and highest performing in the category. Extremely compact, as slim as a twin-cylinder and installed in an ultra-compact chassis, the V4 pumps out 167.3 hp at 11,500 rpm, and 82 Ft. lbs. of torque at 9,500 rpm. Scheduled to reach dealers in March, the Aprilia Tuono V4 is available in Competition Black and Sunlit Yellow. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $14,999 in the US and $15,695 (CAD) in Canada. Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 NXT. Melding Motor Guzzi character with state-of-the-art performance and design, the latest Stelvio adventure touring family member features both technical and functional upgrades. More streamlined styling results in more efficient aerodynamic protection: a new top fairing and a much larger, 8.5 gallon fuel tank (32 liters) keep you enjoying the ride longer and with a higher degree of comfort. The NXT features the hallmark Moto Guzzi engine design the V-shaped 90-degree transverse four-valve, the highest performer among all the families of engines manufactured at Mandello del Lario. The Stelvio 1200 NXT comes standard with key adventure touring features such as switchable ABS and Automatic Traction Control, roomy aluminum side bags, hand guards, heated grips and adjustable wind screen, saddle height, handlebar, clutch levers and foot pegs. Color choices in the U.S. are Lava Black and Burnt Orange with an MSRP of $15,990. Canadian customers can select Lava Black at an MSRP of $16,190 (CAD). Piaggio BV 350. Maxis are the ultimate efficient and comfortable commuter scooters, and the new Piaggio BV 350 ensures riders have plenty of power to get up and go, with an all-new engine, frame and body work. The BV 350 performs like a 400cc scooter but has all the low fuel consumption and emissions levels of a smaller displacement scooter. There’s nothing cute about the BV 350: from its smoked windshield and glossy black rims to matte, brushed metal details, this ride is sporty with a decidedly tough urban edge. The Piaggio BV 350 is available in Shiny Black and Matte Silver colors and has a MSRP of $5499. It arrives in U.S. showrooms in May. For complete information about PGA motorcycles and scooters, in the U.S. visit www.aprilausa.com, www.motoguzzi-us.com, www.piaggiousa.com, and www.vespausa.com. In Canada visit www.aprilia-canada.ca, www.motoguzzi-canada.ca, www.piaggio-canada.ca and www.vespa-canada.ca