Piaggio Opens National Technical Center in Southern California New product testing and technical training facility supports continued expansion of company’s Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio and Vespa brand dealer network NEW YORK Piaggio Group Americas, importer and distributor of Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio and Vespa brands, announces the opening of its new national Technical Center in Costa Mesa, CA. The 12,000 square foot facility houses the company’s product testing and technical training operations, including factory product training and classroom instruction for service technicians from all U.S. and Canadian dealerships, as well as Latin American importers. Piaggio, which had all-time record-setting U.S. sales in 2008, continues to expand both its model line and dealer network with over 500 dealers serving customers in North America. The company also anticipates ongoing strong demand for its diverse range of scooters and motorcycles as consumers shift focus to more economical personal transportation. With design, engineering and manufacturing based in Italy, providing North and South American dealers and importers with more convenient access to factory expertise and the latest technical information is especially important to Piaggio Group Americas’ U.S. based team. “While many manufacturers choose to train technicians at technical colleges, we believe that nothing compares to getting the inside story about the latest Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio or Vespa straight from the factory’s own technical experts,” said Erik Larson, Director, Technical Service and Warranty, Piaggio Group Americas. “Factory-level training means that our dealer service professionals will learn from the very best the technical professionals who were part of a new motorcycle or scooter model’s actual development. And, that first-hand factory expertise translates into a real service edge for Piaggio dealers.” The new facility expands Piaggio’s presence in Orange County, California, a home base for numerous motorcycle manufacturers, suppliers and industry groups. In addition to giving the company a bigger West Coast footprint, the new Technical Center also allows Piaggio’s U.S. team access to ongoing road and off-road testing. Whether it’s the powerful new Vespa GTS 300 Super scooter or cutting-edge new technology, such as the Aprilia 850 Mana’s unique transmission management system, staff can now evaluate each product’s technical strengths in both classroom and real world settings, year-round. In addition to product testing and technician training, the Piaggio Technical Center also serves as the headquarters for the company’s West Coast press and promotional fleet, including media test bikes. About The Piaggio Group: Established in 1884 by Rinaldo Piaggio and based in Pontedera (Pisa, Italy), the Piaggio Group is one of the world’s top manufacturers of two-wheel motor vehicles. With over 7,000 employees, an annual production of more than 708,000 vehicles in 2007, 5 R&D centers, 7 production facilities in Europe and Asia, and operations in over 50 countries, the Piaggio Group has a consolidated leadership in the European two-wheeler market. The company produces scooters, motorcycles and mopeds in the 50cc to 1,200 cc displacement range, marketed under the Piaggio, Vespa, Gilera, Derbi, Aprilia, Scarabeo and Moto Guzzi brands. The Group also manufactures three- and four-wheel light transportation vehicles for the Ape, Porter and Quargo ranges.