The Safety of Your L-Category Vehicle is in Question

European Commission proposes long due Regulation on
type-approval of L-category vehicles

According to ACEM, main approach taken by the European Commission appears sound, but the specificity of the vehicles and appropriate lead-time have not always been properly considered – many crucial technical points remain open.

Brussels, 4.10.2010 – Today the European Commission adopted a long anticipated proposal on new type-approval of L-category vehicles. This proposal makes provisions on many different safety and environmental requirements for a wide range of vehicles such as two- or three-wheel powered cycles, mopeds, motorcycles with and without a side-car, tricycles, on-road quads and mini-cars. The Members of ACEM, the European Motorcycle Manufacturers Association, have been urging policy makers for a regulatory framework with a long-term vision ensuring employment and the competitiveness of the sector in Europe. 

Whilst broadly speaking the main approach of the European Commission appears sound, according to ACEM’s, in its complexity today’s proposal missed out on many important aspects which will need to be carefully considered by Council and European Parliament. These crucial technical points will also need to be addressed in the development of the four additional Regulations announced by the European Commission, which will contain test procedures, technical details and administrative provisions.
 
This regulation falls during a critical time for the motorcycle industry. The economic crisis triggered a drop in registrations of L-category vehicles. In 2010 the EU market has shrunk by one third compared to pre-crisis figures. The first semester of 2010 recorded a -30% compared to the same period of 2008, indicating that this sector is still far from recovery.

In this context, ACEM wishes to underline the utmost importance of the progressive introduction of environmental and safety measures allowing for sufficient lead-time, for new and existing types. This is particularly important given the price impact that the proposed legislative package will have, especially for small and medium displacement vehicles.  

The EC proposed provisions in regards to market surveillance are welcome to safeguard economic operators against unfair competition and, provided they are implemented effectively, will ensure re-establishing a level playing field and preventing non-compliant products from reaching the EU market, while restoring confidence in EU legislation.

The Motorcycle Industry in Europe is looking forward to working with the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council on this proposal and will release more detailed comments in the coming days.

Stefan Pierer, ACEM President and CEO of Austrian manufacturer KTM Sport Motorcycles stated: “Since 2004 ACEM Members have been at the forefront of road safety, with voluntary commitments on Automatic Headlamp On and Advanced Braking Systems.  In regards to environmental measures, Industry proposals have been laid out already in 2008 presenting the EC with a feasible roadmap.  While the document reflects some of the industry proposals, the addition of some technically unrealistic requirements, which do not take into account current production and market realities, are of serious concern and require further detailed reflections, to ensure competitiveness and employment in the sector.”

Note to editors:
ACEM, the Motorcycle Industry in Europe, is the professional body representing the interests and combined skills of 12 powered two wheelers (PTWs) manufacturers producing a total of 26 motorcycle and moped brands, and 15 national associations out of 13 European countries, guaranteeing jobs to over 150.000 people. The aggregated turnover of the PTW sector (manufacturing, plus upstream and downstream activities) amounted to Euro 34 billion in 2006. Manufacturers alone account for Euro 7 billion. The members of ACEM are responsible for 90% of the production and up to 80% of the European powered two-wheeler (PTW) market.

Reference document:
European Commission, Enterprise and Industry, Legislative Proposal:
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/automotive/documents/proposals/index_en.htm

More information, statistics and policy statements at: http://www.acem.eu/

Aprilia Race Team Does it Again!

2010 World Manufacturers Champion

Magny Cours, 3 October 2010 – Thanks to the 13 points earned today by Max Biaggi in the last round of World Superbike, Aprilia is the World Manufacturer Champion in the highest championship for factory motorcycles. The final standings show: Aprilia 446, Ducati 408, Suzuki 399, Yamaha 332, Honda 309, Bmw 201 e Kawasaki 108.

 Aprilia’s 2010 WSBK season – with race 2 at Magny Cours still left to close out the championship – boasts incredible spoils: 9 wins, 7 podiums and two world titles.

Valentino Rossi going into the corner hard

 The success on the French track is a new and extraordinary result which comes just eight days after the world rider title won by Max Biaggi on the Imola circuit. An absolutely exceptional double achievement because this sweep by Aprilia comes in just the second year that they 1000 four cylinder V RSV4 has taken the track, establishing Aprilia’s sport and technical dominance in World SBK. And so Aprilia strengthens its enviable collection which now holds 45 world titles (36 in Moto GP, 2 in Superbike, 2 in trial, 5 in Supermotard) and makes it, with 277 GP titles won, the most victorious Italian and European name in the history of World Motorcycle racing.

 Maurizio Roman, Managing Director of product development and strategy for the Piaggio Group comments: “This is a result that bears witness to the our absolute state-of-the-art technology and products. The fact that this comes just 48 hours from the grand opening of our Cologne motorcycle showroom, whose queen will be precisely the most advanced road technology of our magnificent RSV4 which has dominated this world championship, fills me with joy. This is a bike which combines all of the electronic innovations utilised on the track to make the greatest technology applied to the sport bike available to enthusiasts everywhere”.

 “Aprilia Racing confirms itself today as a point of excellence with few equals in the world – states Leo Francesco Mercanti, Director of product development for the Piaggio Group and Managing Director of Aprilia Racing – We are only in our second year of racing with a completely innovative project like the RSV4, and it is only thanks to the extraordinary skills at work every day in Piaggio Group that we were able to achieve high enough levels of competitiveness and reliability to win this match against well known brands which have years of experience in this difficult championship”.

 Gigi Dall’Igna, technical and sport manager of Aprilia Racing, has been a key player on the road to this victory: “Even just one of the championships already seemed like a mirage two years ago when we began with the completely new and totally different bike from anything that we had made before. Celebrating a “world sweep” like this one today makes me happy and confirms for me that the Aprilia Alitalia team is made up of exceptional technicians and personnel. A team to whom I want to give full credit today for having made possible in only 27 races what seemed like a silly dream until just a few months ago”.

Aprilia Brings the Entertainment to Moto GP Indy

From road racing and flat track competition to extreme stunts downtown,
Aprilia is everywhere during 2nd annual Red Bull Indianapolis Moto GP
weekend

NEW YORK – August 12, 2009 – Aprilia USA races into legendary Indianapolis
Motor Speedway for the 2nd annual Red Bull Indianapolis Moto GP weekend with
a full schedule of world-class competition and entertainment.  As the
dominant manufacturer in both the 125cc and 250cc Moto GP classes, Aprilia
will be setting the pace to claim pole positions and podiums. The weekend
also holds plenty of action for dirt racing fans, with the Aprilia USA/Lloyd
Brothers Motorsports flat track team returning to the historic Indy Mile for
the AMA Flat Track Grand Nationals.  Also returning is the popular Aprilia
All-Star Challenge, the main event of the stunt-riding XDL freestyle
championships, held in downtown Indianapolis.

Aprilia, which leads the manufacturers’ standings in both the 250cc and
125cc GP classes, is the brand to beat thanks to world-class machines and
talent. Team Blusens Aprilia will be the team to watch in the 125 GP class.
2008 125cc Rookie of the Year Scott Redding, the youngest rider ever to win
a Grand Prix race at the age of fifteen, will battle for repeat victories.
In the 250 cc GP class, Team Toth Aprilia will also be prepared to claim the
podium thanks to the winning rider combination of Imre Toth and Mattia
Pasini. 

The Brickyard won’t be the only place to get caught up in the spirit of
competition.  The best dirt trackers in the nation will duke it out at the
Indiana State Fairgrounds Indy Mile when the AMA Flat Track Championship
Series comes to town the same weekend.  Aprilia owners and dealers are
invited to cheer on the Aprilia USA/Lloyd Brothers Motorsports team of Jon
Goodwin and Jerry Steele.

Aprilia also has a high-energy presence in downtown Indianapolis.  The
Aprilia All-Star Challenge portion of the 2009 XDL Sportbike Freestyle
Championship series combines racing with serious stunt riding.  The nation’s
top talent competes on stock Aprilia SXV 450 Supermoto machines on a
predetermined course, battling the clock and each other with target
stoppies, rolling burnout slaloms and other gravity-defying stunts.

Aprilia owners, their guests, racers and dealers will again find a special
welcome mat put out just for them.  From 6 to 9 pm on August 29th, Aprilia
USA will welcome them at an exclusive Moto GP party at the Pioneer of Our
Land Pavilion inside the Indiana State Fairgrounds.  The event, which takes
place just prior to the AMA Flat Track Grand Nationals, features food,
refreshments, entertainment and a special unveiling of the much anticipated
Aprilia RSV4.  The party is free for Aprilia owners and dealers, their
guests are welcome for $10 per person. An RSVP is required.  Please contact
apriliaparty@piaggiogroupusa.com to reserve or to request more information.

About Aprilia and Piaggio Group Americas

Aprilia world headquarters are in Noale (Venice, Italy).  Founded in 1962,
the company designs and manufactures motorcycles in Noale, with additional
production facilities in Scorzè.  With 40 motorcycling world championship
titles (33 road and 7 off-road) under its belt, Aprilia is the only European
manufacturer to have a complete on- and off-road model portfolio, ranging
from sporty scooters, innovative off-road bikes and tough adventure tourers
to award-winning super sport bikes including.  For information on Aprilia’s
complete U.S. model line, visit the company’s website at http://www.apriliausa.com.

Davey Durelle Takes First Place with the Aprilia SXV 5.5 for the Second Year in a Row at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Aprilia Brings Success in the 87th Annual Race to the Clouds

 New York, NY – July 30, 2009 – Aprilia USA defended its crown at the 87th Annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, with Davey Durelle outdistancing a competitive field on the Aprilia SXV 5.5. With a time of 11:48.649, Durelle proved to be the fastest rider on the mountain for the second year in a row. In addition to Durelle’s decisive victory, other Aprilia riders found success in this year’s competition. Italian rider Giuliano Covezzi finished fourth in the 750 class and was subsequently awarded “Rookie of the Year” by the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb staff. Landers Sevier of TWO Magazine and Visordown.com finished 6th in the 450 Supermoto class on an Aprilia RXV450 converted to supermoto specifications, and in the 750cc motorcycle class John Pierce and Ryan Sweeney finished 8th and 13th, respectively, on Aprilia SXV 5.5s. “We anticipated an influx of Aprilias in this year’s competition, after Davey beat much larger bikes to the top on the SXV last year,” explained Rick Panettieri, Aprilia Brand Manager. “As evidenced by another triumph, the SXV is ideal for a mountain road like that at Pikes Peak. The revolutionary light-weight body, packed with power and superb maneuverability, makes this the best motorcycle for twisty mountain roads – paved or dirt.”

Touted as the second oldest motor sports race in America, The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb started in 1916. With a course that climbs 12.42 miles, has 156 turns and climbs to over 14,000 ft – reducing bike power by up to 30 percent – the Aprilia SXV 5.5 climbed to the top again, securing another title for Durelle. Less than a mile from the summit, Durelle made good use of the SXV 5.5’s formidable power to take the lead from second place finisher Gary Trachy in the wide open dirt section. Durelle and Trachy battled side by side to the top finishing a mere .094 seconds apart – one of the closest finishes in the history of the International Pikes Peak Hill Climb. “I had pole for race day and was able to get the hole shot. I lead for the first two miles of the race until Gary passed me,” explained Durelle. “He put a little distance on me on the lower asphalt section. We were neck-and-neck and I just beat him to the inside of the last left hand sweeper. I held him off until the finish line.” This year’s Aprilia success can also attributed to former AMA Aprilia Supermoto Team technician Amauri Nunez, who was on hand at Pikes Peak to assist all Aprilia riders, according to Durelle. “Amauri was a great help not only to me but to the other Aprilia mounted riders,” said Durelle. “It was great to see all the Aprilias entered in this year’s race.” Davey Durelle is sponsored by Aprilia USA, Erico Motorsports, Dunlop Tire, Arai, Spider Grips, Scotts Perf, & Victory Circle Graphixs.

About Aprilia and Piaggio Group Americas Aprilia world headquarters are in Noale (Venice, Italy). Founded in 1962, the company designs and manufactures motorcycles in Noale, with production facilities in Scorzè. With 38 motorcycling world championship titles (32 road and 6 off-road) under its belt, Aprilia is the only European manufacturer to have a complete on- and off-road model portfolio, ranging from sporty scooters, innovative off-road bikes and tough adventure tourers to award-winning super sport bikes.

For information on Aprilia’s complete U.S. model line, visit the company’s website at http://www.apriliausa.com. In December 2004 Aprilia became part of the Piaggio Group, Europe’s leading manufacturer of two wheelers and one of the world’s most recognized and respected names in motorcycle and scooter production.

Vespa USA Invites Scooter Enthusiasts to Amerivespa

Vespa USA Invites Scooter Enthusiasts to Amerivespa 

 

Celebrate your independence from traditional transportation costs and constraints at the nation’s largest scooter enthusiast gathering

 

 

 

NEW YORK, June 25, 2009 – Vespa USA invites enthusiasts everywhere to jump into the saddle of their favorite scooter and head to Los Gatos, CA from July 2 to 5 for Amerivespa 2009, an annual celebration of scooter culture and community, organized by the Vespa Club of America (VCOA).  This year’s edition is also co-hosted by the Vespa Club Los Gatos and the event is expected to draw hundreds of participants from every corner of the country.  True to the scooter community’s focus on camaraderie and inclusivity, everyone as well as all makes and models are welcome – regardless of whether you prefer your scooters vintage or modern, or are a new or seasoned rider.

“Vespa owners and fans value the spirit of freedom and adventure, and nowhere is that more evident than at this country’s biggest annual scooter get-together,” said Kevin Andrews, brand manager, Vespa USA.  “We’re looking forward to celebrating the Fourth of July weekend doing what we like best – making new friends with fellow scooterists and sharing new adventures.”

This year’s Amerivespa attendees will enjoy a wide range of events, activities and entertainment, including the chance to win an all-new Vespa GTS 300 Super, Vespa’s highest-performance scooter to-date.  Throughout the long holiday weekend, attendees can be busy participants or just enjoy bystander status.  You’ll see some of the most colorful customs as well as rare restorations at the non-traditional Concours d’Elegance, which celebrates the scooter in all its fun forms instead of focusing on matching part numbers and standards of correctness.  Competition-minded riders might want to enter the scooter drag race – where your ability to cross the finish line last will get you on the podium.  Whether you’re a serious scooterist with an interest in factory technician tips or a casual rider who would prefer a guided shopping ride, there’s an opportunity to twist-and-go in many different directions.

For more information, please visit http://www.amerivespa.org or visit the AmeriVespa Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Amerivespa-2009/62309843061.  For the latest news about Vespa scooters, please ride on over to www.vespaUSA.com 

 

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.

 

About Vespa Club of America:

The Vespa Club of America is dedicated to promoting scootering and the appreciation of the fine Vespa Motor scooter. Filled with ranks of vintage and modern enthusiasts, the VCOA puts out a quarterly magazine, and promotes the Amerivespa national scooter rally every year. More information can be found at www.VespaClubUSA.org

Aprilia USA Brought Hollywood to Road Racing with Blockbuster Debut

Aprilia USA Brought Hollywood to Road Racing with Blockbuster Debut

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen inspired Aprilia race bike unveiled
during action-packed Road America weekend

NEW YORK, NY – June 6, 2009 – Aprilia USA  added a special dose of Hollywood
blockbuster excitement to the AMA Pro Daytona SportBike series when it
unveiled a one-of-a-kind Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen inspired race
bike today.  This special stealth edition of an Aprilia RSV 1000 Factory
competition machine made its debut during Round 6 of the road racing series
at Road America in Elkhart Lake, WI.

The aggressively styled Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Aprilia bike
revved up excitement for the June 24 opening of one of this year’s most
anticipated movies among an estimated audience of over 70,000 race fans. 
     
Enthusiasts had plenty of chances to see the bike up close, on the track,
online and will be able to watch it during a future segment of AMA Pro Prime
Time on SpeedTV.  Following its Paddock debut, KWS Factory Aprilia Millenium
Technologies rider Ben Thompson (97) took the bike to the starting grid
twice.  Race 1 of the Daytona SportBike was at 4 p.m., Saturday, June 6 and
Race 2 begins at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 7.  In addition to his exclusive
ride, Thompson waged an equally ferocious helmet, whose design matches the
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen theme.

In addition, Aprilia hosted an exclusive Midwest unveiling of the
revolutionary 2010 RSV 4 Factory streetbike.  Expected to transform the
production superbike category with its unique blend of brutal power, Italian
style and technical innovation, this was the very first Midwest appearance
of the Aprilia RSV 4.  It is the only RSV 4 currently on U.S. soil.

Aprilia and superbike fans also had the chance to test the latest
motorcycles from the Italian manufacturer by partaking in the Aprilia
Adventure: Road America.  For riders who want to experience the adrenaline
rush of Aprilia motorcycles, the Aprilia Adventure is the antidote to the
traditional short demo ride.  Instead of a few minutes riding through
traffic, enthusiasts had plenty of time to fully appreciate the real
capabilities of the bikes.  Along the way, participants also enjoyed
hospitality, refreshments and an Aprilia gift bag.  The Aprilia Adventure
was open to licensed riders with proper riding gear for $20.00 per person. 

About “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen”

In the highly-anticipated “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,” debuting
June 24, 2009, Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) again joins with the Autobots®
against their sworn enemies, the Decepticons®. Michael Bay directs from a
screenplay by Ehren Kruger & Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman.
“Transformers” was the highest grossing original film and bestselling DVD of
2007. The film also received three Oscar® nominations and won “Best Movie”
at the MTV Movie Awards.

TRANSFORMERS is a brand of Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS). Hasbro is a worldwide
leader in children’s and family leisure time products and services with a
rich portfolio of brands and entertainment properties that provides some of
the highest quality and most recognizable play and recreational experiences
in the world. As a brand-driven, consumer-focused global company, Hasbro
brings to market a range of toys, games and licensed products, from
traditional to high-tech and digital, under such powerful brand names as
TRANSFORMERS, PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, CRANIUM and
WIZARDS OF THE COAST. Come see how we inspire play through our brands at
http://www.hasbro.com (C) 2009 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures Present In Association with
Hasbro A di Bonaventura Pictures Production A Tom DeSanto/Don Murphy
Production A Michael Bay Film “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” starring
Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, Kevin Dunn, Julie
White, John Benjamin Hickey, Ramon Rodriguez, Isabel Lucas, Glenn Morshower
and John Turturro. The film is directed by Michael Bay. Written by Ehren
Kruger & Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman. Based on Hasbro’s Transformers™
Action Figures. Produced by Don Murphy & Tom DeSanto, Lorenzo di Bonaventura
and Ian Bryce. Executive producers are Steven Spielberg, Michael Bay, Brian
Goldner and Mark Vahradian. This film has been rated PG-13 for intense
sequences of sci-fi action violence, language, some crude and sexual
material, and brief drug material.

About Aprilia and Piaggio Group Americas

Aprilia world headquarters are in Noale (Venice, Italy).  Founded in 1962,
the company designs and manufactures motorcycles in Noale, with production
facilities in Scorzè.  With 38 motorcycling world championship titles (32
road and 6 off-road) under its belt, Aprilia is the only European
manufacturer to have a complete on- and off-road model portfolio, ranging
from sporty scooters, innovative off-road bikes and tough adventure tourers
to award-winning super sport bikes.  For information on Aprilia’s complete
U.S. model line, visit the company’s website at http://www.apriliausa.com.

In December 2004 Aprilia became part of the Piaggio Group, Europe’s leading
manufacturer of two wheelers and one of the world’s most recognized and
respected names in motorcycle and scooter production.

APRILIA USA UNVEILS TWO BLOCKBUSTERS ON SATURDAY, JUNE 6 AT ROAD AMERICA

APRILIA USA UNVEILS TWO BLOCKBUSTERS ON SATURDAY, JUNE 6 AT ROAD AMERICA

 

WHAT:

One of this year’s hottest movie properties is this summer’s Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and one of the year’s most eagerly awaited superbikes is the 2010 Aprilia RSV 4.  It’s only fitting then that an exclusive Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Aprilia race bike, as well as the all-new RSV 4, will be unveiled at the same time during the June 5-7 AMA Pro Superbike weekend at Road America.  Media planning on attending the races are invited to be among the first to see both and meet with Aprilia executives and the KWS Factory Aprilia Millenium Technologies race team to learn about the latest product and company news.

 

WHERE:         Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

                        Road America Paddock, at the Aprilia race truck

 

WHEN:           Saturday, June 6, 2009

Noon:              Media-only lunch with Aprilia race team and executives (rsvp required)

1 p.m:              Official unveiling of both motorcycles

 

Video and photography available to media following the event

 

DETAILS:

Aprilia USA will add a special dose of Hollywood blockbuster excitement to the AMA Pro Daytona SportBike series when it unveils a one-of-a-kind Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen race bike on Saturday, June 6 at 1 p.m. at the Aprilia race truck inside the Road America Paddock. 

 

KWS Factory Aprilia Millenium Technologies rider Ben Thompson (97) will compete in both races onboard this aggressively transformed Aprilia RSV 1000 Factory.  He’ll be waging battle on the track sporting an equally ferocious helmet, both inspired by Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, in theaters June 24.   

 

In addition, Aprilia will also host an exclusive unveiling of the revolutionary 2010 RSV 4 superbike.  Expected to transform the production superbike category with its unique blend of brutal power, Italian style and technical innovation, this is the very first Midwest appearance of the Aprilia RSV 4, the only one currently in the USA.

Aprilia to Unveil RSV 4 Factory on May 30 at FIM Superbike World Championship Race

Aprilia to Unveil RSV 4 Factory on May 30 at FIM Superbike World Championship Race

 

Eagerly awaited U.S. debut to be held at Utah’s Miller Motorsports Park

 

NEW YORK, NY – May 27, 2009 – Aprilia USA, the North American importer and distributor of Aprilia motorcycles and scooters ,  announced plans for the official U.S. unveiling of its eagerly awaited RSV 4 Factory superbike at the  upcoming FIM World Superbike Championship USA round at Miller Motorsports Park in Toole, Utah.

 

Scheduled for Saturday, May 30, at noon at the Aprilia display truck, the U.S. premiere will also be highlighted by the appearance of Aprilia Racing’s World Superbike team of Max Biaggi and Shinya Nakano. The racers will be stateside to compete in the HANNspree FIM Superbike Championship, the seventh and only U.S. stop in the 14 race series.

 

Biaggi and Nakano will look to add to Aprilia’s extensive history of on-track accomplishments.  To date, the brand has earned 40 world championships, 254 MotoGP wins and eight Superbike victories.   Aboard a racing version of the RSV 4, the newly formed team takes to tracks around the world on a superbike that has generated acclaim throughout the international motorcycle community.

 

Designed and built with the same philosophy adopted by Aprilia’s racing division, the RSV 4 Factory follows a completely innovative approach in its design and construction.  Its narrow 999 cc V-four cylinder engine, the use of state-of-the-art electronics, lightweight frame and extreme compactness are only a few of the features that will make this newest Aprilia truly unique to customers in the U.S. and throughout the world.

 

“The level of excitement and anticipation for the RSV 4 Factory has been unprecedented,” said Aprilia USA Brand Manager Rick Panettieri.  “This is a truly amazing bike with awesome performance and we felt it would be ideal to unveil it here to Superbike race fans and passionate Aprilia enthusiasts.”   Race fans who visit the Aprilia display this weekend can have their photo taken with the RSV 4 and receive complimentary Aprilia racing gifts and memorabilia.

 

About Aprilia and Piaggio Group Americas

Aprilia world headquarters are in Noale (Venice, Italy).  Founded in 1962, the company designs and manufactures motorcycles in Noale, with production facilities in Scorzè.  With 38 motorcycling world championship titles (32 road and 6 off-road) under its belt, Aprilia is the only European manufacturer to have a complete on- and off-road model portfolio, ranging from sporty scooters, innovative off-road bikes and tough adventure tourers to award-winning super sport bikes.  For information on Aprilia’s complete U.S. model line, visit the company’s website at http://www.apriliausa.com.

 

In December 2004 Aprilia became part of the Piaggio Group, Europe’s leading manufacturer of two wheelers and one of the world’s most recognized and respected names in motorcycle and scooter production.

 

With approximately 7,000 employees, approximately 708,500 vehicles sold 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 2 wheeler market.  Its production includes 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.

Arai Ranks Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Motorcycle Helmets for an 11th Consecutive Year

J.D. Power and Associates Reports:

Arai Ranks Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Motorcycle Helmets for an 11th Consecutive Year

 

Helmet Owners Increasingly Likely to Purchase Online

 

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.: 26 May 2009 — Arai ranks highest in satisfying motorcycle helmet owners for an 11th consecutive year, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction Study^SM released today.

 

The study measures the overall satisfaction of motorcyclists with their new helmet in three key factors: ventilation, face shield, and design and styling; which consist of 11 attributes: quietness; ventilation/air flow; de-fogging; face shield ability to keep wind out; face shield ability to resist scratching; ease of replacing face shield; scratch resistance of shell; color/graphic design; weight; ease of fastening the strap; and fit and comfort.

 

With a score of 830 on a 1,000-point scale, Arai ranks highest and performs particularly well in the ventilation and design and styling factors. Shoei follows with a score of 815 and performs well in face shield. Icon ranks third overall with a score of 806.

 

“Arai continues to improve in the areas critical to customer satisfaction, which has further differentiated it from other manufacturers,” said Tim Fox, research manager of the powersports practice at J.D. Power and Associates. “Arai’s focus on fit and comfort—the most important consideration when purchasing a motorcycle helmet—and its ability to cater to different types of riders have given the manufacturer a consistent edge in satisfying customers.”

 

Overall satisfaction with motorcycle helmets has increased to an average of 766 in 2009—up 5 points from 2008—the highest level since the study’s inception in 1999.

 

The study finds that while the percentage of helmet owners who conducted research online before buying has remained relatively steady from 2008 at 36 percent, the proportion of helmet owners who purchased their helmet online has increased—up to 17 percent in 2009 from 14 percent in 2008. Additionally, those who purchased more expensive helmets ($200 or more) are more likely to both research and purchase their helmet online. More than one-half of these helmet owners researched online prior to their purchase, and 22 percent of them made their purchase online.

 

The 2009 Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction Study is based on responses from more than 4,600 purchasers of new 2008 model-year motorcycles who provided information about their most recent helmet purchase experience and helmet use. The study was fielded in September and October 2008.

 

About J.D. Power and Associates

Headquartered in Westlake Village , Calif. , J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, Web intelligence and customer satisfaction.  The company’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually.  For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

 

About The McGraw-Hill Companies

Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE:  MHP) is a leading global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor’s, McGraw-Hill Education, BusinessWeek and J.D. Power and Associates. The Corporation has more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2008 were $6.4 billion. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com.

Ride for the Kids

Moto Guzzi and AMA Pro Racing President Roger Edmondson Join Chick-fil-A
Kyle Petty Charity Ride for Kids

Celebrity-rider autographed Moto Guzzi Norge will raise additional fund at
2010 Sound and Speed charity auction

NEW YORK – April 28, 2009 – Moto Guzzi motorcycles http://www.motoguzzi-us.com have
delighted riders with their unique motor music and long-distance riding
comfort for over 80 years.  Now, one of this storied brand’s thoroughly
modern sport touring motorcycles, the Moto Guzzi Norge, will travel
cross-country on the 15th anniversary Chick-fil-A Kyle Petty Charity Ride,
starting in Stevenson, Wash. on May 8.  Piloted by AMA Pro Racing President
and Grand-AM CEO Roger Edmondson, the Moto Guzzi Norge will head east, along
with over 200 other riders and motorcycles, collecting autographs from
celebrity participants along the route.  Its final destination is the
January 2010 Sound and Speed charity auction http://www.soundandspeed.org in
Nashville, Tenn., benefitting children’s charities, including Petty’s
Victory Junction camp.
     
“I’ve been an enthusiastic rider for over 53 years and I’m especially happy
to combine my passion for motorcycles with a terrific cause like Kyle and
Pattie’s charity ride,” said Edmondson.  Edmondson, who was first hooked on
two wheels when he bought a scooter at the age of 13, is no stranger to Moto
Guzzi.  He owned one of the best-loved Moto Guzzi models, an 850 LeMans –
the same model that AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Mike Baldwin unexpectedly
took to a runaway victory in the 1976 AMA Superbike race at Loudon, New
Hampshire.
     
Edmondson will be adding a number of non-standard “options’ to the Norge
along the route.  To prep the Moto Guzzi for its final destination, the 2010
Sound and Speed charity auction, he’ll ask notable ride participants like
NASCAR legend Harry Gant, Chick-fil-A president and COO Dan Cathy, football
great Herschel Walker and PGA Tour professional Davis Love III to add their
autographs to the motorcycle.
     
     
Supported by a growing number of caring riders each year, the 15th
anniversary Ride benefits Victory Junction and other children’s
charities. Petty and his wife, Pattie, founded Victory Junction in
Randleman, N.C., in 2004. The year-round camp serves children ages 6 to 16,
with serious health issues, at no cost to their families. The Petty’s plans
to open a second Victory Junction will come to fruition on May 13 when the
Ride stops in Kansas City, Kan., to participate in a ceremonial
groundbreaking celebration at the site of the new camp. 
     
Since its inception, the Ride has visited 49 states and donated more than
$12 million to children’s charities. Riders have traveled approximately 7.9
million cumulative motorcycle miles, and 13 riders have participated all 15
years.  For complete and current information on the Ride, visit
http://www.kylepettycharityride.com.
     
About Moto Guzzi and Piaggio Group Americas
     
For more than 85 years, Moto Guzzi has maintained a reputation as one of
world’s most prominent manufacturers of motorcycles. The company was founded
in 1921 on the shores of Lake Como in the village of Mandello del Lario,
Italy, where the motorcycles are still manufactured today.  Moto Guzzi has
notched up no fewer than 3,300 racing wins including 14 world GP titles, 22
world records and 11 Isle of Man Tourist Trophy wins in the course of its
long history. 
     
In December 2004 Moto Guzzi became part of the Piaggio Group, Europe’s
leading manufacturer of two wheelers and one of the world’s most recognized
and respected names in motorcycle and scooter production.  For more
information on Moto Guzzi’s complete U.S. model line, visit
http://www.motoguzzi-us.com.