FOUR DAYS OF ADVENTURE, FUN AND LOVE FOR THE MOST FAMOUS TWO-WHEELED VEHICLE IN THE WORLD. THE 2014 EDITION OF VESPA WORLD DAYS IS PLANNED, WHICH WILL BE HELD AT MANTUA

Hasselt (Belgium), 25 June 2013 – The most important Vespa concentration in the world, held in the green village of Hasselt in Belgium from 20 to 23 June, was a record breaking success with the public and registered participants: three thousand Vespa riders participated; 2,300 Vespas were registered; 173 Vespa Clubs participated from 21 nations. The most represented country was naturally Belgium with 722 registered participants, followed by Germany with 408. As always, Italy was also a key player with 318 registered participants. The Bel Paese was also the star of the activities scheduled in the rich programme this year: the Sirmione Vespa Club won the tourist competition Vespa Trophy, while the Rovereto Vespa Club took the wreath in the gimkana race.

The perfect execution of the event is a direct result not only of the strong spirit of brotherhood that has always bound Vespa riders of all ages and all nationalities, but also by the punctual organisation of the host country Vespa Club. The Vespa riders from all over the world enjoyed the hospitality of the Hasselt residents, enthusiastic to welcome such a large, cheerful and peaceful group like the Vespa lovers.

The unforgettable Vespa outings, including the one to the legendary Zolder circuit, had Vespas from all generations in the parade: numerous Vespa GTS 125 Supers participated which is, in Belgium, the best selling two-wheeled vehicle, various 1959 Vespa GS 150s and some Vespa 150 Sidecars dating back to 1955. For the 2013 Concorso d’Eleganza precious models and unique units at the show paraded, as well as some of the earliest Vespas produced, preserved or majestically restored, or the rare Vespa 400, the four-wheeled vehicle built entirely by Piaggio of which only 90 are in existence in Italy.

Just how ingenious Vespa is was demonstrated once again: for a long time it has managed to transcend the common use of an urban commuter, becoming a true cult phenomena, loved and even revered. It is a transversal vehicle, able to excite different generations, at any latitude, in any place on the planet. One specific piece of information represents Vespas ability to reach the heart and ignite the passion of an extremely broad audience: the 74 years that separated the youngest registered participant in Vespa World Days 2013 (born in 2003) and the most senior (born in 1929).

The 'Made in Italy' ambassador to the world, manufactured without interruption from 1946 to the present for a total of more than eighteen million units, succeeded on the occasion of Vespa World Days 2013 in moving spirit and body of enthusiasts hailing not only from opposite corners of Europe, but also from Russia, Macedonia and Malta. In order not to miss out on the event, many travelled over thousands of kilometres of roads astride their classic Vespas, like the Vespa rider who came from St. Petersburg, seventeen hundred kilometres from Hasselt, over two days of travel.

Vespa as a means of daily transportation, Vespa as a philosophy of life, Vespa as a representative of Italian genius in the world; Vespa recognised and loved by all; Vespa as a tireless traveller; Vespa exciting with its timeless lines, Vespa that mobilises different generations, Vespa that strikes directly in the heart. Vespa that unites thousands of enthusiasts, joined by a single love for her.

The long wave of success of the seventh Vespa World Days edition has not stopped and the appointment for 2014 has already been set. The most important Vespa concentration returns to Italy, in splendid Mantua.

www.vespa.com