PH distributor says the Vespa is ‘pandemic-proof’

MANILA: With the launch of two models over the weekend, iconic Italian scooter brand Vespa served notice that it is not slowing down this year — pandemic or not.

In an exclusive interview, MotoItalia Philippines (authorized Vespa distributor) President Willy Tee Ten declared to ZIGWHEELS PH, “For the two-wheel industry… the Vespa specifically, as we say, is pandemic-proof. The demand even grew. Maybe because people were taking Grab before.” He surmised that even those who have their own vehicles might be opting for a motorcycle these days. This appears to be the case especially for males, Tee Ten said. “The demand for the Vespa is really growing, and that’s good news.”

Tee Ten, also the president of the Autohub Group which counts more than 30 brands under its wing, underscored, “The pandemic did affect the sales of the Vespa. We are almost sure that the Vespa sales (this year) will outgrow sales of last year. We have a strong 17 dealerships nationwide, and all of them are asking for more units. So we’re very excited about the GTS Super Racing Sixties and the Sprint 150 Racing Sixties. They're classic and sporty at the same time.”

The two new Vespas Tee Ten speaks of were inspired, of course, by the 1960s, a time of “race competitions in which the speed and battles went hand in hand with the class and elegance of the vehicles and riders,” according to a MotoItalia release. “The ‘60s were a legendary period in the history of racing and motoring. It is those elegant sports values that inspire the new Vespa special series, comprising the new Vespa GTS Super and Vespa Sprint Racing Sixties.”

With eye-catching brand-new yellow and red graphics that stand out in the green and white chassis, the Sprint is powered by a 158cc engine size, while the GTS Super is propelled by a 278cc HPE engine. The Vespas receive a new seat design, retro golden wheel rims, and matte black details.

The yellow and green is said to have an elegantly sporty vibe, while the red and white boasts “a more dynamic, fresh and modern mood.”

Vespa said that the “Racing Sixties” models pay homage to legendary sports personalities, iconic circuits such as the Monaco or Monza Grand Prix tracks, and championships as the Targa Florio.

The Vespa Sprint and Vespa GTS Super bear black matte finish in the passenger grab handle and footrests, the front and rear light setting, the silencer cover, the rear-view mirrors, the onboard instrument cluster base and shield trim, as well as the crest on the front mudguard of the Vespa GTS Super Racing Sixties.

To go with the new Vespas, matching garments (sweatshirts and tees) and two coordinating helmet versions have been released.

In pure cotton with stripes and bearing contrasting logos the Vespa Racing Sixties have bold front stripes on the T-shirts and sweatshirts; various graphics are in the collar trim and inner sweatband of the shirts, inside the collar and cuffs, and around the edges of the sweatshirts, which can be fully opened by the matching zipper. There are checkered graphics of yellow on green T-shirt, and a Racing Sixties logo — created specifically for the capsule collection.  

Meanwhile, the helmets offer an adjustable ventilation system and an external fiberglass shell with anti UV-ray paint, a scratch-proof visor, a hypo-allergenic interior that is removable and washable, and a practical double-D ring fastening system. Clean graphic lines are paired with simple colors such as yellow on green, or red on white.

The Vespa Sprint Racing Sixties, with accessories, is priced at P253,000, while the GTS Super Racing Sixties (also with accessories) is at P428,000.

Photos by Kap Maceda Aguila

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