Latest news with #Vespa
The Drive
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Drive
Vespa's 1950s Microcar Was Just As Cute as Its Scooters
Get The Drive's daily newsletter The latest car news, reviews, and features. Email address Sign Up Thank you! Terms of Service & Privacy Policy. Let's face it: cute is gonna cute. I mean, a mini Mini is a thing, so, of course, a cuter Vespa would exist. And this time, no chop shops are involved. In fact, this adorbs Vespa has four wheels and is French. According to Below the Radar, the manufacturer now known for scooters also built a teeny transporter from 1957 to 1961. With a 393cc two-stroke two-cylinder engine mounted in the rear, the Vespa 400 was smaller than its counterparts from Fiat and Mini. Measuring just 113 inches in length, the Vespa 400 was five inches shorter than the Fiat 500, which debuted the same year, and took up eight fewer inches than the incoming Mini Cooper that would launch in 1959. Other specs include 14 horsepower and a top speed of about 50 mph. Equipped with a three-speed manual, zero to 40 mph took a leisurely 23 seconds. Utilizing less than 9.5 feet of street space, understandably, there was only room for two occupants. Despite the rear engine, the Vespa 400 had no frunk. That space was actually where your feet would go. Vespa left no space to waste in its already tight-quartered 400. Ingress and egress were made easy via rear-hinged doors. Have luggage? There was a small area behind the two seats for that purpose. Have a kid? A small cushion could be fitted in between the seats to create a temporary bench. Have more than one kid? Hmm, how do I put this? You purchased the wrong vehicle. As the story goes, the Vespa 400 was manufactured out of a factory in Fourchambault, France, to take advantage of the market's growing affinity for microcars. Or perhaps because Fiat was going to have a fit and launch a competing cutesy scooter. Italian tit for tats aside, the Vespa 400 sold well during its first run out the gate with more than 12,000 sold, but sales slid in the following years. Mostly left-hand drive, the Vespa microcar was sold throughout Europe, with about 1,700 actually finding their way stateside. When the Vespa 400 was finally imported to the UK, a vehicle review at the time offered positive remarks. 'Helped by the well-sprung seats, ride comfort is unusually good for such a small car…There is little to distinguish the Vespa from a normal family car, apart from its size,' wrote The Motor, as shared by Below the Radar. That 1959 Vespa 400 cost 351,725 French francs or 255 British pounds. Bring a Trailer Unfortunately, not many have survived, but shiny side up examples can be found, like this one listed on Bring a Trailer which put the car back on our radar today. This little red number with a matching red and tan patterned interior has been an Arizona resident since the late 1960s and underwent a refurbishment in 2015. The speedometer has been replaced, so its true mileage is unknown, but it's a fact that the Vespa 400 is super cute with those 10-inch polished steelies. Offered at no reserve. The vehicle was purchased less than a year ago, selling for $21,023. However, with only a day to go, the current high bid is just $9,000. Are there any other tiny cars from scooter brands we should know about? Drop us a line at tips@
Metro
3 days ago
- Metro
Man unleashes smoke grenades and sledgehammer in raid on Mayfair hotel
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video A man unleashed multiple smoke grenades on Claridge's hotel in central London while trying to steal jewels worth £190,000. Jay McGinty arrived at the world-famous Mayfair hotel's riding pavilion on a Vespa scooter, whilst wearing a balaclava underneath his crash helmet. Footage shows the 37-year-old pulling the pins out of the smoke grenades as he went through the revolving doors at the side entrance to the hotel on Davies Street. It is just moments later that dark smoke engulfs the hallway, blocking the view. McGinty can then be seen on CCTV using a sledgehammer to smash into a jewellery display case before fleeing the scene. His escape was only thwarted by brave security staff who confronted him and held the revolving door shut. The burglar was trapped inside until police arrived, even as he threatened one of the workers. Monica Oluwole, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: 'Jay McGinty tried to use a smokescreen to cover his brazen attempt to steal highly valued items of jewellery. More Trending 'He was caught red-handed thanks to the quick actions of the hotel security and staff who prevented him from escaping and called the police. 'This heist, although it had all the hallmarks of planning and reconnaissance work, didn't work and we were able to make sure he was brought to justice.' McGinty pleaded guilty to the aggravated burglary, which took place on March 14 at around 8.30pm. He was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday to six years in prison. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: How Liverpool has dealt with the aftermath of the trophy parade crash MORE: Heaven nightclub bouncer cleared of rape charge MORE: British flight attendant 'in tears' in court accused of smuggling 46kg of drugs
NDTV
4 days ago
- NDTV
5 Unforgettable Summer Experiences In Europe That Belong On Your Bucket List
Dreaming of Aperol spritzes, sun-soaked coastlines, and endless summer evenings? Europe is calling — but skip the same-old city breaks and tourist-packed spots. This year, make it one to remember with experiences that go beyond the guidebook. Think soaking in Iceland's steamy volcanic hot springs, road-tripping Italy's coast by Vespa, or sleeping under the midnight sun in a glass igloo. Whether you're after adventure, chill vibes, or jaw-dropping views, these five bucket-list moments will turn your European summer holiday into something truly unforgettable. Because if you're going all that way, it should be a trip worth talking about. Here Are 5 Incredible Summer Experiences In Europe: 1. Swim In Iceland's Secret Lagoon At Midnight Skip the overhyped Blue Lagoon and head to its lesser-known sibling, the Secret Lagoon in Fluair, about 90 minutes from Reykjavik. This natural hot spring is Iceland's oldest public pool, dating back to 1891, and it still bubbles with geothermal warmth all year round. The real magic? Summer means near 24-hour daylight in Iceland, so you can float in the steamy water late into the night while the sun hovers just above the horizon. No crowds, no rush — just nature doing its thing. Plus, it's much cheaper and far more relaxed than its flashier cousin. Best time to go: June to early August 2. Party Under The Stars At A Croatian Island Festival Croatia's summer festivals are nothing short of legendary. The best way to do it? Head to Pag Island for Hideout Festival (held in late June) or hop over to Hvar for more glamorous, boat-party vibes. These aren't your average beach raves — we're talking open-air stages, DJs like Peggy Gou and Honey Dijon, and sunrises that'll ruin you for club nights back home. Hvar in particular has carved a niche for itself among the yacht set, with swanky cocktail bars and chic beach clubs like Hula Hula and Carpe Diem. But there are quieter corners too, if you need a break from the bass. Best time to go: Late June to early July 3. Sleep In A Treehouse In The French Alps For a total switch-off, head to the Alpine forests of France and book a night (or three) in a treehouse. Places like Les Cabanes Entre Terre et Ciel near Annecy offer fully equipped cabins perched in the treetops, complete with private terraces and, yes, hot tubs. By day, go hiking or paddleboarding on Lake Annecy. At night, stargaze with a glass of Savoie wine while owls hoot in the distance. It's rustic without being roughing it — the perfect balance of nature and comfort. Best time to go: June to September 4. Ride The Glacier Express Through The Swiss Alps Europe isn't short on scenic train rides, but the Glacier Express in Switzerland might just top them all. Connecting Zermatt and St. Moritz, this eight-hour journey cuts through alpine valleys, crosses 291 bridges, and climbs mountain passes you'd never reach by car. What makes it bucket list-worthy? Panoramic windows, first-class dining service, and views of the Matterhorn that genuinely live up to the hype. It's peaceful, pristine, and the exact kind of slow travel that makes you fall in love with the journey — not just the destination. Best time to go: July or August for green hills and clear skies. 5. Chase The Sunset On Italy's Amalfi Coast By Vespa If you've seen the Amalfi Coast from a coach window, you haven't really seen it. Rent a Vespa and feel the sea breeze as you ride through the winding coastal roads from Positano to Ravello. It's a classic Italian summer scene, complete with lemon groves, cliffside villages, and panoramic views at every turn. Stop for a scoop of lemon gelato in Amalfi, visit the stunning Villa Cimbrone gardens in Ravello, or just pull over wherever the view demands it (which is often). You'll be hard-pressed to find a more scenic stretch of road anywhere in Europe. Best time to go: May to mid-June or September to avoid peak traffic
Time of India
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Piaggio will soon take a call on launching new scooter range in India
HighlightsPiaggio will evaluate plans in June 2025 to enter India's mass scooter segment, moving beyond its premium Vespa brand. India could become an export hub, with new scooters also targeted for the African market. Piaggio is cautious on electric two- and three-wheelers in India due to low margins, despite having products ready. Global markets show mixed trends, with optimism in Vietnam but continued challenges in China and other parts of Asia. Piaggio will begin evaluating the results of its studies on launching a new scooter range for India in June this year. This was revealed by Michele Colaninno , Chief Executive Officer, in a recent Q&A session with analysts in Italy following the company's first quarter results for January-March. The company believes it is high time to enter the mass scooter segment in India 'as we see that we can match the competition now given that the GDP per capita is growing and we think we are now able to compete with other brands'. Colaninno had already indicated in recent times that Piaggio had a great opportunity to be part of the growing scooter segment in India which meant that it had to think beyond the niche premium positioning of Vespa . The feedback in June will show if the Italian automaker is confident of offering a competitively priced scooter range that can strike a chord with Indian customers. Also read: Piaggio CEO says it's time to look at mass segment scooters for India Passage to Africa If things do go according to plan, the new two-wheeler range produced in India will also be shipped out to Africa as part of a larger global strategy for Piaggio. 'As far as other markets are concerned, let's say we are thinking about going into Africa, as you know from India. And I confirm to you that strategically, in the medium to long term, it is a good opportunity for us. And I think that Africa could be the next India for our business,' said Colaninno. It was sometime in July last year when he first spoke of Piaggio's intent to look at a larger part of the Indian scooter pie. 'The mistake we have done in the past is more on the scooter side, where we have not been able to face the competition of low-cost vehicles. We have put in place a new team that will start from now, especially to target those kinds of vehicles,' said Colaninno. While the company would continue to be in the high/premium end with Vespa and Aprilia models, he added that this perhaps was not enough in terms of the overall scooter strategy. 'But at the same time, I think we have to be ready and able, more able than ready to fill the gap, let's say, with the competition that we have on scooters,' he said. If you take the Honda Activa, if you take TVS, they produce millions and millions of Colaninno There was a specific reference to competitors who have had a good run in the mass scooter space where numbers continue to grow at a brisk pace. 'If you take the Honda Activa, if you take TVS , they produce millions and millions of vehicles,' Colaninno pointed out. The Piaggio CEO was, however quick to add that such a comparison would not be apt. 'You cannot compare us with Honda, obviously, which has been there in the two-wheeler market for years in India. But we have…I think that we will take the right decisions to be ready and to enter the big volume market there. Not with the Vespa, not with the bike.' Upbeat about India The recent analyst session clearly reaffirmed the CEO's optimism about the Indian market and why he believed that it was imperative for his company to play a bigger role here. 'I am positive on India, I think it is a good place to be in. It is an enormous opportunity to be there…we will launch electric vehicles in the next (few) years and will continue to launch also thermic (internal combustion engine) vehicles in India in the next years,' he elaborated. The generous feedback for India continued with Colaninno insisting that it was a place where Piaggio was growing at an earnings level and that it was 'happy' about being there. 'We will introduce totally new vehicles in India because it is a different market. But for Europe and the US, I don't see the necessity to introduce totally 100% new vehicles,' said Colaninno Also read: Vespa maker Piaggio posts record margin despite 'anomalous' economy As far as electric mobility options for India was concerned, the company preferred to adopt a wait-and-watch attitude even while the transition was happening quite rapidly. 'The market is still going well. Electric mobility in India in the three-wheeled and two-wheeled business is low-margin. We have the vehicles, but we are not pushing, just waiting to see better purchasing power and reducing costs in the country,' he said. More specifically on electric three-wheelers, a segment that is growing quite fast, Colaninno pointed out that Piaggio was familiar with this business in India. 'We have 2,000 people there in a big factory. The three-wheeled electric vehicle market is subsidised and the state is putting money for this. We have the vehicles, no problem,' he added. Low margins inevitable In his view, the margins are 'lower for everybody' and it was not as if Piaggio was at a disadvantage compared to competition. The company plans to push mostly in big Indian cities and not for rural areas where the electric market is 'zero'. 'Given that we have done investments and we have the vehicle, we will be on the market. Obviously we are happy about the thermic engines that are more rural in India and we are gaining some market share over there in the specific segment,' said Colaninno. Asia is down, the consumer market is not recovering, especially in the premium market, even though we saw Vietnam in the last quarter that has shown, let's say, a plus. Even if it is a small plus, it is a plus compared to previous Colaninno While there was ample cause for cheer when it came to India, the scenario for Piaggio was not all hunky-dory elsewhere. 'Asia is down, the consumer market is not recovering, especially in the premium market, even though we saw Vietnam in the last quarter that has shown, let's say, a plus. Even if it is a small plus, it is a plus compared to previous quarters,' said Colaninno. And Vietnam, according to him, was 'very important for us, because it is a good market, it is a rich market and it is a high margin market'. Piaggio would now wait to see a 'rebirth' of the Asian markets. 'There is some slightly positive event in Vietnam. Thailand and Indonesia are still interesting for us,' he said. China strategy China, likewise, was 'still suffering' with the automotive market showing low numbers. Piaggio has a production facility in the country that is in the midst of restructuring and will be ready by the end of 2026. 'We are thinking of launching dedicated products for China market with our brands,' said the CEO. However, given that it is home to one of the biggest electric mobility businesses in the world, 'we will invest in those kind of vehicles' for the Chinese market. 'For the time being, it is not for exports, because outside of China, that business is still very, very low. We are investing, we will continue to invest in all the technologies — thermic engines, safety, electric engines — because we think the market will evolve, it will take time, but we will be ready to fulfill the needs of the customers, whether it is thermic or whether it is electric,' reiterated Colaninno.
Sinar Daily
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Sinar Daily
Vespa love affair: Indonesians turn vintage scooters electric
JAKARTA - When Indonesian executive Heret Frasthio takes his antique 1957 VL Vespa for a ride, its white paint peeling off, the usual fumes and hum of the free-spirited scooters cannot be seen or heard. The two-wheeler is just one of the vintage models converted by his company as it tries to turn a love for the Italian icon into an environmentally friendly pursuit. Indonesia has long suffered from air pollution partly driven by its addiction to inefficient, old cars and scooters, including nearly one million Vespas as of 2022, according to the country's Vespa Club. "Vespa has a unique design. It has a historical and nostalgic value. It's not just a vehicle, it's also fashion," said Frasthio, chief executive of Elders, which converts the older bikes into electric vehicles. The country's leaders are pushing for more EVs on its roads, with a target of 13 million electric motorcycles by 2030 -- ambitiously far from the current number of 160,000, according to transport ministry data. But Elders is playing its part in what the government hopes will be the early stages of an electric vehicle revolution. Frasthio says the firm has converted and sold around 1,000 Vespas across the country since its founding in 2021 and one day aims to develop its own electric scooter. Once converted, a Vespa's fully charged electric battery can last 60-120 kilometres (37-74 miles), and up to 200 kilometres for an upgraded battery. "This electric Vespa can be a solution for countries that require low emissions from motorcycles," Frasthio said. - Clean contribution - Yet pricing remains a major stumbling block in Southeast Asia's biggest economy. Frasthio's proud but humble Vespa cost $34,000 to buy before conversion. A brand-new Vespa Elettrica imported from Italy can cost 198 million rupiah ($11,750) and the European company already sells a range of electric scooters in the continent. But for those who want to stay retro, there are kits to convert to vintage scooters to electric that cost between $1,500 and $3,900, Frasthio said. The chance to switch is attracting customers who want a fashionable ride without contributing to noise and air pollution. One of them is Hendra Iswahyudi, who bought a converted Vespa from Frasthio's firm, remembering the effort of riding an old model as a student. "You would turn on the ignition and take a shower while waiting for the engine to be ready," the 56-year-old said. Riding an antique Vespa from the 1960s without the pollution and the noise in Jakarta's heavy traffic has also earned him curious looks. "People who like Vespa came to have a closer look and told me that my scooter was very cool," he said. The civil servant supports the niche industry for converting scooters, despite government plans to put a new fleet of electric vehicles on the road. "I feel comfortable riding the Vespa. I feel like I've contributed to the clean air," he said. - Nostalgia - But a yearning for the nostalgia of an original Vespa is keeping some from taking the cleaner option, instead choosing to keep the roar of an older engine. "I prefer the authentic Vespa with its original noise because it's what makes it unique. You can hear it coming from afar," said Muhammad Husni Budiman, an antique Vespa lover. "It's classic and nostalgic." The 39-year-old entrepreneur fell in love with antique Vespas when he was young and started to collect some from the 1960s and 70s. In 2021, he established a Jakarta-based club for Vespas produced in the 1960s that now boasts hundreds of members. Despite trying an electric Vespa, Budiman's club is mainly for those who love original models. Frasthio is conscious that some Vespa lovers like Budiman will be hesitant about the EV uptake. But he was quick to dispel the theory that his company was putting the conventional scooters they adore in a bad light. "We are not trying to lecture anyone about pollution issues," he said. "We are just offering, for those not used to manual motorcycles, that electric motorbikes can be a solution." - AFP
