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Vespa Spokane Update, v.4
Tuesday, 03 April 2007

Sisyphus
Some days, it's like this.
Our most recent post about Spokane’s troubled time with Vespa dealerships was intended to be our last for a while. But a recent phone call from Vespa/Piaggio corporate begs an update. To everyone following this story, here’s the scoop:

Last week, Doug Farrelly, regional representative for Vespa/Piaggio , called to say they’d been monitoring the situation in Spokane and wanted to provide an update to local riders.

According to Doug, the former Vespa of Spokane ownership had attempted to dispose of his existing stock, including - without pre-authorization - rights to sell the Vespa brand locally.

Things might've worked out OK, Doug said, but new owners have to meet the same criteria any new applicant would. At this time, it doesn’t look like the new owners wish to go through the qualification process to retain the Vespa line.

Of course, none of this gets to what most local owners are most concerned about, namely, what can one get service, parts, and warranty work done?

Doug didn’t have many answers when we spoke. He did indicate that he’d be calling the new owners of Camp Motorsports to see if properly-trained staff were still in place to perform service work, and whether they’d be willing to do so. Today, we received the following notice:

I spoke to Robert (Bob) at Camp. He is one of the new "owners."
I addressed the service issue and he encouraged any Vespa/Piaggio customers to come in for all needed repairs or service; Bob is the contact.
Until we have further news, Camp should be able to service our cutomers in the Spokane area.
If you hear of any problems or have any questions, please contact me.
Thank you,
Doug Farrelly
Piaggio Group USA Inc.

Doug also asked us to spread the word that Piaggio is still very interested in the Spokane market, and hopes to find a top-notch motorcycle dealership or a new player to resume sales and service in our area. Based on past numbers, Doug says the Spokane/Coeur d’Alene market is a good one. With a little effort, he says, it could become a great one.

All in all, it was nice to hear that Vespa cares about existing customers and the Spokane area. From what Doug says, the company is doing everything it can to re-establish sales and service for its premium brand. Know of someone with the start-up capital and energy to begin a dealership in Spokane? Doug would love to hear from you.

We’re pretty sure a few dozen local owners would love it, too.
 
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