Whatever the hype and hoopla, Vespa can never capture a sizeable market share with its ridiculous pricing. When someone buys a scooter he needs it to use for his daily chores. He doesn't buy it just to display it as a show-piece. So, statements like "style statement" and "carving a niche" etc., do not hold water. Piaggio are still in the 70s and 80s and expect people to toe their line of retro design and all that blah blah. Getting some superlative reviews (paid or otherwise) from some quarters can never do the trick and obviously it has not. The dismal sales figures prove it beyond doubt.
When someone can purchase an established and proven japanese brand scooter at a lot cheaper price why would he care to buy a product at an exorbitant price which is yet to prove itself (forget 70s & 80s) unless he is an absolute idiot.
Piaggio, come out of your dreams and move along with the times. Even Yamaha will overtake you when they come out with their products at a competitive price tag.
