As gas prices bite, Americans go Roman and eye up Vespas

For the longest time, big has been beautiful in America, at least in terms of cars. But as petrol prices bite into American pocketbooks, US motorists are ending their love affair with the “Yank tank”, and many are considering the ultimate step in downsizing: losing two wheels and riding a scooter.

“Americans love cars, especially big cars, and for them to decide to use something different has not been an easy decision,” Paolo Timoni, chief executive of Piaggio Group Americas, producer of the classic Italian Vespa and Piaggio scooters that crowd roundabouts from Rome to Naples, told AFP.

AFP