CASE STUDY

CLIENT: Genuine Scooter Company WEB SITE: www.genuinescooters.com ENGAGEMENT: December 2004 May 2005
BACKGROUND U.S.-based Genuine Scooter Company introduced Stella, a replica of the best-selling vintage Piaggio Vespa PX 150 scooter in 2002. The four-speed, two-stroke, 90-mpg, steel motor scooter was an instant hit with die-hard, vintage scooter lovers. PROBLEM At the end of 2004, Genuine determined that it needed to expand its market and gain visibility among the mainstream population (and likely non-scooter owners) to grow its sales, dealership base and revenues. Genuine also found that many potential scooter owners preferred automatic transmissions compared to Stellas four-speed manual transmission. SOLUTION SHERMAN communications and marketing was contracted for a six-month engagement to help increase awareness and grow the business. We developed a public relations program focused on promoting Stellas: sex/cool appeal, value compared to Piaggios new Vespa scooters and re-issued PX 150, highquality steel body and mechanical attributes, authentic collectors-item-out-of-the-box design, high performance and value, great gas mileage, and universal fun factor. With 60 dealers and growing throughout the U.S., we needed to secure coverage that would drive traffic into Genuines dealerships. RESULTS The Chicago Tribune wrote a front-page business story complete with several color and black and white photos. The story was picked up by nine other prominent newspapers around the country. Secured product reviews with photographs of Stella in mens magazines, including Penthouse and Mens Edge. Motor News Media and Motor Matters, two automotive news syndication services, each wrote an extensive review/story about Stella, complete with several photographs. Combined, their articles ran in more than 50 newspapers around the country, ranging from the San Francisco Chronicle to the Orange County Register to the Birmingham News/Post-Herald. Media coverage later helped lead to Business 2.0 and Wall Street Journal feature stories on Stella and Genuines founder, Philip McCaleb. The public relations program greatly increased Genuines visibility among the general public, as well as scooter enthusiasts. In 2005, Genuines net sales grew approximately 40 percent and its dealerships grew from 60 to 75. Jason Sherman puts his money where his mouth is.he delivers on creative projects and provides imaginative publicity that works on many levels. He's a great strategic thinker who can help you with real issues, like growing revenues and impacting your bottom line. Philip McCaleb, founder and president, Genuine Scooter Co.