Since its discovery in 1981, AIDS has been responsible for the loss of more than 35 million people, and more than 37 million people are living with HIV in this world. And these numbers are only increasing by the second. To curb such a massive outcast, two greats named Bono (U2 frontman) and Bobby Shriver began paving the way for a new idea – (RED).

Now, (RED) got a new partner recently and it is from Italy with love. Being the first automotive brand to collaborate with the organization, the Piaggio Group->ke2268 has created the stunning (Vespa 946) RED and (Vespa) RED VXL – an all-red amalgamation of their classic scooters.

Every purchase of this beautiful scooter, Piaggio will donate towards initiatives fighting AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. $150 for the (Vespa 946) RED and $50 for the (Vespa) RED VXL. This one gesture allows (RED) to provide a total worth of 500 days and 165 days, respectively, of life-saving medical treatments for HIV and help prevent mothers infected with the virus from passing it on to their unborn children.

What is even more alarming is that the life-saving anti-retroviral treatments cost as little as 30 bucks a day and yet, many affected with HIV will not see a day where they know of such a medicine even in existence.

Founded in 2006, (RED) has managed to raise an impressive $475 million with the help of kind partners. How? (RED) puts it this way ‘When you buy (RED), a (RED) partner will give up some of its profits to fight AIDS. It’s as simple as that. Be (RED). Start the end of AIDS now.’

This organization has since touched over 90 million souls and assisted them in their battle against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria by mobilizing $4 billion a year to support programs run by local experts in more than 140 countries. With this, (RED) has been associated with ‘The Global Fund’ which is a 21st-century organization designed to accelerate the end of AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria as epidemics.

One of their newest partners is the Italian Piaggio which has created the (Vespa 946) RED for markets in Europe, the Pacific Area and the United States and the (Vespa)RED VXL for the Indian market alone. While the (Vespa 946) RED came into the world almost a year ago, the VXL was launched just a few days back in India.

Talking about the scooters itself, the (Vespa 946) RED and (Vespa) RED VXL represents the new chapter in an incredible story of beauty, enthusiasm, diligence and sensitivity. Quite simply, elegance is a virtue that eludes most people and this Vespa carries it with silky clear cut flair. This match was indeed made in heaven.

People love Vespa or simply hate their classic vintage looks. But these (RED) editions are here to turn everyone into falling in love with this work of art. "La vita e bella" – life is beautiful.

(VESPA 946) RED

'946' commemorates the year 1946 in which the Vespa – the ultimate symbol of Italian elegance was born. It carries a tale of the scooter’s evolving styling cues, of its role in contemporary society, and of the creation of new lines that have taken the original design to new levels of elegance.

The body of this (RED) edition has been made of sheet metal with chrome bits like the handlebar ends, mirrors, side panels, luggage hook and brake levers. The rest of the scooter is (RED). It is quite literally the ‘reddest’ thing you’ll see on the road. You get a LED headlamp and tail light cluster. The instrument panel houses an LCD screen. The floating seat trim and grips further enhance its appeal.

The heart of every 946 is a leading edge motor. To be called as leading edge, it replaces the smoky, anemic 98 cc 2 stroke engine from the original MP6 with a brand new next generation 155 cc 4 stroke engine which is clean burning and fuel efficient.

The motor comes with 3 valve electronic ignition with SOHC and port-injection. It is said to churn an impressive 11.7 hp at 8000 rpm and a peak torque of 8 lb-ft at 6500 rpm. It predominantly sticks to a centrifugal dry clutch and generic automatic transmission - a continuously varying CVT that is available across most of the scooters.

Being the most advanced and technically sound Vespas to come out of the Piaggio belly, it boasts of a segment/brand first 220mm double disc brakes on 12-inch wheels, dual-channel ABS and ASR (Anti-Slip Regulator) traction control.

The scooter can withstand shocks and jerks encountered pleasantly with the help of single link arm with coil spring and dual action hydraulic shock absorber front suspension and dual action hydraulic mono shock with progressive lever system and a coil spring with four adjustable pre-load settings rear suspension, respectively.

The (Vespa 946) RED currently retails at $10,499.

(Vespa) Red VXL

Built only for the Indian market, this (RED) takes up on the Vespa VXL 125cc scooter that has been running on Indian roads for a couple of years now. And just like the match made in heaven, the (RED) edition gets things started with giving this VXL a high definition red body color, complementing 12” red alloy wheels and red art leather seats.

There are a bunch of chrome spots also giving a beautiful contrast to the all red scooter. Places like the wheel rims, exhaust heat guard, pillion grab handlebar, mirrors and the side strips on the front body panel get the shiny chrome touches.

Powering this (Vespa) RED will be the same four stroke, single cylinder, 3-valve, air cooled, 125cc engine, which is capable enough to belt out 12 hp of maximum power and 8 lb-ft of peak torque. Mated to a CVT transmission, this 125cc engine has a solid punch in low revs as well as mid-range, making this little scooter a powerful scooter for your daily riding duties.

The (Vespa) RED continues to have the same aircraft inspired single sided front trailing link suspension and the rear single sided hydraulic coil spring components tethered to the monocoque frame.

The front braking unit comes equipped with the same 220 mm discs and the rear with 140mm drum sets which are the most powerful brakes seen on an Indian scooter in its class. They also get the widest tires available on a scooter in the segment.

While the standard Vespa VXL costs ₹77,308 ($1200), the (Vespa) RED retails at ₹87,009 ($1330)

You can also get your hands on a dedicated range of lifestyle elements and accessories to personalize your (VESPA) REDs including a leather case to fit in the rear luggage rack and a special top fairing. Not forgetting, of course, the (RED) helmets, t-shirts, tote bags and matching mugs.

Honestly speaking, putting a price on such a noble gesture is just plain unjustified. If not this, you can as well purchase many of (RED) (like the iPhone RED) products and show your love and support.

Let’s live without fear.