Exhibit 99.1

Moto Guzzi Issues $6 Million Convertible  Preferred Stock Underwritten by FINECO
SIM SPA

NEW  YORK--(BUSINESS  WIRE)--February  29, 2000--Moto Guzzi Corporation (OTC BB:
GUZI - news;  "MOTO  GUZZI")  today  announced  that it had raised $6 million of
fresh funds  through the issue of a  convertible  preferred  stock due 12/28/01,
which was underwritten by the Italian  institution  FINECO SIM SPA, on behalf of
its institutional clients. The newly issued shares, which carry a 7% coupon, are
convertible  into common stock of the company at $5 per share.  The  transaction
was  facilitated by Moto Guzzi's  controlling  shareholder  Trident Rowan Group,
Inc., (OTC BB: TRGI - news; "TRG").

This financing  complements the additional  equity provided by TRG to Moto Guzzi
last month.

Mark Hauser,  Moto Guzzi's executive chairman,  commented,  "We are enthusiastic
about  today's  equity  financing.  This cash  infusion  enables  Moto  Guzzi to
increase production and meet current order levels."

Emanuel Arbib, Trident Rowan Group's co-chief executive officer,  stated, "After
January's  infusion of capital to Moto Guzzi by TRG and the appointment of Banca
IMI to explore  strategic  alternatives  in connection  with TRG's stake in Moto
Guzzi,  today's  investment  reinforces  our  strategy  to assist  Moto Guzzi in
maximizing value for all shareholders."

Moto Guzzi is one of the oldest,  most storied  motorcycle  manufacturers in the
world.  Headquartered in Mandello del Lario, Italy, the company produces several
models of heavyweight and high-performance motorcycles. With unit sales of about
5,700 in 1998,  Moto  Guzzi  sells its  products  through a network  of over 750
wholly and partially  owned  importers and  independent  dealers  worldwide.  In
addition to motorcycles for the general  consumer,  Moto Guzzi also manufactures
models  targeted at  government  agencies,  national and local police forces and
highway patrols.

"Safe Harbor"  statement under the Private  Securities  Litigation Reform Act of
1995:   Statements  in  this  release  which  are  not   historical   facts  are
forward-looking and involve risks and uncertainties,  including, but not limited
to, the impact of  competitive  products and pricing,  increased  investment  to
support  product   introductions,   market   acceptance  of  products,   product
transitions by the company and its competitors,  currency fluctuations,  changes
in product sales mix, and other risks  described in the  company's  registration
statement and other Securities and Exchange Commission filings.


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