History

2004

April 6th 2004
Piaggio signs a strategic agreement with Chinese group Zongshen to produce and market engines, vehicles and components for the Asian market. The Prime Minister of the Popular Republic of China Wen Jiabao visits group headquarters in Pontedera, and is welcomed by Group Chairman Roberto Colaninno, Chief Executive Officer Rocco Sabelli, and by Piaggio management and staff.
Matteo Colaninno, Vice Chairman of the Young Entrepreneurs Group in Italy and Europe is nominated Piaggio Vice Chairman.
The final contract is signed for the acquisition of the Aprilia - Moto Guzzi Group, and with that the undisputed leader in the Italian “2 wheel” market is born: 24% of the European 2 wheel market and 35% of the Italian market, over 600.000 vehicles per annum, 6.000 employees and 8 industrial plants worldwide, with a presence in more than 50 countries. Following the Aprilia deal IMMSI S.p.A. becomes the major controlling shareholder with a strategic 40% interest in Piaggio.

2005

January 11th 2005
At the first meeting of the Board of Directors of Aprilia S.p.A., Roberto Colaninno is nominated Chairman, Rocco Sabelli Chief Executive Officer Director and Ivano Beggio Honorary Chairman. Gianclaudio Neri is nominated General Manager. At the same meeting Leo Francesco Mercanti is assigned responsibility for the new Aprilia Brand Management Division.

March 9th and 10th 2005
In the presence of Roberto Colaninno and Rocco Sabelli, respectively Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Piaggio Group, Vespa LX is launched in Rome, the 139th model to appear on the market since the birth of Vespa in 1946.

2001

The Piaggio Group incorporates Derbi-Nacional Motor S.A. well established Spanish motorcycle manufacturer and leader in the small engined sector. In the same year Gilera returns to the racing circuit and immediately scores an international victory, taking Manuel Poggiali to the title of world motorcycle champion in the 125cc class. To date Gilera has secured its place in the motorcycle racing firmament, having won 6 international titles itself and taken 7 riders to victory as world champions.

2003

Transfer of management control of Piaggio’s Italian and offshore operations to stock exchange listed industrial and services holding group IMMSI S.p.A., controlled by entrepreneur Roberto Colaninno. In the same year changes to Piaggio’s management structure see Mr Colaninno nominated Group Chairman with Rocco Sabelli as Chief Executive Officer and Gianclaudio Neri as General Manager.

1996-1997

To mark the 50th anniversary of Vespa’s creation by Enrico Piaggio and Corradino D'Ascanio, the new Vespa is launched in 1996. The following year marks the premature death of Giovanni Alberto Agnelli, and the Piaggio Group begins its trajectory towards a new order, with Alessandro Barberis and later Dante Razzano as President, and Stefano Rosselli Del Turco as Managing Director.

1999-2000

In 1999 control of the company passes to Morgan Grenfell Private Equity. The following year Piaggio USA inaugurates the first Vespa Boutique in Los Angeles, an event which signals the brand’s return to the country; to date, 60 such boutiques have been opened in the USA.

1973-1988

The Bravo motorcycle is introduced and production of tractors begins. In 1979 the new Società Adriatica S.p.A. of Lanciano is launched with premises at Atessa.

Following the acquisition of Bianchi in 1981, Piaggio experiences a mini crisis with regard to Vespa, but this is balanced by the introduction of new vehicles such as Cosa, Superbravo, Grillo, and ApeCar D, all launched between 1987 and 1988.

In 1988 the presidency of Piaggio goes to Gustavo Denegri, and Giovanni Alberto Agnelli is appointed to the company Board of Directors.

1990-1994

Sfera, the first scooter with plastic bodywork, is produced in Pontedera. The beginning of the 90’s marks the reconstitution of Piaggio into a holding company, and Giovanni Alberto Agnelli is elected President of Piaggio Veicoli Europei S.p.A.

In 1994 a milestone is reached with the launch of maxiscooter Hexagon.

1948

Whilst Vespa export growth continues, new products are developed: 1948 is the year of Ape, a key contributor to the resumption of commercial activity in the period of national reconstruction. The following year sees the creation of Moscone, a small and innovative outboard motor.

1964-1969

There is a commercial split between I.A.M Rinaldo Piaggio (aeronautical and railways sector) and Piaggio & C. (scooters). When Enrico Piaggio dies in 1965, Umberto Agnelli becomes president of Piaggio & C.

Two years later, production begins on Ciao, the progenitor of the modern motorcycle.

In 1969 Piaggio assumes control of Gilera di Arcore, one of the oldest motorcycle houses in Europe, famous particularly for its achievements in the sporting arena.

1938

Rinaldo Piaggio dies and his two sons take over his role, Armando at the helm of the plants at Genova-Sestri and Finale Ligure, primarily involved in aeronautical and railway production, and Enrico in the Pisa and Pontedera establishments.

Enrico has an ambitious plan in mind: to contribute to the mobility of the Italian population by creating a simple, low-cost vehicle which can be used by everyone. To realise his aim he invites brilliant aeronautical designer Corradino D'Ascanio to collaborate with him. This latter is credited with having designed the first modern helicopter.

1946

The first Vespa prototype is produced in Pontedera and marketed immediately. After a somewhat tepid initial response from the market, sales begin to take off and soon the product is an unprecedented success: within ten years a million units will have been produced and meanwhile, expansion into foreign markets becomes an immediate priority.

1916

Aeronautical production begins. The social function which Rinaldo Piaggio wants for his firm soon becomes clear: to contribute to national employment growth and to the direction of national economic development. In 1920 the company is restructured with Attilio Odero becoming company President and Rinaldo Piaggio Managing Director. Firmly convinced about pursuing the aeronautical strategy, Rinaldo Piaggio takes on engineers Giovanni Pegna and Giuseppe Gabrielli and assigns them the task of producing a first prototype of the aircraft “Rondine” (Swallow).

1924-1937

With the acquisition of the Pontedera plant the company begins producing its own patented motors rather than models under licence. The following years herald success: exports grow exponentially, as do employee numbers, and Piaggio begins to produce a wide range of products for the transport sector: cable cars, funicular railways, trailers, trams, trucks and busses.

1822

On September 5, Enrico Piaggio finalises the purchase of a tract of land at Sestri Ponente (Genoa) for the establishment of a wood working plant to supply the ship building industry. His son Rinaldo soon joins him in the project.

1887-1889

Rinaldo breaks away from his father to create Piaggio & C, the principal activity of which is going to be ship interiors. The company is modern, efficient and highly mechanised. The year 1889 marks the entrance of Attilio Odero, and the company’s debut into the railroad sector as well as the acquisition of a new workshop at Finale Marina.