Piaggio

Year of foundation 1884

The history of Piaggio is a fascinating journey through Italy's industrial and social evolution. Founded as a manufacturer of naval and railway materials, the company became a global icon thanks to a brilliant post-war idea: the Vespa.

The Origins (1884-1945)
1884: Rinaldo Piaggio founded "Piaggio & C." in Sestri Ponente (Genoa). The initial business was woodworking for the naval industry. Soon, the company expanded into the production and repair of railway carriages and wagons.

Early 1900s: The company began to diversify its activities. Rinaldo, fascinated by the world of aviation, decided to enter the aeronautical sector. The workshops in Sestri Ponente and Finale Ligure (acquired in 1889) became leading manufacturers of seaplanes, aircraft engines, and airships.

1920s and 1930s: Piaggio established itself as one of Italy's leading aircraft manufacturers. The Pontedera (opened in 1924) and Pisa plants were vital for the production of military and civilian aircraft. Innovative aircraft were designed and built, such as the Piaggio P.108, the only four-engine heavy bomber of the Italian Royal Air Force during World War II. Engineer Corradino D'Ascanio, hired by the company, designed one of the first helicopter prototypes.

The Postwar Turning Point: The Birth of the Vespa (1946-1960)
World War II: The Piaggio plants, strategic for war production, were almost completely destroyed by Allied bombing raids. The end of the conflict marked a turning point. The economy was on its knees, and there was an urgent need for an affordable, practical, and accessible means of transportation for the masses.

1946: Enrico Piaggio, Rinaldo's son, commissioned Corradino D'Ascanio to design a revolutionary vehicle. D'Ascanio, who disliked traditional motorcycles, designed a scooter with unique features:

Protection: The rider is protected by a large front body.

Intuitive handling: No chain gearbox, replaced by a direct transmission. The gears are on the handlebars.

Wheels: The wheels are easily replaceable, like those on a car.

Riding position: The "seated" riding position is comfortable, allowing for easy mounting and dismounting without getting dirty.

April 23, 1946: The patent for the MP6 prototype is filed. Enrico Piaggio, looking at it, exclaims, "It looks like a wasp!" due to the hum of the engine and its shape. The Vespa is officially born. The first mass-produced model is the Vespa 98. It is an immediate and overwhelming success.

1948: Another iconic vehicle is introduced, the Ape, a small three-wheeled commercial vehicle, essential to Italy's reconstruction and still in production today.

1956: Piaggio celebrates one million Vespas sold. The vehicle becomes a symbol of freedom, elegance, and the Italian "dolce vita" worldwide.

Expansion and Diversification (1960-1990)
1964: The aeronautical and railway sectors are spun off and renamed "I.A.M. Rinaldo Piaggio," while "Piaggio & C." focuses on two- and three-wheeled vehicles.

1965: Enrico Piaggio dies. The company is taken over by Umberto Agnelli.

1967: The Ciao is born, the moped that inaugurates the concept of the "scooter" in Italy. Simple, lightweight, and reliable, it becomes a mass phenomenon.

1969: Piaggio acquires the historic motorcycle manufacturer Gilera, strengthening its presence in the motorcycle industry.

1989: The company launches the Sfera, the first scooter with a plastic body and a steel tubular frame, heralding a new generation of urban vehicles.

Recent History and the Modern Era (1990 - Present)
1990s: The company continues to innovate with models such as the Hexagon (Piaggio's first maxi-scooter) and the Liberty (1996), which introduced the "high wheel" concept for greater stability.

1999: Piaggio is acquired by the financial group Morgan Grenfell Private Equity. This period marks the brand's return to the US market with the opening of the first "Vespa Boutiques."

2001: The Beverly, another highly successful high-wheel scooter, is launched.

2006: The company revolutionized the concept of urban mobility with the Piaggio MP3, the world's first three-wheeled scooter. The two front wheels ensured unprecedented stability and safety.

The 2000s and 2010s: The Piaggio Group further expanded by acquiring historic brands such as Aprilia and Moto Guzzi, creating a brand portfolio that ranges from scooters to electric scooters (Piaggio 1) and sports and touring motorcycles.

2023: Following the death of Roberto Colaninno, his sons Matteo and Michele Colaninno assumed the roles of Executive Chairman and CEO of the Piaggio Group, respectively, continuing the family tradition of leadership.

Today: The Piaggio Group is the European leader in the two-wheeled vehicle market.