Piaggio was founded in 1884 and based in Pontedera, Italy is one of the largest motorcycle groups in Europe with Aprilia, Derbi, Moto Guzzi, and Vespa currently under their umbrella. After WWII, Piaggio entered the market to provide affordable transportation to the Italian people. With the creation of Vespa in 1946, Piaggio took off and enjoyed great success till 2003 when Piaggio fell on hard times. With the new leadership of Roberto Colaninno, Piaggo quickly recovered from the brink of failure and emerged as a leader in the Scooter industry with revolutionary scooter models such as the three-wheeled MP3 and the MP3 Gas / Electric Hybrid Scooter. With Colaninno at the controls, Piaggio Scooters appear to have a very bright future.