One of the motorcycle companies that's not quite as well-known is the Piaggio and Company, an Italian motorcycle manufacturer that is actually the fourth largest motorcycle and scooter manufacturer in the world. They make over 600,000 vehicles every year. They sell their products in over 50 countries and operate five different research and development plants. Piaggio is over 100 years old, and their experience in the field has led to the creation of some amazing motorcycles.
The company was formed in 1884 by Rinaldo Piaggio. He originally produced locomotives and other railway cars, but later, the company began focusing on aircraft. In World War II, they produced a number of bomber aircraft, but after the war, their main plant was destroyed by Allied forces. With much of Italy's economy devastated and many of the roads destroyed, the automobile market crashed. Enrico Piaggio, Rinaldo's son, then took the company out of the aeronautical field and began working on an inexpensive vehicle that people could afford. The result was the Vespa scooter.
In 1959, the Agnelli family took over the Piaggio company. The company thrived until it was sold to Morgan Grenfell Private Equity in 1999. By the end of 2002, Piaggio was in severe debt. Unfortunately, although Piaggio was quickly restored, it still couldn't keep up with Honda and Yamaha. However, their different motorcycle lines still remain quite popular today. Their brands include the Aprilia, Derbi, Gilera, the super sports brand Laverda, and the Moto Guzzi.
The Moto Guzzi is one of the most well-known brands under the Piaggio umbrella. A number of these models have been produced for the military and the Italian police. A number of U.S. police departments even use Moto Guzzi bikes. Of course, that's not to say that Moto Guzzi and many other Piaggio bikes aren't ridden and enjoyed by riders around the world.
