As an expert in the world of scooters, I am often asked about the current state of Vespa production. And I am happy to report that the iconic brand is still going strong. While the company's plant in Foshan, China plays a role in production, the majority of Vespa scooters are still made at the headquarters in Pontedera, Italy. But Vespas are more than just scooters - they have become an icon of Italian culture and the phrase “made in Italy”.The story of Vespa scooters began in 1946, thanks to the intuition of Enrico Piaggio and the genius of legendary Italian aeronautical engineer Corradino D'Ascanio.
With their narrow waist, large rear end, and engine, these scooters resembled a wasp (or vespa in Italian), and Enrico's exclamation solidified the name. Since then, Vespas have been continuously manufactured at the Piaggio plant in Pontedera, near Pisa, in Tuscany, Italy. The goal was to create a simple, robust, and affordable vehicle - and with their combined efforts, the Vespa was born. It quickly took the world by storm and became the reference point for all mopeds. Even today, all Vespa scooter models maintain European elegance and include details such as disc brakes and double seats. The Vespa's popularity was astonishing - it was even named the first mass-produced vehicle in Italy.
By 1960, 4 million Vespas had been sold worldwide. And this is just the beginning of an extraordinary and continuous story that continues to inspire and influence personal mobility. What sets Vespa apart from other scooters is its unique construction - the body is made entirely of steel stamps welded together, just like Piaggio's aircraft. It's no wonder that Piaggio Vespas soon filled the streets of Italy, with 1 million units sold in the first 10 years of production.
