2. Vespa is an Italian line of scooters manufactured by Piaggio. The Vespa has evolved from a single model motor scooter manufactured in 1946 by Piaggio & Co. S.p.A. of Pontedera, Italy—to a full line of scooters and one of seven companies today owned by Piaggio—now Europe's largest manufacturer of two-wheeled vehicles and the world's fourth largest motorcycle manufacturer by unit sales. Known for their painted, pressed steel unibody which combines a complete cowling for the engine, , a flat floorboard , and a prominent front fairing , The Vespa was the first globally successful scooter.