The Piaggio Group incorporates Derbi-Nacional Motor S.A. well established Spanish motorcycle manufacturer and leader in the small engined sector. In the same year Gilera returns to the racing circuit and immediately scores an international victory, taking Manuel Poggiali to the title of world motorcycle champion in the 125cc class. To date Gilera has secured its place in the motorcycle racing firmament, having won 6 international titles itself and taken 7 riders to victory as world champions.

Transfer of management control of Piaggio’s Italian and offshore operations to stock exchange listed industrial and services holding group IMMSI S.p.A., controlled by entrepreneur Roberto Colaninno. In the same year changes to Piaggio’s management structure see Mr Colaninno nominated Group Chairman with Rocco Sabelli as Chief Executive Officer and Gianclaudio Neri as General Manager.

Piaggio signs a strategic agreement with Chinese group Zongshen to produce and market engines, vehicles and components for the Asian market. The Prime Minister of the Popular Republic of China Wen Jiabao visits group headquarters in Pontedera, and is welcomed by Group Chairman Roberto Colaninno, Chief Executive Officer Rocco Sabelli, and by Piaggio management and staff.
Matteo Colaninno, Vice Chairman of the Young Entrepreneurs Group in Italy and Europe is nominated Piaggio Vice Chairman.
The final contract is signed for the acquisition of the Aprilia - Moto Guzzi Group, and with that the undisputed leader in the Italian “2 wheel” market is born: 24% of the European 2 wheel market and 35% of the Italian market, over 600.000 vehicles per annum, 6.000 employees and 8 industrial plants worldwide, with a presence in more than 50 countries. Following the Aprilia deal IMMSI S.p.A. becomes the major controlling shareholder with a strategic 40% interest in Piaggio.

At the first meeting of the Board of Directors of Aprilia S.p.A., Roberto Colaninno is nominated Chairman, Rocco Sabelli Chief Executive Officer Director and Ivano Beggio Honorary Chairman. Gianclaudio Neri is nominated General Manager. At the same meeting Leo Francesco Mercanti is assigned responsibility for the new Aprilia Brand Management Division.

March 9th and 10th 2005
In the presence of Roberto Colaninno and Rocco Sabelli, respectively Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Piaggio Group, Vespa LX is launched in Rome, the 139th model to appear on the market since the birth of Vespa in 1946.

Piaggio & C. shares are listed on the Milan Stock Exchange. The first three-wheeler scooter, the Piaggio MP3, is presented.