A Brief History of the Vespa - Page Two
"A Wasp!"
Combing the best elements of aeronautics, automobiles, and motorycles, the scooter instantly became 
an icon of design and economy. Upon seeing the original prototype, the company's president remarked, "It looks like a wasp!" In Italian, that's "vespa." The name stuck and the scooter's popularity quickly spread around the globe, selling models by the million. Today, it remains the preferred mode of transportation in many European cities.
Debuting to the public at the 1946 Milan Fair, the new scooter became a quick hit. Backed by aggressive advertising campaigns, it became synonymous with freedom, agile exploitation of space, and relaxed social relationships. In the United States, the buying surge grew until the stringent demands of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) halted sales. But after a 15-year hiatus, the Vespa returned to the United States in 2000 as has enjoyed increasing popularity ever since.
Indeed, with the wealth of stores, clubs, and organizations that have sprung up during the past few years, Vespa riders will be seen on American roads for years to come.
