Motor Industry S.A. Belgium

Early Export Years and the Road to Local Assembly: In 1947, Switzerland and Belgium were among Piaggio’s first export markets. Starting in 1949, Bevelux began importing Vespas into Brussels. Due to high import duties, Piaggio soon realized that local assembly would be more cost-effective. In 1954, plans were made to start assembling Vespas in Belgium, following the successful model already used in France (ACMA, since 1950). Establishment of the M.I.S.A. Factory in Jette: Assembly was entrusted to Motor Industry S.A. (M.I.S.A.) in Jette, Brussels. Production began at the end of 1954, and the factory officially launched operations on January 1, 1955.