low cost Asian scooters and quads and selling them under the Laverda brand name. In 2003, Laverda presented a new SFC prototype, based on a heavily revised Aprilia RSV 1000 at the Milan EICMA motorcycle show. While stunning in many aspects, in particular the attention to component and mechanical detailing, it did not generate enough positive interest to merit further development. In 2004, the Aprilia Group was acquired by Piaggio, the giant scooter manufacturer of Vespa fame. Piaggio elected to close all activities related to the Laverda brand, and has publicly stated that they would be willing to sell the rights to the brand if an investor should appear. Today, the brand is no longer in use. See also Laverda (harvesters) List of Italian companies List of motorcycle manufacturers List of Laverda Motorcycles References Further reading "Laverda - Twins and Triples", Mick Walker, 1999, The Crowwood Press Ltd., "Laverda Twin & Triple Repair & Tune-up Guide", Tim Parker, Ampersand Press, "Laverda", Raymond Ainscoe with Tim Parker, Osprey Publishing, "SFC 750", Tim Isles & Marnix van der Schalk, privately published "Legendary Laverda 1949-1989", Jean-Louis Olive and Stephen Battisson, ETAI, External links Laverda Museum for Sale Defunct motorcycle manufacturers of Italy Italian brands Companies based in Veneto Vehicle manufacturing companies established in 1949 Vehicle manufacturing companies disestablished in 2006 Italian companies established in 1949 2006 disestablishments in Italy Piaggio Group