Paolo Berlusconi, brother of Silvio Berlusconi, acquires the trademark rights to Garelli. He has scooters (such as the Mosquito and Vip) manufactured in China and distributed in Italy.

Market launch of the D50B0/B1 engine (often referred to simply as the new generation "Derbi engine"). It replaced the previous Derbi engines (EBE050 / EBS050), which had been in use since the 1990s (approx. 1995–2005). The main reason for this was to comply with the stricter Euro 2 and later Euro 3 emissions standards, as well as the Piaggio Group's desire for group-wide standardization. The engine became the standard power unit for almost all 50cc mopeds within the Piaggio Group (Derbi Senda, Aprilia RX, Gilera RCR).

Beta Motor Japan is founded in Toyama, Japan. Junichi Kadota is at the helm. Wise Motocross was already operating as a specialist off-road shop and technical service provider before the company was officially established. Beta Motor Japan now takes on the role of general importer, while Wise Motocross continues to function as the operational arm for racing services and end customer support.