The economic importance of motorcycles in Europe

A research by Oxford Economics highlights the economic and mobility benefits of two-wheelers in Europe.

Read more

The safe ride to the future 2.0

The motorcycle industry’s commitment to road safety. This document showcases some of the industry’s most important initiatives in the area of motorcycle safety.

Read more

Motorcycle training

The European Motorcycle Training Quality Label is a scheme that helps motorcyclists to clearly and easily identify the best post-license training programmes in Europe

Read more

Competitiveness

ACEM members support a European stable regulatory framework that fosters growth, jobs and investment in the L-category industry

Read more

Urban Mobility

L-category vehicles save time and money for commuters, increase urban traffic fluidity and reduce congestion

Read more

Environment

L-category vehicles sold in the EU comply with strict pollutant emission limits. Also, they have a limited environmental impact

Read more

International trade

Together with a more vibrant domestic market, exports will help the industry to grow and to create new jobs in the EU

Read more

Road safety

The industry has achieved high safety levels for existing products and continues to bring advanced and innovative vehicles to the market

Read more
ACEM news
Initial considerations on the future framework for Vehicle End-of Life (EoL)
19 Jul 2023

In line with our Vision 2030+, ACEM welcomes the proposal for revision of the Vehicle End-of Life (ELV) Directive published by the European Commission on the 13th July.

Circular economy stands as key priority to improve the environmental performance of the L-category sector. The inclusion of L-category vehicles (two-wheel motorcycles, powered tricycles, light and heavy quadricycles) under the scope of the future Regulation represents a positive step ahead to prepare the sector and accelerate the compliance of the industry with EU objectives in transport and mobility.

ACEM and its members support a comprehensive framework for the collection and treatment operations for L-category vehicles ensuring a positive contribution towards the Green Deal goals with several benefits for the society. However, further assessment of technical and economical specificities for various sub-categories should be considered to ensure a successful achievement of the ELV objectives and full alignment with other vehicles.

As well, a coherent approach with other pieces of legislation will provide consistency in the future framework on vehicle design and production putting Europe at the forefront of circularity in terms of reusability, recyclability and recoverability of materials including L-category vehicles.

The ACEM Secretariat will continue a constructive dialogue with EU institutions during the coming months and provide know-how and good experiences from the sector.

Additional information 

For further information about ACEM position on the inclusion of PTWs in the End-of -Life Vehicles Directive, please click here

Contacts

Francesco Fenoglio
Policy Advisor

+32 478 39 32 01

 

 

Connected Motorcycle Consortium: First Demo Event
03 Jul 2023

The Connected Motorcycle Consortium (CMC) will organize an event in September 2023 to demonstrate several interactions between a car and a motorcycle where C-ITS applications or Advanced Driver Assistant Systems will help to mitigate the chance of a collision.

As a collective effort of manufacturers, suppliers, researchers, and associations, the CMC has been working towards integrating Powered Two Wheelers into the future landscape of connected mobility.

 

The CMC journey began with the launch of the 'Basic Specification' in 2020. Since then, the CMC has progressed further and will show results of its research in a Demo event at Dekra Technology Center at Lausitzring in September 2023.

 

Alongside world-leading motorcycle manufacturers such as BMW, Honda, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, KTM, Suzuki, and Yamaha, prominent carmakers including BMW, Honda, Lamborghini, and VW will also be participating in the event. The invited guests will have the opportunity to experience the systems live by taking the first-row seat, as passenger in one of the cars.

The event will also provide a platform for presenting key findings from the Consortium’s accident research, insights into rider behaviour, and detailed information about safety applications.

 

ACEM is associate member of CMC.

Press Release: Guidelines on anti-tampering rules for motorcycle exhaust silencers
31 May 2023

The European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) shares the concerns of citizens, politicians and regulators regarding the impact of noise in daily life. Sound emissions of motorcycles have been regulated in the EU, with maximum permitted levels defined since the 1990s, through European type approval requirements.

As part of the solution to address these concerns, ACEM has recently developed a set of guidelines in cooperation with key aftermarket exhaust industry players. The aim of these guidelines is to avoid diverging, non-effective interpretations of anti-tampering rules for exhaust silencers, in particular for non-original equipment that may be alternatively fitted on motorcycles over their lifetime.  The document notably clarifies technical requirements to ensure robustness of fixing solutions for silencing baffles and dB-killers, to prevent their easy removal.

Following an informal endorsement by authorities at EU level, the guidelines were supported by government experts at UNECE, the world forum on vehicle regulations.

Dissemination activities are now being launched by the motorcycle sector, with the involvement of ACEM member vehicle manufacturers, industry national associations and aftermarket exhaust manufacturers, seeking to raise the awareness of all stakeholders – including type approval authorities, market surveillance authorities and users.

Commenting on the initiative, Antonio Perlot, ACEM Secretary General, said:

“This initiative bringing together the expertise of recognised players in the motorcycle sector addresses one of the main causes of motorcycle noise in the streets. Approved silencers with too easily removable baffles or dB-Killers are today still present on the market, which may result in unacceptably high levels of noise on the road.

Putting forward state of the art solutions, the guidelines will help type approval authorities towards a more harmonised assessment of conformity to anti-tampering rules for exhaust silencers. The call is now on all stakeholders to apply them without delay.”

 

Note for editors

For sound level and anti-tampering rules of motorcycle exhaust silencers, the EU type approval framework Regulation 168/2013 mandates the application of UNECE Regulations no. 92 (aftermarket silencers) and no. 41 (original motorcycle). These Regulations were developed and are maintained by the Working Party Noise and Tyres (GRBP), under the World Forum for the harmonization of vehicle regulations (WP.29), operating within the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

In December 2022, ACEM presented the guidelines to national type approval authorities at a stakeholder meeting organised by the European Commission. Following an informal approval by authorities at EU level, the International Motorcycle Manufacturers’ Association (IMMA) introduced the guidelines in February 2023 at GRBP, the world forum on sound level of vehicles. A final document is expected be adopted at next GRBP session in September 2023.

 

About the initiative

This initiative has been jointly developed within the motorcycle sector, by the following actors:

  • The European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) and its members (ACEM website).
  • The International Motorcycle Manufacturers’ Association (IMMA website).
  • Motorcycle exhaust manufacturers Akrapovic, Arrow, Giannelli, Lafranconi, LeoVince, MIVV and SC project.

 

About ACEM

The European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) represents manufacturers of mopeds, motorcycles, three-wheelers and quadricycles (L-category vehicles) in Europe.  ACEM is a member of IMMA, the International Motorcycle Manufacturers’ Association.

ACEM members include 18 manufacturing companies: BMW Motorrad, Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), Ducati Motor holding, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, KYMCO, MV Agusta, Peugeot Scooters, Piaggio, Polaris Industries, Qooder, Royal Enfield, Suzuki, Triumph Motorcycles, Yamaha and Zero Motorcycles.

ACEM also represents 18 motorcycle industry associations in 17 different European countries.

About 300,000 jobs depend on the L-category industry in Europe. There are more than 39 million motorcycles and scooters on Europe’s roads (2019 estimate).

 

About IMMA

IMMA, as the voice of the global Motorcycle Industry, has a membership of Powered Two- and Three-Wheeler (PTW) manufacturers’ associations from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Europe, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, USA, and Vietnam. IMMA promotes solutions for safe, sustainable, socially responsible and economically viable motorcycling. IMMA advances inclusive policies and engages in the development and progressive harmonization of vehicle requirements in global forums. IMMA is based in Geneva, Switzerland.

 

Contact

Thomas Vercammen

ACEM Technical Manager

+32 (0) 22 30 97 32

 

Documents

Press Release - Guidelines on anti-tampering rules for motorcycle exhaust silencers

ACEM position paper - Transport sustainability, sound emissions and noise

 

Q1 2023 European registrations of motorcycles and mopeds return to pre COVID market trends
12 May 2023

New motorcycle registrations in five of the largest European markets (i.e., France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK) reached 253,859 units during the first quarter of 2023. This represents an increase of approximately 15.5% compared to the same period in 2022 (219,826 units).

Motorcycle registration volumes significantly increased in Italy (78,997 units, +31.1% year-on-year) and both Spain (44,127 units, +13.4%) and Germany (54,964 units, +13.2%) showed an upward trend. Volumes also continued with a slight progression in France (48,945 units, +7.21%) and they remained broadly stable in UK (26,826 units, 1.7%).

Moped registrations reached a total volume of 43,610 units in the six European moped markets monitored by ACEM (i.e. Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain). This registration volume represents a reduction of 24.5% in comparison to last year (57,737 units). The decline is widespread in the monitored countries, except in Belgium where volumes continued to increase.

 

Quote

Commenting on the current situation of the sector, Antonio Perlot, ACEM Secretary General, said:

“The first quarter results of the year must be interpreted cautiously, considering the significance of spring and summer for the European powered two-wheeler market. Although there were considerable fluctuations when compared to the same period in 2022, Q1 data confirms a growing trend of users favouring motorcycles and scooters to mopeds. This shift supports both urban and short-range mobility, as well as a sustained interest in leisure riding. Thus far, the figures seem to align with long-term, pre-COVID trends. A more definitive outlook for 2023 will emerge as Q2 and Q3 data becomes available.”

 

Press contact

Antonio Perlot

ACEM Secretary General

+32 2 2309732

 

Documents available to download

ACEM - Statistical press release - January - March 2023 [PDF]
ACEM - Statistical press release - January - March 2023 [XLS]
ACEM - Statistical releases - FAQ [PDF]
ACEM - Statistical releases - Glossary [PDF]

 

Note for editors

 As of 2020, ACEM statistical releases cover the following:

  • For the motorcycle segment: Italy, France, Germany, Spain and UK. These countries account for about 80% of motorcycle registrations in the EU + UK block.
  • For the moped segment: France, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Belgium, and Spain. These countries account for about 80% of moped registrations in the EU + UK block.
  • Moped figures include L1eB vehicles (two-wheel mopeds) and L2e vehicles (three-wheel mopeds). Some countries may also include L1e-A vehicles (powered cycles) depending on their administrative practices.

 

About ACEM

  • The European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) represents manufacturers of mopeds, motorcycles, three-wheelers and quadricycles (L-category vehicles) in Europe.
  • ACEM members include 18 manufacturing companies: BMW Motorrad, Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), Ducati Motor holding, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, KYMCO, MV Agusta, Peugeot Scooters, Piaggio, Polaris Industries, Qooder, Royal Enfield, Suzuki, Triumph Motorcycles, Yamaha and Zero Motorcycles.
  • ACEM also represents 20 motorcycle industry associations in 17 different European countries. About 300,000 jobs depend on the L-category industry in Europe. There are more than 39 million motorcycles and scooters on Europe’s roads (2019 estimate).
Job opening at ACEM: (Senior) Public Affairs Manager
17 Feb 2023

ACEM is looking for a (Senior) Public Affairs Manager to join its Secretariat in Brussels and lead the association’s Public Affairs activity

 

The European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) is the industry association that represents manufacturers of mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles (L-category vehicles) in Europe.

ACEM members include 18 manufacturing companies and 18 national industry associations in 17 different European countries. About 389,000 jobs depend on the motorcycle, moped, tricycle and quadricycle industry, which generates €21.4 billion of GDP across Europe every year.

ACEM works closely with the EU institutions, as well as with a wide range of stakeholders, in different policy areas. ACEM advocates for policies that support the competitiveness of motorcycle manufacturers, provides factual information about the European motorcycle sector, and fosters a better understanding of the motorcycle industry’s contribution to society.

Responsibilities

With a more junior colleague under your responsibility, and with the support of regulatory/technical experts and communications’ team, you will:

  • be responsible for monitoring and conducting research and analysis on the current state of play across a broad range of European policy issues relevant for the motorcycle Industry under the association strategic vision Vision 2030+
  • develop and implement strategies and action plans to engage the organisation in EU policies and legislative proposals;
  • support the ACEM team and the Membership with the development of engagement strategies and messaging, at Brussels’ and national level;
  • draft high-quality memos, policy briefings, presentations and policy analysis on short timelines;
  • develop/maintain relationships with the EU institutions and key stakeholders at the European level and exchange information related to priority topics;
  • be responsible for the planning, implementation, preparation, and follow-up of meetings;
  • represent the organisation externally in institutional meetings and towards other stakeholders through being a visible and credible advocate for the industry.
  • assist the Secretary General and act as a sherpa for high-level meetings, with C-suites executives (internally) and with EU Institutions representatives (externally).

Profile requirements

  • University degree (Law, Political Sciences and/or EU Studies);
  • Minimum 8 years of experience in EU Policy and Government Affairs roles in trade/industry associations, consulting firms, corporations or EU Institutions;
  • An established network and sound knowledge of European policy in various fields that are connected to sustainability in all its facets, mobility/transport, industrial transformation and/or manufacturing;
  • Track record in political advocacy and campaign management;
  • Excellent verbal and written communication in English is a must, other languages are a plus;
  • Effective communication (written and spoken) with internal and external stakeholders;
  • Ability to find consensus amongst wide range of opinions and to work with different functions, teams and seniority levels;
  • Firm willingness to understand the issues at stake and to enhance your personal knowledge on highly political/technical topics;
  • Team player with commitment to excellence and diplomacy and negotiation skills.

Benefits

We offer a long-term contract with a competitive package.

At ACEM you will find the freedom to broaden your horizons thanks to an internationally composed team and flexible working time models. The sector is on the path of transformation towards climate-neutral mobility and offers an exciting, innovative, future-oriented and collegial working environment.

Application Procedure

  1. Closing date for applications: 17 March 2023
  2. To apply for this position, please send a cover letter (one page), your CV (in English) in PDF format and the Annex to this ad to to the attention of the Secretary General Antonio Perlot
  3. Please include your first and last name and the job title (“(Senior) Public Affairs Manager – application”) in the subject line
  4. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis

All applications will be processed in full confidentiality and only for recruitment purposes. Please note that only candidates considered for an interview will be contacted.

 

Files

ACEM (Senior) Public Affairs Manager - Advert

ACEM (Senior) Public Affairs Manager - Annex

 

Photo by Headway on Unsplash

Job opening at ACEM: Communications Officer
03 Feb 2023

ACEM is looking for a Communications Officer to join its Secretariat in Brussels and take a leading role in driving the association’s Communication, Press & Social Media activity. 

The European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) is the industry association that represents manufacturers of mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles (L-category vehicles) in Europe.             

Responsibilities:

The main responsibility of the Communications Officer is to manage ACEM’s internal & external communication activities.

In more detail:

  • With the ACEM leadership: shaping and implementing communications strategies aiming to raise the Industry’s profile in the EU policy environment
  • Developing and coordinating publications such as policy papers, annual reports, membership information documents, social media news items
  • Drafting clear and compelling press releases, articles, web copy, speeches, and social media news items with the support of the different staff members
  • Copywriting, editing, and proofreading of publications produced by ACEM
  • Managing websites and social media channels
  • Organising events, physical and online (e.g. workshops, conferences, etc...)
  • Contributing to the communication and dissemination activities of projects in which ACEM is active

Desired profile:

  • Excellent command of English. Other European languages are an asset
  • Prepared to multitask, prioritise work and meet tight deadlines
  • Proactive in proposing new/alternative communication vectors/actions
  • Open to working in a small team operating in a multicultural environment
  • Excellent command of MS Office and web/social media management tools
  • Track record in event organising
  • Understanding of the European/Brussels media and political landscape
  • Basic knowledge of graphic design and experience in web and video editing is an asset

Experience:

  • Degree in Communications, Journalism or similar
  • 2-5 years’ experience as a communications officer or similar position
  • Relevant experience in a similar role in a European or international setting is an asset

We offer:

  • A long-term contract with a competitive package
  • The opportunity to work for a dynamic industry in a global environment
  • Possibility to partially work from home

Application Procedure

  1. Closing date for applications: 28 February 2023
  2. To apply for this position, please send a cover letter (one page), your CV (in English) in PDF format and the Annex to this ad to  to the attention of the Secretary General Antonio Perlot
  3. Please include your first and last name and the job title (“Communications Officer – application”) in the subject line
  4. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis

All applications will be processed in full confidentiality and only for recruitment purposes. Please note that only candidates considered for an interview will be contacted.

Files

ACEM Communications Officer - Advert.pdf
ACEM Communications Officer - Annex.docx

Photo by Headway on Unsplash

Joint Industry Statement - Data Act: call to preserve European Innovation and Competitiveness
01 Feb 2023

ACEM has signed, together with thirty industry associations, a joint statement on the Data Act, calling for policy makers to preserve European innovation and competitiveness.

While recognizing the importance of data sharing for the success of the European economy in the coming years, ACEM considers that the Data Act as proposed, is a leap into the unknown with potential unintended consequences across data value chains.

We therefore urge the European Parliament and Council to take the necessary time and steps to:

  • Ensure due protection of trade secrets, safety, security, and privacy;
  • Give clarity to companies as to what data they must share;
  • Enable mutually beneficial data-driven relationships;
  • Differentiate between B2B and B2C contexts;
  • Set strict conditions for business-to-government data requests;
  • Promote cloud adoption;
  • Avoid creating new obstacles to international data flows.

Quote 

Commenting on the signature of the joint statement, Antonio Perlot, ACEM Secretary General, said:

"ACEM welcomes the efforts of the European Commission to foster the data economy while safeguarding consumer privacy. However, the current form of the Data Act delivers an uncertain future, potentially jeopardizing the foundation of European businesses' data-driven operations. In order to build trust and maintain the industry's drive for innovation, the new legislation must strike a balance between fairness and incentives to innovate. We are at a crucial moment for the industry, including the motorcycle sector, and ACEM calls on the European Parliament and Council to create responsible, forward-looking regulations."

More information

Joint Industry Statement - Data Act

Contact

Francesco Fenoglio
Policy Advisor

+32 478 39 32 01

 

 

Registrations of motorcycles and mopeds in key European markets broadly stable during 2022
30 Jan 2023

New motorcycle registrations in five of the largest European markets (i.e. France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK) reached 950,400 units in 2022. This represents a slight increase of approximately 0.1% compared to 2021 (949,480 units).

Motorcycle registration volumes showed an upward trend in Spain (176,960 units, +6.3% year-on-year) and the UK (109,300 units, +1.9%). They remained broadly stable in Italy (271,380 units, 0.7%) and Germany (199,400 units, 0.1%) and decreased in France (193,350 units, -6.6%).

Moped registrations reached a total volume of 255,900 units in the six European moped markets monitored by ACEM (i.e. Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain). This registration volume represents a reduction of 3.4% in comparison to last year (264,800 units).

Quote

Commenting on the current situation of the sector, Antonio Perlot, ACEM Secretary General, said:

“The latest registration data shows that the European market has overall remained stable in 2022, compared to 2021. Within a changing mobility environment, it is a confirmation that citizens continue to positively value two or three-wheeled vehicles, for their convenience in daily personal mobility and small logistics and for the recreational opportunities they provide”.

Press contact

Manuel Ordonez de Barraicua
ACEM Communications Manager
 
+32 (0)2 23 0 97 32

Documents available to download

ACEM - Statistical press release - January - December 2022 [PDF]
ACEM - Statistical press release - January - December 2022 [XLS]
ACEM - Statistical releases - FAQ [PDF]
ACEM - Statistical releases - Glossary [PDF]


Note for editors

As of 2020, ACEM statistical releases cover the following:

• For the motorcycle segment: Italy, France, Germany, Spain and the UK. These countries account for about 80% of motorcycle registrations in the EU + UK block.

• For the moped segment: France, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Belgium, and Spain. These countries account for about 80% of moped registrations in the EU + UK block.

• Moped figures include L1eB vehicles (two-wheel mopeds) and L2e vehicles (three-wheel mopeds). Depending on their administrative practices, some countries may also include L1e-A vehicles (powered cycles).

About ACEM

• The European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) represents manufacturers of mopeds, motorcycles, three-wheelers and quadricycles (L-category vehicles) in Europe.

• ACEM members include 18 manufacturing companies: BMW Motorrad, Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), Ducati Motor holding, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, KYMCO, MV Agusta, Peugeot Scooters, Piaggio, Polaris Industries, Qooder, Royal Enfield, Suzuki, Triumph Motorcycles, Yamaha and Zero Motorcycles.

• ACEM also represents 18 motorcycle industry associations in 17 different European countries. About 300,000 jobs depend on the L-category industry in Europe. There are more than 39 million motorcycles and scooters on Europe’s roads (2019 estimate).

 

Contact us

European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers

Avenue de la Joyeuse Entrée, 1 B1040
Brussels Belgium

+32 (0)22 30 97 32

VAT BE0740.931.926

Transparency register - 02480451230-88