[INTERVIEW]
Interview with ACEM President Stefan Pierer
In an interview with Autogazette' Frank Mertens, ACEM President Stefan Pierer, speaks about the state of the industry and what is to be expected from politics.
The financial crisis has also affected the motorcycle industry. In October alone, a slump of 20% was reported for the European market. "It would just be enough if the stimulus package devised by the European Commission were implemented," said the Stefan Pierer, in an interview given on the occasion of ACEM's Annual Conference last 1 December in Brussels.
To counteract the downturn, Pierer calls for tax incentives. "We must take all possibilities into consideration to encourage consumption," said Pierer, who is also head of the Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM.
Question: Even the motorcycle industry is suffering from the crisis. But unlike the car industry there is little talk about it.
Stefan Pierer: In comparison to the auto industry, we are niche providers, obviously not enjoying the same attention ...
Question: But you still employ 200.000 workers in Europe and have an annual turnover of ten billion euros.
Pierer: Yes, but our market is concentrated on some countries in Europe: Germany, Italy, Spain and England. Given this circumstance, it is difficult to attract the attention of the European Institutions.
Question: In October, the PTW industry sales declined by 20%. How do you explain this drop?
Pierer: It is due to the bad economic situation. There is no available capital on the financial market. If we look at the U.S., the drop reached 40%. Even in Europe, it is difficult to get a loan for a motorcycle.
Question: The auto industry hopes to get financial aid from the EU. What do you expect from Brussels?
Pierer: It would already be something if the stimulus package devised by Brussels would be implemented. Even months after the beginning of the crisis we still have no inter-banking business. Moreover, the interest rate cuts made by the European Central Bank do not reach the final customer. The midsize business is being squeezed by the lack of credit.
Question: Your criticism goes to the banks ...
Pierer: ... of course, they are responsible for the situation. Moreover, we suffer from the Brussels syndrome. What is decided at EU level, will be interpreted in different ways by the member states. Before an agreement is reached, too much time passes.
Question: In Germany, the federal government is trying to stimulate the car market by reducing taxes. Would something similar help the PTW industry?
Pierer: That would also be helpful for us. We must consider all possibilities in order to stimulate sales.
Question: Do you see for the future a complete departure from combustion towards alternative propulsion, such as electric, hybrid or fuel cell?
Pierer: No, this has been recognized also by the car industry. We’ll first develop more efficient and environmentally friendly combustion engines. We see short-term consumption savings of up to 25%. By 2012 we will reach an EURO4 emission standard for motorcycles, followed by an EURO5 in 2015.
Question: What conclusion do you draw from this crisis?
Pierer: One of our big chances lies in the scooter market. This means mobility in urban areas. It’s a big growth opportunity. We expect the scooter market to grow by over 40% in the next ten years. In addition, it is important, especially in Europe, to allow our components suppliers to prosper and continue to cater for our demands.
Question: Don’t you think that the product range needs to fundamentally change?
Pierer: We will bet on electric engines. KTM did not develop an electic PTW without a reason. We are trying to produce this machine in series in 2010.
Question: At what price are you offering the machine?
Pierer: It may not be more expensive than a comparable product with a combustion engine.
The interview with Stefan Pierer was conducted by Frank Mertens
Courtesy: © autogazette.de
[INDEX]
ANESDOR ON DISCRIMINATORY REGISTRATION TAX FOR PTWS IN SPAIN
NEW STANDARD FOR VEHICLES NOT REQUIRING TYPE APPROVAL
KTM's enduro prototype with electric propulsion to be series produced in 2010 (above).