[EDITORIAL]
Dear Reader,
right in the middle of the turmoil caused on every European market by the economic crisis, two major policy changes could bring even more uncertainty around the PTW sector. Very soon two new regulations will deeply impact our business. The first, a new Driving Licence Directive will require manufacturers to adapt production to the new vehicle categories. In terms of industrial planning and investments the Third Driving Licence Directive is already having a strong impact on the PTW industry.
While the new driving licence rules had been duly announced, its entry into force in 2013 will dramatically concide with a technical regulation, put on hold by the EC for many years. This conjunction will make the transition unnecessarily difficult for the PTW sector.
This second regulatory challenge, a new Framework Regulation, will set new type-approval requirements. While the industry does not oppose changes aimed at making motorcycling more sustainable in terms of road safety and emissions, the combination of two important policies will have to be carefully weighed against industry possibilities and market acceptance, especially taking into account the current economic situation.
With this background in mind, I'm pleased to report the positive outcome of a meeting with the Vice President of the European Commission Günter Verheugen in charge of enterprise and industry. During a very open and positive discussion describing the difficulties faced by the PTW industry, Mr Verheugen demonstrated deep understanding for the situation and assured the support of his cabinet to integrate PTW demands in future EC measures in support of the industry while urging Member States to consider supporting actions.
And finally I’d like to welcome the newly appointed Members of the European Parliament as well as those already familiar with the PTW industry and its world made of passion and a long standing industrial tradition. The coming legislature will be intense and the transport agenda particularly rich for us. ACEM is looking forward to acquaint policy makers with the opportunities of this affordable and environmentally friendly solution to traffic in cities and to continue shaping the future of motorcycling together.
Enjoy your reading!
Jacques Compagne
Acem Secretary General
[REPORT]
Commissioner Verheugen discussed with ACEM the effects of the economic crisis on the PTW industry
An ACEM delegation reports the industry's difficulties bringing forward latest figures on the sector
During a meeting with Vice President of the European Commission Günter Verheugen in charge of enterprise and industry, Stefan Pierer, President of Acem, has reiterated the need to apply the same anticrisis measures to the PTW (powered two-wheelers) sector that have already been adopted for the automobile sector.
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[REPORT]
The PTW sector and the economic crisis
ACEM reports a 35% decline during the first quarter of 2009
Registrations for the European PTWs market have been dropping sharply since the last quarter of 2008 (-34%). The severity of the economic downturn is putting users’ purchase power under immense pressure with negative consequences not only for the manufacturers but also for the linked industry, which spans from spare parts suppliers to dealers' networks. Suppliers and distributors are confronted with even more serious financial difficulties as they suffer from the combined effects of the orders’ fall, over-stock and from the downgrading of their creditworthiness.
[read more]
[NEWS]
Spain adopts a state aid plan to revive the PTW market
Long awaited measures expected to boost sales
ANESDOR, Spain’s Motorcycle Industry Association, welcomes the stimulus package adopted by the Council of Ministers on 3 July. A mix of state incentives and discounts by the manufacturers will sustain the demand for motorcycles and mopeds. ANESDOR had been calling for dedicated measures for PTWs similar to the those devised for the automobile sector. Next to the damages caused by the economic crisis to the Spanish PTW sector, the market was also at risk of freezing while consumers waited for the long expected incentives package.
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[NEWS]
New rules for PTW riders in the 3rd Driving Licence Directive
CIECA held a workshop on the new A category licence
On June 16, CIECA, the international commission for driver testing authorities, held a workshop in Brussels on the category A progressive access rules in the 3rd Driving Licence Directive (applicable from 2013). CIECA’s research on access rules to mopeds and motorcycles highlighted the considerable differences in current national licensing regulations. ACEM was among the participants, next to the European Commission, the motorcycling community and EU member state representatives.
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[Interview]
Interview with Hendrik von Kuenheim
BMW Motorrad CEO talks about the consequences of the economic crisis on his company
In the first quarter of 2009 BMW motorcycle had to acknowledge a 18% decrease in sales. In an interview, CEO Hendrik von Kuenheim speaks about lost markets, the sales expectations for 2009 and plans to boost sales.
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[Future of Transport]
Communication on the Future of Transport
The European Commission envisages an integrated, technology-led and user-friendly system
Acknowledging the need to focus the future European transport policy on the pursuit of an truly integrated, technology-based and user-friendly transport system, the European Commission adopted a Communication on the Future of Transport. This document identifies 6 main trends and challenges that will shape the future of transport policy over the coming decades: aging, migration and internal mobility, environmental challenges, the availability of energy resources, urbanisation and globalisation.
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[ROAD SAFETY]
ETSC unveils EU 2008 road safety figures
PIN report indicates EC target of 50% less road fatalities will not be reached
Some 39,000 people were killed in road collisions in 2008 in the EU27, 15,400 less than in 2001 but still far from the 27,000 deaths limit which set by the EU as a target for 2010. The average annual reduction since 2001 has been only 4.4% instead of the 7.4% needed. This could delay the EU in reaching the target unil 2017. During its annual PIN conference held in Brussels on June 22, ETSC analyse EU and national performance in road safety.
[read more]
[NEWS]
40 years BMW motorcycle manufacturing
BMW celebrates the 40th anniversary of its Berlin Spandau plant
BMW Motorrad's production plant in Berlin looks back at 40 years of tradition and success with its assembly lines delivering over 1,882,400 motorcycles.
[read more] |
