[REPORT]
ACEM General Assembly 2010
Impending legislation for the type-approval of Powered Two-Wheelers and the economic crisis monopolise discussions of motorcycle manufacturers gathering in Brussels for their Annual Assembly
Awaiting the European Commission's new rules for a technical regulation of motorcycles, scooters and mopeds, ACEM, the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers held its annual General Assembly hosted by FEBIAC in Brussels on March 25th.
In the light of the latest market developments which confirm a lingering economic crisis, the priority for the Powered Two-Wheeler Industry is to achieve regulatory stability, a level global playing field and enough lead-time to allow production to adapt to new measures.
The two day programme included a visit of the European Parliament. The participants were welcomed by Bernd Lange MEP who - an avid motorcyclist himself - guided the ACEM delegation and exchanged views on pending European legislation.
During the gala dinner in the exceptional setting of the Autoworld Museum ACEM members were joined by Malcolm Harbour MEP, Mme Isabelle Kardaczs Head of the Road Safety Unit, DG MOVE, and by officials from the European Commission.
Addressing the guests from the European Institutions and industry executives, Stefan Pierer, ACEM President and KTM CEO, stressed once more that if recovery in the PTW sector is to be achieved, then the upcoming European regulatory framework for PTWs must acknowledge the effects of the crisis on the sector while ensuring regulatory stability and providing the industry with a sensible timeframe and sufficient flexibility to develop new products meeting customers’ demand.
Mrs Ruth Paserman from the cabinet of Mr Tajani, Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship, held the keynote speech underlining the Commission's position toward the upcoming legislation.
The Executive Committee unanimously elected Mr Hendrik von Kuenheim, CEO of BMW Motorrad and Husqvarna as well as President of IMMA, the International Motorcycle Manufacturers Association, as Vice President of ACEM, while Mr Leo Francesco Mercanti, Piaggio Director of Engineering and Product Development & Racing, was appointed for a another term as Vice President.
In a final document PTW manufacturers urged the European Commission to consider market acceptance and flexible objectives in finalising the future technical regulation of Powered Two- and Three-Wheelers due in the second half of 2010. Despite positive cooperation with DG Enterprise, some fundamental elements still need to be tackled for this regulation to be workable for the sector.
Links:
[INDEX]
PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT FOR RIDERS
IVM'S "LICENSE CHALLENGE 2010"
HONDA'S TO BEGIN SALES OF ELECTIRC SCOOTER
EESC'S RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING THE PTW INDUSTRY IN EUROPE
The ACEM delegation during the visit of the European Parliament led by Bernd Lange MEP.
Mrs Ruth Paserman, from the cabinet of Antonio Tajani, Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship.
Stefan Pierer, ACEM President and KTM CEO and Jacques Compagne, ACEM Secretary General (right).
Dietmar Krohm, Coordinating Committee Chair addressing the National Associations during the afternoon session.