[EDITORIAL]
Dear Reader,
The European Motorcycle Industry is holding its breath waiting for the Commission to issue its proposal regarding new type-approval requirements for Powered Two-Wheelers. Delayed for years, then announced for April, it seems that the publication of this piece of legislation will not see the light before the summer.
On March 25th ACEM held its General Assembly in Brussels officially welcoming Moted, the Turkish Motorcycle Association as a new member. The Executive Committee also elected Mr Hendrik von Kuenheim, CEO BMW-Motorrad and Husqvarna, as a Vice President, replacing Mr Thomas Weber who is moving to a new job within BMW.
The ACEM Assembly offered also the opportunity to meet with representatives of the European Institutions and strengthening the dialogue that the Secretariat engages on a daily basis. Mr Bernd Lange MEP hosted our delegation in the European Parliament and exchanged views on the future regulation. During our gala dinner in the Autoworld Museum we were joined by Malcolm Harbour MEP, Mrs Ruth Paserman from the Commissioner of Industry's Cabinet and by officials from the European Commission.
As regards to the crisis, we can not report good news yet. Our registration statistics show that the European market is not gaining confidence. Sales for the first quarter of 2010 are even slightly inferior compared to a year ago, when the blow from the economic crisis hit hardest. Were it not for a positive month of March, we'd have to acknowledge even stronger losses.
Enjoy your reading!
Jacques Compagne
Acem Secretary General
[REPORT]
ACEM General Assembly
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.
[read more]
[MARKET FIGURES]
Europe PTW makers hope for better Q2 after weak Q1
The dramatic losses of 2009 are replaced by a slight trickle in the first quarter of 2010
The devastating effects of the economic crisis on PTW registrations which started in the autumn of 2008 and caused the market to shrink by -25%, was followed by a particularly harsh European winter which is making recovery look still far.
[read more]
[NEWS]
EESC issued its recommendations to the European Commission regarding the PTW industry in Europe
EESC underlines the need for support, flexibility and level playing field
The European Economic and Social Committee, in view of the upcoming proposal for a regulation on the type-approval of powered two-wheelers, calls on the European Commission to set goals which the sector will be able to achieve – phasing in targets which are in sync with design, production and the market.
Objective: in the current difficult economic and financial context, ensuring competitiveness at European level, while stimulating innovation and safeguarding social interests
[read more]
[ROAD SAFETY]
Protective Equipment for Riders
eSUM launches a campaign informing riders and raising their awareness regarding the benefits of a good motorcycling equipment
With the aim of encouraging a wider take-up of protective gear, ACEM has released a booklet in seven languages with indications on which equipment to choose. Motorcycling apparel can help motorcycle, scooter and moped riders reducing the effects of accidents. Nonetheless the benefits of good quality motorcycling clothing are still widely underestimated.
[read more]
[LICENSING]
Workshop on the 3rd Driving Licence Directive Transposition in Member States
6th May 2010, Autoworld Museum, Brussels
ACEM organises a workshop on the 3rd Driving Licence Directive, which will take place on the 6th of May 2010, at the Autoworld Museum in Brussels. Training professionals, policy-makers and industry representatives will attend this workshop, supported by CIECA, FIM, FEMA and Suzuki.
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[CAMPAIGN]
IVM launches "Licence Challenge 2010"
In order to get up to 1000€ in rebates, equipment and a motorcycle participants will have to blog hard on the community website and pass their motorcycle licence test
IVM, the German Motorcycle Industry Association has launched the "Licence Challenge 2010", a competition offering motorcycles or scooters to beginner riders for the duration of their training period. In addition, IVM will equip the ten winners with the latest in protective clothing and offer up to € 1,000 cash back for passing the practical test.
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[STUDY]
MCI published a study on the economic significance of the PTW sector in the UK
65.530 employees depend on the British PTW industry for a total turnover of 5993£m (€7bn) according to this survey
A new economic study of the UK industry which was recently completed for MCI provided an assessment of the economic significance of the UK motorcycle industry, defined as comprising the five main sectors of: manufacturing; distribution and retail; repair, servicing and maintenance; sports and leisure; and other support services.
[read more]
[NEWS]
Honda to begin sales of EV-neo electric scooter to commercial customers in December 2010
On April 13, 2010 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. revealed the latest prototype of the EV-neo electrical motorcycle and announced plans to begin lease sales in Japan of the model in December 2010 to businesses and individual business owners who provide delivery services.
[read more] |
