[EDITORIAL]
Dear Reader,
at the 8th ACEM Conference held in Brussels on January 24 I had to disclose the latest news about the European motorcycle market. In 2011, four years into the crisis, the
Powered Two Wheelers sector achieved its lowest result with 1.7 million units
corresponding to a 1 million units difference compared to 2007. 2011 marks a fall by another 9%.
Such a critical market depression generates difficulties for the whole sector.
Many European suppliers are struggling with serious difficulties while others have
no other choice than bankruptcy. Next to the revenue loss, this situation
diverts resources, generates significant over costs, and disrupts production.
In these conditions, I can only stress the absolute need
for the industry to have a stable, predictable and especially a feasible regulatory
environment to underpin our long-term investment strategies
Notwithstanding the tough market conditions, at the 8th Acem Conference, motorcycle manufacturers delivered an important message, which - we believe - isn't related only to our industry but offers an insight into the future of mobility. "Innovating our mobility" through smaller, lighter and more specialised vehicles is the future envisioned by the European Union, which will lead to more efficient individual transport in terms of time and fuel savings, emissions reductions and an overall improvement of the quality of life, especially in cities. ACEM Manufacturers are involved in developing a new mobility paradigm. L-category vehicles, such as motorcycles, scooters, tricycles and quadricycles, represent an opportunity for an innovative mobility, which includes electromobility as part of the answer.
I wish to thank the speakers who helped us giving a full picture of how PTW fit into a truly innovative mobility paradigm. Mr Isaak Yperman from Transport & Mobility Leuven, for his research on how a shift from cars to PTW of only 10% would result in a 40% reduction in congestion. And Mrs Coralie Henry-Poppe of PSA Peugeot Citroën, for sharing with us her company's plan on making scooters part of their "MU" mobility services.
A special thanks also to FIM and FEMA, who accepted our invitation to be part of our conference with their own stand. We must not forget that the world of motorcycling entails also 35 million users EU-wide and millions of fan of motorcycle sports and ACEM is pleased to jointly put forward a message of sustainable motorcycling.
Enjoy your reading!
Hendrik von Kuenheim
Acem President
[MARKET UPDATE]
In 2011 the EU PTW market shrinks by another 9%
2008-2011: four consecutive years of recession due to the economic crisis
The crisis that has been affecting the powered two-wheelers market in the EU since 2008 is not loosening its grasp. 2011 marks the lowest performance of the decade. Registrations of Powered Two Wheelers fell by another 9,5%, amounting to almost 170,000 less units, and totalling only 1.7 million sold units over the last year.
[read more]
[NEWS]
"Innovating our Mobilty": ACEM's 8th Conference
As society’s emerging needs are evolving Motorcycle Manufacturers show how innovation is changing mobility
On January 24th in Brussels, Hendrik von Kuenheim ACEM President, greeted the participants to the 8th annual conference by sharing discomforting news about the status of the Motorcycle industry in Europe. Due to the current economic crisis, he said, the industry is experiencing the most dramatic recession in its history.
[read more]
[ROAD SAFETY]
In Spain latest road safety statistics show four years of steady improvement
Since 2007 PTW accidents decreased by 45%
Despite a staggering growth of the circulating park, motorcycles achieved the lowest accident rates since 2000. These statistics confirm the continuous decline in accidents since 2007, with a reduction of victims by almost half (-45%).
[read more]
[NEWS]
Motorcycles allowed in bus lanes in London
As from January 23 Transport for London opened the Capital's Red Routes to PTWs
Transport for London has announced that, following two extensive trials, motorcycles will be able to drive in bus lanes on a permanent basis on the majority of the Capital’s Red Routes, helping to deliver a key strand of the Mayor’s Transport Strategy.
[read more]
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