The economic importance of motorcycles in Europe

A research by Oxford Economics highlights the economic and mobility benefits of two-wheelers in Europe.

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The safe ride to the future 2.0

The motorcycle industry’s commitment to road safety. This document showcases some of the industry’s most important initiatives in the area of motorcycle safety.

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Motorcycle training

The European Motorcycle Training Quality Label is a scheme that helps motorcyclists to clearly and easily identify the best post-license training programmes in Europe

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Competitiveness

ACEM members support a European stable regulatory framework that fosters growth, jobs and investment in the L-category industry

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Urban Mobility

L-category vehicles save time and money for commuters, increase urban traffic fluidity and reduce congestion

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Environment

L-category vehicles sold in the EU comply with strict pollutant emission limits. Also, they have a limited environmental impact

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International trade

Together with a more vibrant domestic market, exports will help the industry to grow and to create new jobs in the EU

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Road safety

The industry has achieved high safety levels for existing products and continues to bring advanced and innovative vehicles to the market

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ACEM news
ACEM position paper - Bridging the gap to climate neutrality. The case of eFuels for powered two-wheelers
07 Sep 2022

This position paper sheds light on the key questions regarding eFuel, its production and use. It has been prepared with the support of the eFuel Alliance. In parallel to the development and deployment of more electric vehicles on the market every year, ACEM members are continuing to reduce the level of CO2 emissions from traditional internal combustion engines (ICEs), still widely in use today and in the near future.

ACEM supports other carbon neutral energy carriers’ innovations. eFuel, in particular, should be developed with a production volume that supports decarbonisation of the existing fleet of ICE vehicles and for products for which electrification is not expected to be possible in the medium to long term (e.g. products used for long-distance commuting and travelling in remote areas).

ACEM would especially welcome the introduction of a % / volume mandate of low / zero carbon content fuels for road transport, as part of the coming Renewable Energy Directive revision.

Documents available to download

ACEM position paper - Bridging the gap to climate neutrality. The case of eFuels for powered two-wheelers [PDF]

Press contact

Manuel Ordonez de Barraicua
ACEM Communications Manager
 
+32 496 52 65 17

 

 

 

The CMC releases an in-depth study on detection of two-wheelers by Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
01 Sep 2022

A new white paper published by the Connected Motorcycle Consortium (CMC) discusses the current state of automobile ADAS from a two-wheeler detection point of view. It also presents an evaluation of potential methods to improve PTW conspicuity and analyses previous relevant studies (e.g. current research, academic papers, technical reports, etc.).

Drivers of powered-two wheelers (PTWs) are vulnerable road users who require special attention from other road users due to the relatively small size of the vehicle. This issue has become even more important with car manufacturers introducing level 3 and 4 automated vehicles, with level 3 transferring (at least temporarily) the responsibility for vehicle control to the vehicle itself.

Motorcycle manufacturers are seriously concerned that this may lead to an increase in two-wheelers accidents, as car drivers start to become more dependent on Level 1 and 2 ADAS and less attentive to other vehicles around them. Motorcycle industry experts are also worried that modern cars lack robust enough equipment to correctly detect motorcycles.

Against this background, reliable detection of PTWs by passenger car ADAS is absolutely essential to avoid car-PTW collisions and to decrease the number of motorcycle accidents. Passenger cars must be able to appropriately recognize motorcycle manoeuvres in ordinary traffic, such as weaving in, leaning while cornering or splitting lanes.

Document available to download

Connected Motorcycle Consortium (CMC) paper - Powered-two wheeler conspicuity [PDF]

Background information

• The Connected Motorcycle Consortium (CMC) brings together motorcycle OEMs, suppliers, researchers and associations to make motorcycles part of the future connected mobility. CMC members are also working on creating synergies between on-board sensor systems and connectivity solutions.

• The CMC has launched a Basic Specification for Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) for motorcycles in 2020. The CMC was created in 2016, building on the ACEM Memorandum of Understanding on C-ITS.

• Modern cars are increasingly equipped with on-board sensor systems (radars, cameras, etc.) and driver assistance systems. These vehicle systems need to include motorcycle requirements in order to enhance safety effects in mixed traffic conditions. The CMC believes that tailored motorcycle/car scenarios and tests need to be developed and standardized.

• The ACEM’s “How will automated cars impact motorcycle safety?” (2019) position paper explains why automation must, not only improve convenience for car drivers but also safety for all road users.

• MAIDS, the in-depth European motorcycle accident study, found that about 37% of all accidents involving other vehicles (OV) and motorcycles were linked to an OV driver perception failure. This means that the OV driver may have failed to see the motorcycle prior to the subsequent event that caused the accident.

Press contact

Manuel Ordonez de Barraicua
ACEM Communications Manager
 
+32 496 52 65 17

 

 

Registrations of motorcycles and mopeds in largest markets remain stable in the first 6 months of 2022
22 Aug 2022

Registrations of new motorcycles in five of the largest European markets (i.e. France, Germany, Italy, Spain and UK) showed a slight decrease of 0.5% (532,980 units) during the first six months of 2022, compared to the same period of 2021 (532,460 units).

Some of the largest European motorcycle markets registered increases, including Germany (117,800 motorcycles registered, +1.7%) and Spain (91,870 units, +10.7%). Registrations decreased in France (108,000 units, -6.4%), Italy (161,500 units, -2.8%) and the UK (53,650 motorcycles registered, -2.3% compared to the first half of 2021).

The moped segment performed slightly better during the six months of 2022. Moped registrations reached a total of about 134,500 units in the six largest European moped markets (i.e. Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain). This represents an increase of 1.0 % in comparison to the first six months of 2021.

Quote

Commenting on the current situation of the sector, Antonio Perlot, ACEM Secretary General, said:

“In recent months, two-wheeler sales have been affected by logistic disruptions at international level. This led to a backlog in vehicle deliveries in several European markets. Sales were also affected by rising energy costs and inflation, higher interest rates and broad economic uncertainty.”

“That said, registrations for mopeds and motorcycles in Europe remained stable in comparison to the first half of 2021. Due to their relatively low purchasing and running costs, two-wheelers have fared much better than other private means of transport.”

“We will know whether 2022 was a good year for our sector, when the aggregated figures for the first nine months of the year become available.”

Documents available to download

ACEM - Statistical press release - January - June 2022 [PDF]
ACEM - Statistical press release - January - June 2022 [XLS]
ACEM - Statistical releases - FAQ [PDF]
ACEM - Statistical releases - Glossary [PDF]

Press contact

Manuel Ordonez de Barraicua
ACEM Communications Manager
 
+32 496 52 65 17

Job opening - ACEM is currently looking to expand its team with a new policy advisor
28 Jun 2022

ACEM, the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers, is the industry association that represents manufacturers of powered-two and three-wheelers as well as quadricycles (L-category vehicles) in Europe.

ACEM members include 18 manufacturing companies and 19 national industry associations in 17 different European countries. About 400.000 jobs depend on the motorcycle, moped, tricycle and quadricycle industry in Europe. ACEM works closely with the EU institutions, as well as with a wide range of stakeholders, in different policy-areas. These include type-approval of L-category vehicles, environmental legislation, road safety and transport policies, international trade negotiations, etc.

In the context of the implementation of its Vision2030+, ACEM is strengthening its team with additional competences in the policy field and is looking for a Policy Advisor European Affairs (new position). Seize your chance to work in an innovative sector!

Function

The “Policy Adviser European Affairs” will be part of a small, service minded team (8 persons) at the headquarters of ACEM in Brussels. He / she will operate mainly with the Director of Corporate and Public Affairs.

His / her main tasks will be to:
• Monitor and gather information on key EU regulatory and policy developments of interest for the motorcycle sector.
• Support the design, implement and coordinate the implementation of lobbying and advocacy strategies.

Together with the rest of the ACEM team, he/she will manage ACEM internal working groups, task forces and committees on a variety of subjects as defined in the ACEM Vision 2030+, support the development of Industry positions, draft papers, ensure effective cooperation and coordination with the Members and with different stakeholders, and support the development of good working relationships with the EU institutions.

Profile

• Minimum two years of experience in EU affairs, preferably in an industry association
• University level education, preferably in an area related to European studies or law
• Excellent knowledge of EU policy making
• Good organisational and communication skills
• Excellent drafting skills in English, excellent verbal communication skills in English (additional languages
is a plus)
• Capability to understand technical subjects
• Interest in mobility issues and sustainable development
• Knowledge of/interest in motorcycling an asset but not a prerequisite
• Self-starter, team player, can-do attitude.

Contact

We offer a demanding and rewarding position in a committed team with an open atmosphere. The position is full time, starting Q4 2022.

Candidates should apply by sending a CV and a cover letter to , by 15/07/2022.

Documents available to dowlonad

Job offer - Policy Adviser European Affairs - ACEM [PDF]

 

The European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers elects new senior management team
15 Jun 2022

The European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) announced today different senior leadership appointments: Michele Colaninno, Chief Executive of global strategy, product, marketing and innovation of the Piaggio Group (PIA.MI), founder and Chair of Piaggio Fast Forward, is the new President of ACEM.

The association also appointed three Vice-Presidents who will support the President in his mission to lead the organisation during his two-year mandate.

The appointed Vice-Presidents are:

Stefan Pierer, CEO of KTM AG, and outgoing ACEM President
Dr Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad, the motorcycle branch of the BMW Group
Eric de Seynes, President of Yamaha Motor Europe N.V.

The election of the new ACEM leadership took place during the annual General Assembly held in Brussels on 15 June 2022.

Quote

Michele Colaninno, new President of the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers, said:

“As the new ACEM President, I would like to congratulate Stefan Pierer who has brilliantly been acting in this role for five years. I am also very thankful to my colleagues for trusting Piaggio in this prestigious and challenging role that I will carry out with the greatest commitment.

“I look forward to working with all members of the association to promote our priorities described in the Vision 2030+. As part of this Vision, the European motorcycle industry will keep working to bring innovative and low-carbon vehicles to the market, for commuting, leisure and urban mobility.

“Also as part of Vision 2030+, we will intensify our dialogue with the EU institutions and we will boost industry cooperation in strategic areas for the future of mobility in Europe, such as connectivity, safety and electrification.”

Antonio Perlot, ACEM Secretary General, said:

“Stefan Pierer has done an excellent job at positioning ACEM for the future, and reinforcing our team in Brussels. This was essential at a time when the mobility and industrial ecosystems in Europe were undergoing rapid and important transformations, and it remains an important factor as these changes continue to take place.

“I look forward to working with Michele Colaninno and our new leadership team, our partners in the European institutions, and other stakeholders in the mobility space, to ensure that opportunities are seized in the interest of the motorcycle sector and society.”

Documents available to download

ACEM new leadership - High resolution photos

Press contact

Manuel Ordonez de Barraicua. ACEM Communications Manager
 
+32 (0) 22 30 97 32.

Note for editors

The European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) represents manufacturers of mopeds, motorcycles, three-wheelers and quadricycles (L-category vehicles) in Europe. ACEM members include 18 manufacturing companies and 18 national industry associations.

ACEM manufacturing members, which include some of the largest multinationals in the sector, are: BMW Motorrad, Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), Ducati Motor holding, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, KYMCO, MV Agusta, Peugeot Scooters, Piaggio, Polaris Industries, Renault, Royal Enfield, Suzuki, Triumph Motorcycles and Yamaha.

The motorcycle sector in the EU and the UK supports about 389,000 jobs through different activities including the manufacturing of vehicles, parts and accessories, and personal protective equipment, as well as motorcycle-related activities.

The motorcycle sector contributes about €21.4 billion of GDP across Europe every year. All in all, every €1 of GDP created directly by motorcycle businesses supports a further €1.80 of GDP in other industries, due to the various knock-on expenditure impacts.

To learn more about Vision 2030+ please visit: https://www.acem.eu/vision2030 

***

Michele Colaninno is Chief Executive of global strategy, product, marketing and innovation of the Piaggio Group (PIA.MI), founder and Chairman of Piaggio Fast Forward, the Group robotics company headquartered in Boston, USA, whose mission is to develop innovative mobility solutions for the future.

In addition, Michele Colaninno, who was born in 1976, is Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of the Immsi Group, an industrial holding active in the financial, real estate and industrial sectors listed on the Milan Stock Exchange (IMS.MI), with revenues of more than 1.7 billion euro.

 

Registrations of motorcycles and mopeds in largest European markets continue to increase in Q1 2022
16 May 2022

Registrations of new motorcycles in five of the largest European markets (i.e. France, Germany, Italy, Spain and UK) showed an increase of 14.6% (226,793 units) during the first three months of 2022, compared to the same period of 2021.

Most of the largest European motorcycle markets registered increases, including the UK (27,807 motorcycle registered, +56.4% compared to the same quarter of 2021), Germany (54,106 motorcycles registered, +30.4%), Spain (38,922 units, +16.3%) and France (45,702 units, +2.3%). Motorcycle registrations in the Italian market remained stable during Q1 2022, at 60,256 units (-0.4%).

European motorcycle markets remain very strong and have been consistently growing since 2020, when countries exited the initial C-19 pandemic lockdowns across Europe.

The moped segment also performed well during the first quarter of 2022. Moped registrations reached a total of 57,755 units in the six largest European moped markets (i.e. Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain). This represents an increase of 3.5% in comparison to the first quarter of 2021.

Quote

Commenting on the current situation of the sector, Antonio Perlot, ACEM Secretary General, said:

“The registration figures for the first quarter of 2022 show that the moped and motorcycle registrations in key European markets remained strong, in spite of the manufacturing and logistical issues created by the C-19 pandemic”.

“Preliminary data for April indicates a slight slowdown for some markets, due to the shortage of semiconductors and shipping delays affecting the availability of some models. Sales in the coming months may also be affected, up or down, by factors such as rising fuel prices and the general economic situation in Europe”.

“The registration figures for the second and third quarters will tell us whether the motorcycle and moped markets performed well in 2022, as most sales take place in spring and early summer”.

Documens available to download

ACEM - Statistical press release - January - March 2022 [PDF]
ACEM - Statistical press release - January - March 2022 [XLS]
ACEM - Statistical releases - FAQ [PDF]
ACEM - Statistical releases - Glossary [PDF]

Press contact

Manuel Ordonez de Barraicua
ACEM communications manager
 
+32 496 52 65 17

Joint industry position paper - Essential uses of chemicals
15 May 2022

As part of the Chemical Strategy for Sustainability (CSS), a number of legislative and non-legislative measures with wide-ranging impacts on the auto industry are planned. These include amendments which will affect how the REACH Regulation is applied.

In response to the consultation by the Competent Authorities for REACH and CLP (CARACAL), the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM), the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), the European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA), the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA), the Japan Auto Parts Industries’ Association (JAPIA) and the Korea Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (KAMA) have developed a joint position on ‘essential uses’.

The CSS outlines that the European Commission will “define criteria for essential uses to ensure that the most harmful chemicals are only allowed if their use is necessary for health, safety or is critical for the functioning of society and if there are no alternatives that are acceptable from the standpoint of environment and health. These criteria will guide the application of essential uses in all relevant EU legislation for both generic and specific risk assessments.”

The determination of these criteria and the definition of ‘essential uses’ will have a decisive impact on the industry. ACEM, ACEA, CLEPA, ETRMA, JAPIA and KAMA therefore believe that it is of the utmost importance to provide a balanced and clear definition of the criteria for the notion of ‘essential use’, and that this should be one of the first steps undertaken as part of the CSS.

Documents available to download

Joint industry position paper - Essential uses of chemicals [PDF]

Press contact

Manuel Ordonez de Barraicua. ACEM Communications Manager
 
+32 (0) 22 30 97 32

 

The German Institute for Motorcycle Safety (IFZ) calls for papers on scooter and motorcycle safety
28 Feb 2022

The German Institute for Motorcycle Safety (Institut für Zweiradsicherheit e.V.) has announced a call for papers on scooter and motorcycle safety. The deadline for submissions of abstracts is 16 March 2022 ().

The selected papers will be presented during the 14th International Motorcycle Conference, which will take place in Cologne, Germany, on 3 and 4 October 2022. The event will give scientists, researchers and practitioners the opportunity to exchange views and discuss state-of-the-art research on powered-two and powered-three wheeler safety.

A full description of the call for papers is available here

To learn more about the conference, please visit the IfZ website at www.ifz.de 

Contact us

European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers

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+32 (0)22 30 97 32

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