The economic importance of motorcycles in Europe

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

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.

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

Competitiveness

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

Urban Mobility

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

Environment

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

International trade

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

Road safety

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

ACEM news

23 Mar 2020

ACEM press statement - Impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on the motorcycle sector

The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented crisis that is inflicting considerable damage to the health of citizens across the world and threatening global economic stability. Policy makers at the European level and national authorities are working together to address these two major challenges. Industrial and retail sectors are already severely impacted, including those within the motorcycle industry.

Every effort is being taken by the motorcycle industry to protect our employees and customers. Public health and safety is the number one priority of us all; notwithstanding this need, preservation of the European economy and the protection of jobs are also paramount.

The current situation is particularly challenging for motorcycle dealers and manufacturers. The ongoing pandemic has severely disrupted supply chains, manufacturing operations and the development of new Euro 5 models. This disruption, in addition to virus containment measures taken in factories, has led to a near complete standstill of the industry in many countries.

The recent lock-down and stringent measures to contain the pandemic have also paralyzed motorcycle retail business activity. This is progressively affecting all European markets, creating unsettling uncertainties for the motorcycle sector. The COVID-19 crisis is placing dealerships, most of which are small family-run operations, under extreme financial hardship. Immediate cashflow concerns will need to be addressed through support measures in every impacted country.

Against this background, the motorcycle industry urgently calls on the European Commission and national administrations to swiftly adopt all necessary measures to help the sector come through this unprecedented crisis. The motorcycle sector is ready to work with all policy makers to achieve this aim, protecting the 300,000 jobs linked to this industry.

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Stefan Pierer, ACEM President and CEO of KTM AG, said:

“The COVID-19 crisis will test our ability to cope simultaneously with a major health and economic crisis. ACEM members are fully cooperating with authorities to slow the spread of COVID-19. We take care that our employees and partners are safe, and count on policy-makers to find solutions in the challenging weeks and months that are ahead of us in order to break the wave that may otherwise hit the sector”.

Antonio Perlot, ACEM Secretary General, said:

“ACEM is engaging with our partners in the EU and national administrations to find solutions to this unprecedented challenge. Things are evolving rapidly and ACEM is closely monitoring the situation, in tight cooperation with industry associations across Europe and vehicle manufacturers. We call on policy-makers to work together and adopt the necessary measures to protect our citizens and economies in the short and longer term”.

Documents available to download

ACEM press statement - COVID-19 impacts on the motorcycle sector [PDF]

Press contact

Manuel Ordonez de Barraicua
ACEM communications manager

+32 496 52 65 17

11 Feb 2020

Motorcycles registrations in the European Union increased by 8% in 2019

A total of 1,079,524 motorcycles were registered in 2019 in the EU according to the final figures published today by the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM). This represents an increase of 8% compared to 2018 numbers. The largest motorcycle markets in Europe in 2019 were: Italy (231,712 units), France (197,470 units) and Spain (177,037 motorcycles). Motorcycle figures include both two- and three-wheeled vehicles with an engine capacity above 50cc as well as electric motorcycles.

Moped registrations in the EU also grew by 11%

The European moped market rose from 272,338 units in 2018 to 303,152 in 2019. This represents an increase of 11.3%. The largest markets for mopeds in Europe were: France (91,043), Netherlands (62,340), Belgium (27,073), Germany (25,247) and Italy (21,133).

Registrations of electric motorcycles and mopeds increased in 2019 in the EU

In addition, the European electric motorcycle market grew from 6,901 units in 2018 to 14,111 units in 2019 (+104.48%). However, it remains at niche levels. Only 1.3% of all motorcycles registered in Europe in 2019 were electric. Registrations of electric mopeds in the EU increased substantially from 39,940 units in 2018 to 59,776 units in 2019 (+49.7%). The electric quadricycle market dropped from 3,184 units to 2,816 (-11.6%).

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Commenting on the latest market trends ACEM Secretary General Antonio Perlot said:

“The increase in the market experienced in 2019 exceeds all expectations. Ten years after the crisis, which had also seriously impacted the motorcycle sector, it is confirmation of the return to a general, positive attitude towards consumption.

It also shows that the interest in motorcycles and mopeds is growing, both for commuting and leisure. This is partly a reflection of the move to the EURO 4 environmental standard which, by now, has been fully completed. With the recent application of the EURO 5 and the related launch on the market of new motorcycle models, this positive trend should be expected to continue in 2020.

The growth in the moped segment also confirms a renewed interest in light urban mobility solutions, particularly as regards the niche electric vehicle sector. Overall, due to the replacement of older vehicles in the fleet, this will improve the contribution of motorcycles and mopeds to cleaner, more efficient mobility.”.

Documents available to download

ACEM - Statistical press release - January - December 2019 [xls]

ACEM - Statistical press release - January - December 2019 - EN [pdf]

ACEM - Statistical press release - January - December 2019 - FR [pdf]

ACEM - Statistical press release - January - December 2019 - ES [pdf]

ACEM - Statistical press release - January - December 2019 - IT [pdf]

Press contact

For further information or to receive future market updates, news or press releases please contact:
Ilaria Balloni. ACEM communications assistant
E.
P. +32 22 30 97 32

16 Dec 2019

New Euro 5 environmental standard for motorcycles and mopeds to enter into force in 2020

As of 1 January 2020, all new type-approved motorcycles and mopeds sold in the European Union (EU) and the European Free Trade Area (EFTA) will have to meet the new Euro 5 environmental standard that will replace the current Euro 4 specification.

For existing moped and motorcycle models type-approved before the 1 January 2020, Euro 5 will become mandatory as of the first day of 2021. This brings the pollutant emissions of L-category vehicles (i.e. mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles) to the same level as Euro 6 cars.

Improving environmental performance through vehicle technology

Technical innovation in the motorcycle industry has played a key role in progressively lowering vehicle emissions. Since the introduction of the Euro 1 standard for motorcycles and mopeds in 1999, pollutant emissions have been drastically reduced. Combined emissions of hydrocarbons (HC) and nitrogen oxides (NO_x) have gone down by 96.6%, whilst carbon monoxide (CO) emissions have been reduced by 92.3%.

The Euro 5 environmental standard in detail

Under the new Euro 5 standard, tailpipe emissions of mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles will not be allowed to exceed 1,000 mg/km of carbon monoxide (CO), 100 mg/km total hydrocarbons (THC), 68 mg/km non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC), 60 mg/km of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and 4.5 mg/km of particulate matter (PM). These Euro 5 tailpipe pollutant emission limits are the same as those of Euro 6 for cars.

The new Euro 5 standard that will replace the previous one (Euro 4) will become mandatory for all new type-approved motorcycles and mopeds as of 1 January 2020. Some niche segments (i.e. enduro and trial motorcycles, three-wheeled mopeds designed for utility purposes and light quadrimobiles) have been granted additional lead time. These niche products will have to comply with the new Euro 5 tailpipe emissions limits as of 1 January 2024.

Durability provisions and evaporative emission levels are equally becoming more stringent. Another important innovation is the progressive introduction of a second stage on-board diagnostic (OBD), allowing advanced identification and flagging of malfunction and deterioration of emission control systems.

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Antonio Perlot, ACEM Secretary General, said:

“From a supply side perspective, vehicle technology has been instrumental in improving the environmental performance of motorcycles. ACEM members have invested heavily in research and product development to develop Euro 5 compliant motorcycles equipped with technologies such as 3-way catalysts with oxygen sensor controls, complex electronic engine management systems, advanced fuel injection and variable valve timing and lift technologies”.

“As a result of this, the environmental performance of Euro 5 motorcycles will be equivalent to that of Euro 6 cars. ACEM sees this fitting within the vision of the recent European Green Deal of achieving less polluting transport, especially in cities, and further enabling the contribution of our range of vehicles to a multimodal transport system”.

Press contact

For further information or to receive future market updates, news or press releases please contact:
Ilaria Balloni. ACEM communications assistant
E.
P. +32 22 30 97 32

Documents available to download

ACEM Press release - New Euro 5 environmental standard [PDF]

26 Nov 2019

Industry4Europe joint paper. European industries unite to call for an ambitious EU industrial strategy

European Union, 26 November 2019 – Industry4Europe, a coalition of 149 sector Associations representing the diversity of the EU’s industrial base, today published its new Joint Paper ‘A long-term strategy for Europe’s industrial future: from words to action’. Through cross-sectoral recommendations, the Industry4Europe coalition contributes to the future EU industrial strategy announced by European Commission President-Elect Ursula von der Leyen.

The Joint Paper presents concrete industrial policy proposals in seven priority fields; business-friendly policy environment, sustainability at business core, upgraded skills and training, enhanced research and innovation, investment and improved access to finance, reinforcement of the European Single Market and strengthened trade and international market access.

The 149 industry organisations behind Industry4Europe stand united in their repeated calls for an ambitious and long-term EU industrial strategy that must help Europe remain a hub for a leading, smart, innovative and sustainable industry, that provides quality jobs and benefits all Europeans and future generations.

“With its skilled workforce and its global reputation for quality and sustainability, our industry is vital for Europe and its prosperity”, said Philippe Citroën, Coordinator of the Industry4Europe Coalition. “The European Union needs an ambitious industrial strategy now to compete with other global regions that have already put industry at the very top of their political agenda. It is essential for a horizonal, coherent and focused industrial policy to support the backbone of the European economy and which protects citizens and the global environment”.

European Commission President-Elect von der Leyen has said clearly in her Political Guidelines for the upcoming mandate that she would, “put forward my plan for a future-ready economy, our new industrial strategy”. The Industry4Europe coalition welcomes this ambition and hopes that its explicit policy recommendations will find a central place in any comprehensive long-term industrial strategy that comes out of the EU institutions.

The Industry4Europe coalition therefore looks forward to working with all policymakers – notably the designated Executive Vice-Presidents Valdis Dombrovskis and Margrethe Vestager and Commissioner Thierry Breton – to discuss and implement such an ambitious and much-needed EU industrial strategy.

Documents available to download

Press Release - European industries unite to call for an ambitious EU industrial strategy

Joint paper - A long-term strategy for Europe’s industrial future: from words to action

For more information

Jean-Philippe Peuziat

Coordination of the Industry4Europe Coalition

P: + 32 2 642 23 25

Twitter: @Industry4Europe

LinkedIn: industry4europe

Website: www.industry4europe.eu

07 Nov 2019

Motorcycle registrations in the EU up by 8.5% during the first nine months of 2019

Registrations of motorcycles in the EU reached 912,972 units during the first 9 months of 2019, according to the latest estimate by the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM). This represents an increase of 8.5% compared to the same period in 2018.

Italy remains the largest European motorcycle market with 198,119 units (a 6.2% increase on a year-on-year basis), followed by France (161,822 motorcycles, +11.6%), Germany (151,241 motorcycles, +7.5%), Spain (136,543 motorcycles, +10.2%) and the UK (84,591 motorcycles, +1.7%).

Motorcycle registrations increased in all EU countries.

Moped registrations in the EU continue increasing

The European moped market reached 243,341 units during the first 9 months of 2019. This represents an increase of about 14.8% compared to the registration levels in the first nine months of 2018 (211,966 units). The largest markets for mopeds in Europe were France (70,290 units), the Netherlands (50,232 units), Belgium (21,419 units), Germany (21,069 units) and Poland (16,776 units).

Registrations of electric vehicles in the EU up by 61.3%

Combined registrations of electric mopeds, motorcycles and quadricycles reached 58,295 units during the first nine months of 2019. This represents a substantial increase of 61.3% compared to the registration levels in the same period of 2018 (36,150 units).

Most of the electric L-category vehicles registered in 2019 are mopeds (46,858 units), followed by motorcycles (9,386 units) and a much smaller number of quadricycles (about 2,051 units).

About ACEM

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: 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.

ACEM also represents 18 motorcycle industry associations in 15 different European countries.

Documents available to download

ACEM - Statistical press release - January - September 2019 [pdf]

ACEM - Statistical press release - January - September 2019 [xls]

Press contact

For further information or to receive future market updates, news or press releases please contact:
Ilaria Balloni. ACEM communications assistant
E.
P. +32 22 30 97 32

24 Oct 2019

ICCT TRUE report: true or not? ACEM comments on the ICCT report on pollutant emissions in Paris

The International Clean Council on Transportation (ICCT) recently published a study on vehicle emissions in Paris, on behalf of the Real Urban Emissions (TRUE) Initiative . The study was mandated by the City Council of Paris and concludes that emissions from motorcycles in that city are higher than those of petrol cars.

ACEM seriously questions the reliability of the remote sensing technology used by the ICCT to measure real urban emissions from the wide range of motorcycles and other L-category vehicles. Whilst this limitation is to some extent acknowledged in the report, which reads: “the smaller engines used in these vehicles result in a smaller plume signal relative to vehicles with larger engines”, the authors also draw negative conclusions as to the environmental performance of motorcycles, including those meeting latest Euro 4 standards.

ACEM has grounds to believe that the report's conclusions are based mainly on measurements of L-category vehicles during their acceleration phase. A generalisation of such results simply does not match real urban reality, and results in a drastic overestimation of vehicle emissions.

Research carried out by the European Research on Mobile Emission Sources (ERMES) has clearly shown that the emission performance of Euro 4 motorcycles is similar to the one of Euro 5 and 6 petrol cars. These measurements were taken using well-established, lab measurement technology, as well as real world test cycles.

The ERMES findings were used by the European Environmental Agency to update its own emissions model (COPERT ) in 2019. The COPERT model is used by policy-makers across Europe to model vehicle fleet emissions in urban areas. Furthermore, the ERMES findings were also used by public authorities in Austria, Germany, Sweden and Switzerland to update the Handbook Emission Factors for Road Transport (HBEFA ).

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Commenting on the study Antonio Perlot, ACEM Secretary General, said:

“ACEM fully supports the principle of public authorities mandating independent studies to gather evidence for effective policy-making. However, it is of utmost importance that such independent studies are performed using validated, accurate testing methods.

“The ICCT report is inconsistent with recent independent research findings based on real world emissions for motorcycles. The large number of invalid measurements and the high level of uncertainty of the valid ones clearly indicate that the remote sensing technology in the ICCT report is unable to correctly measure emissions of L-category vehicles. In other words, ICCT should not have drawn any conclusions based on these measurements. This could lead to ill-advised policies, which is unacceptable”.

“ACEM has already contacted the authors of the study and will continue engaging constructively with the ICCT to discuss both the findings of their report and the possible limitations of the measurement technologies used. In any event, the motorcycle sector remains fully committed to continuing to invest in cleaner technologies and reducing its environmental footprint. The entry into force of the Euro 5 environmental standard in 2020 will be another important step in that direction”.

Press contact

Manuel Ordonez de Barraicua
ACEM communications manager

+32 (0)22 30 97 32

Documents available to download

ACEM comments on the ICCT study [PDF]

09 Oct 2019

The European Motorcycle Training Quality Label receives the European Road Safety Charter Award

Today the European Motorcycle Training Quality Label received the Road Safety Charter Award in the category “voluntary commitments” during an event organized by the European Commission in Brussels. The European award acknowledges inspirational and innovative initiatives that contribute towards improving road safety and saving lives on Europe’s roads.

The award was presented by the European Commissioner for Transport, Violeta Bulc, to the Secretary General of the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM), Antonio Perlot, who received it on behalf of the three members running the European Motorcycle Training Quality Label: ACEM, the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) and the German Road Safety Council (DVR).

The European Motorcycle Training Quality Label is a voluntary certification scheme for post-licence motorcycle training programmes open to all training bodies. Its main objective is to help motorcyclists to recognize the best post-licence training options in Europe. The scheme was launched in 2016 and has certified 29 motorcycle training programmes in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden, with more programmes currently under assessment.

The Road Safety Award is one of the flagship initiatives of the European Road Safety Charter, the most important Europe-wide civil society platform on road safety. The Charter was initiated in 2004 by the European Commission to encourage key stakeholders to take specific and measurable road safety action within their area of responsibilities.

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Commenting on the European Motorcycle Training Quality Label, the European Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc said: “We are grateful that the European Motorcycling Training Quality Label has been set up, responding to our call for voluntary commitments. Europe has some high-quality training schemes on offer, and the European Motorcycle Training Quality Label will help motorcyclists to identify the very best of them”.

Antonio Perlot, Secretary General of the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM), said: “I am delighted to receive this award on behalf of the consortium running this programme. The Label is not only part of the motorcycle industry’s forward-looking safety strategy but also an excellent example of how cooperation between industry players, NGOs, motorcycle trainers and users’ organisations can deliver positive results in motorcycle safety”.

Christian Kellner, German Road Safety Council (DVR) CEO: “We are grateful to the European Commission for this award that honours the work of all the people involved in the European Motorcycle Training Quality Label. This recognition motivates us to continue working every day to make Europe’s roads safer”.

Jesper Christensen, FIM Director for Public Affairs: “Receiving this award from the European Commission is an honourable recognition of the joint road safety commitment made by FIM, ACEM and DVR. It shows that high quality post-licence training does play an important role in preserving motorcyclists’ safety and should be encouraged. This award is also one more reason for our organisation to continue supporting high quality training for all motorcyclists”.

Press contact

For further information please contact:
Ilaria Balloni. ACEM communications assistant
E.
P. +32 22 30 97 32

Documents available to download

Press Release - European Commissioner for Transport presents Road Safety Award to the European Motorcycle Training Quality Label - EN [PDF]

Press Release - European Commissioner for Transport presents Road Safety Award to the European Motorcycle Training Quality Label - FR [PDF]

Press Release - European Commissioner for Transport presents Road Safety Award to the European Motorcycle Training Quality Label - DE [PDF]

Press Release - European Commissioner for Transport presents Road Safety Award to the European Motorcycle Training Quality Label - ES [PDF]

Press Release - European Commissioner for Transport presents Road Safety Award to the European Motorcycle Training Quality Label - IT [PDF]

Photo - ACEM and FIM receiving the award

Photo - Road Safety Award Ceremony

Photo - Road Safety Award family picture

18 Sep 2019

“Ready to Ride” motorcycle training programme receives the European Training Quality Label

The “Ready to Ride” motorcycle training programme, by the Flemish Foundation for Traffic Safety (VSV), was today awarded the European Motorcycle Training Quality Label. “Ready to Ride” was introduced in 2015 to promote motorcycle safety training in Belgium. This programme is currently offered across the Belgian region of Flanders in 9 different training centres. Almost 2,000 motorcyclists have followed this programme so far.

The European Motorcycle Training Quality Label was launched in 2016 to promote the best post-licence training programmes in the EU. The scheme is run by the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM), the German Road Safety Council (DVR) and the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM). A total of 29 training programmes operating in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden have already been recognized with this award.

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Wouter De Clercq, Project manager of the VSV, said: “We believe it is important that motorcyclists take their own responsibility in riding safely with a powered two-wheeler. Riding a motorcycle is far from being an easy task. Motorcyclists, as vulnerable road users, must be aware of any risks on the roads and recognize hazards that are specific to powered two-wheelers”.

“VSV developed its “Ready to Ride” safety training programme precisely to achieve this important objective. The programme is currently delivered in several training centres in Flanders”.

Antonio Perlot, Secretary General of the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) said: “Many motorcycle training centres offer excellent post-licence programmes. However, it is not always easy for motorcyclists to know which ones to do. This is why we are delighted to award the European Motorcycle Training Quality Label to this programme. It is the recognition of both the quality of the training programme established by VSV and its commitment to making a positive difference to motorcycle safety”.

“The motorcycle industry fully supports the EU’s objective to reduce the number of fatal and serious accidents on Europe’s roads. This is precisely why our sector is working closely with public authorities, training organisations and users to improve motorcyclists’ safety”.