News

ACEM is looking for a Communications Officer to join its Secretariat in Brussels and take a leading role in driving the association’s Communication, Press & Social Media activity. 

The European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) is the industry association that represents manufacturers of mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles (L-category vehicles) in Europe.             

Responsibilities:

The main responsibility of the Communications Officer is to manage ACEM’s internal & external communication activities.

In more detail:

• With the ACEM leadership: shaping and implementing communications strategies aiming to raise the Industry’s profile in the EU policy environment
• Developing and coordinating publications such as policy papers, annual reports, membership information documents, social media news items
• Drafting clear and compelling press releases, articles, web copy, speeches, and social media news items with the support of the different staff members
• Copywriting, editing, and proofreading of publications produced by ACEM
• Managing websites and social media channels
• Organising events, physical and online (e.g. workshops, conferences, etc...)
• Contributing to the communication and dissemination activities of projects in which ACEM is active

Desired profile:

• Excellent command of English. Other European languages are an asset
• Prepared to multitask, prioritise work and meet tight deadlines
• Proactive in proposing new/alternative communication vectors/actions
• Open to working in a small team operating in a multicultural environment
• Excellent command of MS Office and web/social media management tools
• Track record in event organising
• Understanding of the European/Brussels media and political landscape
• Basic knowledge of graphic design and experience in web and video editing is an asset

Experience:

• Degree in Communications, Journalism or similar
• 2-5 years’ experience as a communications officer or similar position
• Relevant experience in a similar role in a European or international setting is an asset

We offer:

• A long-term contract with a competitive package
• The opportunity to work for a dynamic industry in a global environment
• Possibility to partially work from home

Application Procedure

1. Closing date for applications: 28 February 2023
2. To apply for this position, please send a cover letter (one page), your CV (in English) in PDF format and the Annex to this ad to  to the attention of the Secretary General Antonio Perlot
3. Please include your first and last name and the job title (“Communications Officer – application”) in the subject line
4. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis

All applications will be processed in full confidentiality and only for recruitment purposes. Please note that only candidates considered for an interview will be contacted.

Files

ACEM Communications Officer - Advert.pdf
ACEM Communications Officer - Annex.docx

Photo by Headway on Unsplash

New motorcycle registrations in five of the largest European markets (i.e. France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK) reached 950,400 units in 2022. This represents a slight increase of approximately 0.1% compared to 2021 (949,480 units).

Motorcycle registration volumes showed an upward trend in Spain (176,960 units, +6.3% year-on-year) and the UK (109,300 units, +1.9%). They remained broadly stable in Italy (271,380 units, 0.7%) and Germany (199,400 units, 0.1%) and decreased in France (193,350 units, -6.6%).

Moped registrations reached a total volume of 255,900 units in the six European moped markets monitored by ACEM (i.e. Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain). This registration volume represents a reduction of 3.4% in comparison to last year (264,800 units).

Quote

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

“The latest registration data shows that the European market has overall remained stable in 2022, compared to 2021. Within a changing mobility environment, it is a confirmation that citizens continue to positively value two or three-wheeled vehicles, for their convenience in daily personal mobility and small logistics and for the recreational opportunities they provide”.

Press contact

Manuel Ordonez de Barraicua
ACEM Communications Manager
 
+32 (0)2 23 0 97 32

Documents available to download

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

 
Note for editors

As of 2020, ACEM statistical releases cover the following:

• For the motorcycle segment: Italy, France, Germany, Spain and the UK. These countries account for about 80% of motorcycle registrations in the EU + UK block.

• For the moped segment: France, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Belgium, and Spain. These countries account for about 80% of moped registrations in the EU + UK block.

• Moped figures include L1eB vehicles (two-wheel mopeds) and L2e vehicles (three-wheel mopeds). Depending on their administrative practices, some countries may also include L1e-A vehicles (powered cycles).

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, Qooder, Royal Enfield, Suzuki, Triumph Motorcycles, Yamaha and Zero Motorcycles.

• ACEM also represents 18 motorcycle industry associations in 17 different European countries. About 300,000 jobs depend on the L-category industry in Europe. There are more than 39 million motorcycles and scooters on Europe’s roads (2019 estimate).

On 6 December 2022, the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) hosted its annual conference, which focused on the motorcycle industry’s vision for decarbonisation at horizon 2050.

Industry leaders, representatives from industry associations and policy-makers from the European Parliament and the European Commission exchanged views on crucial issues for the future of the motorcycle sector, particularly how electric batteries, synthetic fuels and fuel cells can contribute to decarbonising two-wheelers.

The speakers also discussed the challenges and opportunities linked to lowering CO2 emissions, such as securing access to raw materials, stepping up R&D investments and the importance of standardisation and cross-company cooperation through platforms like the Swappable Batteries Consortium.

Charging infrastructure was also seen as a potential bottleneck in the path to lower CO2 emissions, as many Member States are still to deploy charging points in significant numbers.

Speakers included:

• Michele Colaninno. President of the European Association of Manufacturers (ACEM). Chief Executive of Global Strategy, Product, Marketing and Innovation, at the Piaggio Group
• Ralf Diemer. Managing Director at the eFuel Alliance
• Bernard Gindroz. Coordinator of the Swappable Batteries Motorcycle Consortium
• Andreas Glück. Member of the European Parliament
• Mark Huitema. Director General for Vehicles at the European Association for Electromobility (AVERE)
• Antonio Perlot. Secretary General of the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM)
• Helfried Sorger. Chief Technology Officer for Powertrains at Pierer Mobility
• Isabelle Vandoorne. Deputy Head of Unit, at the European Commission’s Directorate General for Transport and Mobility

The panel discussion was moderated by Aled Walker, Future of Mobility Leader at Deloitte, and attracted more than 270 people from 27 countries worldwide.

The video recording of the event can be watched here:

https://app.livecasts.eu/the-motorcylcle-industrys-vision-for-decarbonisation 

The photos from the event are available at:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/acem_eu/albums

Press contact

Manuel Ordonez de Barraicua
ACEM Communications Manager
E.  
T. +32 22 30 97 32

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 Motor Europe, Kawasaki Motor Europe, KTM, Kymco, MV Agusta, Peugeot Scooters, Piaggio Group, Polaris Industries, Qooder, Royal Enfield, Suzuki Motor Europe, Triumph Motorcycles, Yamaha Motor Europe and Zero Motorcycles.

ACEM also represents 18 motorcycle industry associations in 17 different European countries. About 389,000 jobs depend on the L-category industry in Europe through various activities, including manufacturing vehicles, parts and accessories, personal protective equipment, and motorcycle-related activities.

The motorcycle sector contributes about € 21.4 billion GDP across Europe, and generates revenue for tax authorities of about €16.6 billion. Europe-based motorcycle companies export about € 2.1 billion worth of vehicles, parts and components to non-European customers yearly.

There are more than 39 million motorcycles and scooters in use on Europe’s roads.

New motorcycle registrations in five of the largest European markets (i.e. France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK) reached 781,824 units during the first nine months of 2022. This represents a decrease of approximately 1.4% compared to the same period in 2021.

Motorcycle registration volumes declined in Italy, where they reached 227,400 units (-3.3% on a year-on-year basis), Germany (173,750 units, -0.5%) and France (154,660 units, -7.9%). However, other motorcycle markets, such as Spain (135,800 units, +6.2%) and the UK (90,190 units, +3.5%), showed an upward trend.

Moped registrations reached a total volume of 206,900 units in the six European moped markets monitored by ACEM (i.e. Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain). This registration volume is almost identical to last year’s.

Quote

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

“Registration figures for the first three quarters of 2022 show that motorcycle and moped registrations in the EU’s key markets remain broadly stable, despite the challenges created by the shortage of semiconductors and shipping delays.

“Next quarter’s figures will allow us to assess the performance of the European motorcycle and moped markets for the entire year.

“We may see some differences between national markets. But our preliminary data suggest that motorcycle sales in 2022 will be as good as 2021, which was a very positive year for our industry”.

Documents available to download

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

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, Qooder, Royal Enfield, Suzuki, Triumph Motorcycles, Yamaha and Zero Motorcycles.

• ACEM also represents 20 motorcycle industry associations in 17 different European countries. About 300,000 jobs depend on the L-category industry in Europe. There are more than 39 million motorcycles and scooters on Europe’s roads (2019 estimate).

Note for editors

As of 2020, ACEM statistical releases cover the following:

• For the motorcycle segment: Italy, France, Germany, Spain and UK. These countries account for about 80% of motorcycle registrations in the EU + UK block.

• For the moped segment: France, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Belgium, and Spain. These countries account for about 80% of moped registrations in the EU + UK block.

• Moped figures include L1eB vehicles (two-wheel mopeds) and L2e vehicles (three-wheel mopeds). Some countries may also include L1e-A vehicles (powered cycles) depending on their administrative practices.

Press contact

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

On Wednesday, 19 October 2022, the European Parliament adopted Ismail Ertug MEP's report on the European Commission’s proposal for an Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation. Negotiations with the Member States (Council of the EU) will start soon, with the aim of reaching final adoption before the end of the year.

ACEM welcomes the outcome of the European Parliament’s vote, as this Regulation is the key to furthering support the fast roll-out of recharging infrastructure for electric vehicles.

ACEM particularly welcomes that the adopted amendments enhance the recognition of electric Powered Two-Wheelers (PTWs) by:

• Requesting the European Commission to review the need to include requirements for charging infrastructure to serve electric PTWs, “in particular the opportunity to equip charging infrastructure with a household power socket that makes it possible for such vehicles to be easily charged, since they represent a mode of transport that can help further reduce CO2 emissions and air pollution”;

• Requiring national authorities to adopt measures to promote the use of electric PTWs, such as e-mopeds, within their National Policy Frameworks;

• Asking Member States to report on the deployment of electric recharging infrastructure for L-category vehicles, both in terms of number of recharging stations and their power output.

Quote

Commenting on the result of the European Parliament’s vote, ACEM Secretary General, Antonio Perlot said:

“This is a crucial first step towards the adoption of a robust legal framework to support the fast deployment of charging infrastructure for electric two-wheelers and other vehicles across Europe”.

“If one regret, the Report falls short on the issue of ensuring security when recharging electric vehicles. As stressed by the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM), the Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations (FEMA) and ACEM in the past, charging stations should be equipped with anti-theft protections or surveillance systems to deter theft of motorcycles while they are being recharged”.

Background information

In July 2021 the European Commission published a proposal for a Regulation replacing the 2014 Directive on Alternative Fuel Infrastructure.

The file was handled by the European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism Committee (TRAN). The rapporteur is Ismail Ertug (S&D, Germany).

The draft report was published on 14 February 2022 and presented to the TRAN Committee on 14 March 2022.

On 2 June 2022, the Council of the EU adopted its General Approach, i.e. its position for negotiations with the Parliament on the final wording of the new rules.

More information

European Commission's proposal for an Alternative fuel infrastructure Regulation (AFIR)

ACEM position paper - Electric mobility and PTWs The role of ePTWs in sustainable mobility [PDF]

Minisite - ACEM Vision 2030

Press contact

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

The European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) and the eFuel Alliance will hold an open online event on 28 September 2022 (14:30 - 15:45 CET) to discuss how eFuels can support the decarbonisation of the European two-wheeler fleet. The event will also address the role of eFuels for long-distance commuting vehicles and travelling in remote areas, as well as other topics discussed in the recent ACEM - eFuel Alliance position paper on eFuels.

eFuels are a necessary technology option for long range commuting and in areas with a lack of infrastructure. When combined with electric models, carbon-neutral fuels can address the existing vehicle stock, sustainably powering future models, while protecting the existing production chain.

During this event, we would like to discuss the application of eFuels in the two-wheeler sector with decision-makers from politics and within the industry, explain the state of the technology, and show pathways to climate-neutral and accessible mobility.

Speakers

• Andreas Glück. Member of the European Parliament
• Claudio Domenicali. Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. - Chief Executive Officer
• Jörg Engelmann. CAC Chemieanlagenbau Chemnitz GmbH - Chief Executive Officer
• Monika Griefahn. eFuel Alliance - Spokesperson for the Board of Directors
• Karl-Maria Grugl. European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) - Chairman of the Technical and Regulatory Affairs Committee
• Antonio Perlot. European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) - Secretary General
• Wolfgang Warnecke. Shell Detuschland. Advisor for Carbon Management

Moderation

Ralf Diemer. eFuel Alliance - Managing Director

Time

28 September 2022 - 14:30 - 15:45 (CET)

Registration link

https://fulmidas-de.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rNmduK-vTSuC0CRexceO4g 

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

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

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.

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