News

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 

Motorcycle and moped registrations in key European markets surpass 2019 pre-pandemic levels
25 Jan 2022

Results for the full year 2021 show that the European motorcycle market continues to perform well, and is rebounding after the 2020 lockdowns trigged by the C-19 pandemic.

Motorcycle registrations in five of the largest European markets (i.e. France, Germany, Italy, Spain and UK) rose by 7.8% compared to 2020. A total of 949,400 motorcycles were registered in the main European markets in 2021, compared to 880,700 units in 2020.

Almost all the main national motorcycle markets registered volume gains in 2021. Results were the reflection of the different levels of market disruption in Spring 2020, linked to the sanitary crisis.

Italy was the largest European market with a total of 269,600 vehicles registered (with a staggering +23.6% growth on a year-on-year basis). France, the second largest market, grew +8.5% (206,950 motorcycles) whilst Germany, the third motorcycle market in Europe, saw a decrease of 9.7% (199,100 motorcycles), partly compensating the extremely positive results in 2020.

The Spanish and UK motorcycle markets grew by 8.0% and 10.2% respectively.

Registrations in the six European moped markets monitored by ACEM (i.e. Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain) reached a total of 264,800 units. This figure represents a decrease of 5.6% compared to the same period in 2020.

Quote

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

“The registration figures for the year 2021 confirm the recovery of the market, after the impact of COVID-19 in the first months of last year. If we look at motorcycle and moped registrations combined, the key European markets have grown continuously between 2019 and 2021”.

“Even more, if we consider the moped and the motorcycle segment separately, each of them had a higher number of registrations in 2021 than in 2019. This upward trend for 3 consecutive years confirms the attractiveness of our vehicles is well present, even in the current context, both as urban mobility solutions and as leisure opportunities.

Documens available to download

ACEM - Statistical press release - January - December 2021 [PDF]

ACEM - Statistical press release - January - December 2021 [XLS]

ACEM - Statistical releases - FAQ [PDF]

ACEM - Statistical releases - Glossary [PDF]

Press contact

Manuel Ordonez de Barraicua. ACEM communications manager
E.  
T. +32 22 30 97 32

 

 

 

Sound limits for L-cat. vehicles - ACEM welcomes conclusions of cost benefit analysis by independent researchers
14 Dec 2021

Traffic noise is one of the four challenges identified and addressed in the ACEM “Vision 2030+ The motorcycle industry’s vision towards sustainable mobility in Europe”. The motorcycle industry accepts its share of the responsibility, and continues its proactive role in enhancing the effectiveness of noise emission regulations, whilst calling for a multi-stakeholder approach to prevent excessive motorcycle noise.

Scrutinising the 2017 “Euro 5 sound level limits of L-category vehicles” EC study

In 2016/2017, in the context of the revision of the EU type approval framework for L-category vehicles, the European Commission mandated a consortium of experts (Emisia, HSDAC, TNO, and Ricardo) to carry out a study investigating the potential for new sound limits for L-category vehicles at Euro 5 step, including a justified proposal with a Cost-Benefit Analysis of new sound limits options.

Considering the content of the report, the low number of vehicles tested and most importantly the relative lack of robustness of some of the conclusions, ACEM decided to task independent and recognised experts in both CBA and sound emissions to scrutinise the Cost-Benefit Analysis of the 2017 study.

The review performed in 2021 has been compiled in a scientific and objective manner, led by the Impact Assessment Institute (IAI), a Brussels-based foundation that impartially scrutinises the evidence for policy-making. The technical elements of the work have been conducted by Acustica, a specialist independent acoustics engineering consultancy firm.

In order to best support the work of the IAI and Acustica, ACEM also mandated Graz University of Technology to carry out an experimental study on the actual status of noise emitted from 8 powered-two wheelers. This study assessed the major noise sources according to their contribution to the overall level of pass-by noise for these vehicles (i.e. intake noise, engine noise, exhaust noise and overall noise) and was carried out by conducting measurements according to the standardized pass-by noise measurement procedure as regulated by UNECE-R 41.04.

ACEM takes

ACEM welcomes the conclusions of this independent scrutiny study as it demonstrates that a 2dB limit reduction would be technically and economically very challenging for manufacturers.

ACEM also trusts that this thorough work will once and for all put aside any ambition to reduce limits by 5dB, a scenario that is simply unrealistic.

ACEM looks forward to the conclusion of the work currently underway by Applus IDIADA and ACASA for the European Commission, to support the European Commission on the Impact Assessment of its future proposal for new sound level limits.

ACEM calls on all stakeholders, the Member States and the European Commission to review the IAI/Acustica and TU Graz reports, and on the European Commission, Applus IDIADA and ACASA, to duly consider their content and findings in order to avoid any shortcomings in the current policy-making preparatory phases that would lead to ill-advised policy recommendations.

Documents available to download

ACEM paper - ACEM welcomes conclusions of the EC Cost Benefit Analysis scrutiny study performed by independent researchers [PDF]

IAI and Acustica - CBA study on Euro 5 sound limits for L-category vehicles [PDF]

TUGraz - Experimental Noise Source Ranking [PDF]

Press contact

Manuel Ordonez de Barraicua. ACEM communications manager
E.  
T. +32 22 30 97 32

 

 

ACEM presents Vision 2030 +, its vision of the future of motorcycling in Europe, for 2030 and beyond
17 Nov 2021

The European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) hosted an online conference today at the occasion of the launch of its Vision 2030+, a set of strategic documents that outline the vision of the motorcycle industry for the future of motorcycling in Europe.

During the event, senior industry leaders and policy-makers from the European Parliament and the European Commission, the International Transport Forum and the World Health Organisation, discussed key issues for the future of motorcycling, such as the progressive decarbonisation of two-wheelers through electric propulsion and e-fuels, environmental performance improvements and ongoing efforts to further enhance motorcycling safety.

The speakers also touched upon the importance of sustainable economic growth for all, of standardisation and of cross-industry cooperation in platforms such as the Swappable Batteries Consortium and the Connected Motorcycle Consortium. Major European initiatives such as the Fit for 55 package, the future Regulation on the deployment of alternative fuels, the EU Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, the coming Urban Mobility package were also part of the discussions.

Moderated by Aled Walker, “Future of Mobility” Leader at Deloitte, the online event attracted more than 900 people from 40 countries across the world. Participants were given the opportunity to engage in a live and open discussion with the panellists, using the #ACEMVision hashtag.

A recorded video of the event will be available in the coming days on the ACEM YouTube channel.

Quotes

ACEM Vice-President and Head of BMW Motorcycles, Dr. Markus Schramm:
“The Vision 2030+ that we are presenting today is the result of a long-term reflection at the highest levels of the European motorcycle industry. Vision 2030+ is about the future of mobility but also about the valuable contribution our industry can make to help Europe achieve its goals in areas such as industrial policy, decarbonisation and road safety”.

ACEM Secretary General, Antonio Perlot:
“Through this Vision 2030+, the motorcycle industry is gearing up to be a part of tomorrow’s European transport system, with advanced and increasingly sustainable products meeting different societal needs, such as personal mobility, leisure and last mile deliveries. Recognition and support by policymakers will be key to turn it into reality”.

Press Contact

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

Documents available to download

Press release - ACEM presents Vision 2030 +, its vision of the future of motorcycling in Europe, for 2030 and beyond [PDF]

Press photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/acem_eu/albums/72157720222884790

Registrations of motorcycles continue increasing in the first nine months of 2021, exceeding pre-pandemic levels
03 Nov 2021

In the first nine months of 2021, motorcycle registrations in five of the largest European markets (i.e. France, Germany, Italy, Spain and UK) rose by 10.6% compared to the same period of 2020, totalling 792,819 units.

As expected, due to the different impact of COVID-19 disruptions in Spring 2020, almost all the main national markets registered volume gains in 2021 compared to the same period in 2020, with Italy showing the biggest increase (+27.9%). UK, Spain and France also performed well, seeing a 13.5%, 8.7% and 8.5% increase, respectively, while in Germany new registrations decreased slightly (-4.9%).

The moped segment remained overall steady in the six European moped markets covered (i.e. Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain) compared to last year’s figures, reaching a total of 206,751 units in the first nine months of 2021 (-0,2% compared to the same period in 2020).

For a better comparison, considering pre-pandemic registration data, nine months into 2021 the European motorcycle market is showing signs of growth (792,819 units for January-September 2021 against 732,594 units for January-September 2019, representing a 8.2% increase). The moped market follows a similar trend: over the same period of time, with 206,751 units registered, representing a 6.8% increase on a year-on-year basis.

Quote

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

“In aggregate, the registration figures for the first nine months of 2021 confirm market recovery after the impact of COVID-19 in the first months of last year, which had overall put the sector under unprecedented stress.

More importantly, the latest data confirms that powered two-wheeler markets in Europe have globally surpassed pre-Covid-19 figures, with significant increases for motorcycles and for mopeds.”

“These interim 2021 results could have been even more positive, if it weren’t for the global semiconductor shortage affecting the automotive sector, and indirectly causing logistical delays for some motorcycle manufacturer’s production”.

“The last quarter figures will tell us if these trends are confirmed, but altogether, the numbers confirm that powered two-wheelers remain an attractive and convenient solution for mobility and leisure activities.”

Press contact

Ilaria Balloni. ACEM communications assistant
E.
T. +32 22 30 97 32

Documents available to donwload

ACEM Statistical Press Release - January - September 2021 [PDF]

ACEM Statistical Press Release - January - September 2021 [XLS]

ACEM - Statistical releases - FAQ [PDF]

ACEM - Statistical releases - Glossary [PDF]

Press statement ahead of G20 summit - “The clock is ticking, time to end tariffs once and for all!”
29 Oct 2021

Ahead of the G20 Heads of State & Government Summit to be held in Rome this weekend, 74 sectors unrelated to the Section 232 steel and aluminium dispute urge U.S. & EU leaders to reach an agreement to remove retaliatory tariffs, and the threat of tariffs, on products unrelated to the dispute.

Since June 2018, our industries, suppliers and supply chains have greatly suffered from the imposition or threat of tariffs stemming from the steel & aluminium dispute, which is wholly unrelated to our sectors. The last 18 months have been particularly challenging due to the COVID-19 crisis. We are only slowly starting to rebound from this crisis, while facing supply chain and logistics disruptions. Tariffs, and the threat of tariffs, are acting as major barriers at a time when we want to focus on creating jobs, growth and investments in both Europe and the U.S.

We welcome the EU’s decision not to impose the second tranche of rebalancing tariffs on 1 June to de-escalate the Section 232 dispute and the pledge made by the U.S. and EU to find a solution before 1 December. However, with only a month left before the 1 December deadline, we now need to see a permanent resolution of this dispute which has already lasted far too long. This will allow the EU and U.S. to strengthen the transatlantic trading relationship, which is of key importance to our industries, and to tackle pressing common challenges together, in a spirit of unity.

Documents available to download

Press statement - “The clock is ticking, time to end tariffs once and for all!” say unrelated sectors [PDF]

Press contact

Manuel Ordonez de Barraicua. ACEM communications manager
E.   
P. +32 02 23 0 97 32 

New Motor Insurance Directive, no compulsory European insurance for motorsport and related activities
25 Oct 2021

On 21 October, the European Parliament officially adopted the Provisional Agreement on the new Motor Insurance Directive, as agreed between Council and EP negotiators back in June. This is the final stretch of a lengthy process, started in April 2018, during which the Member States (Council) and the European Parliament worked out towards a compromise to finally revise the Motor Insurance Directive.

In the now adopted text (adopted by 689 votes in favour, 3 against and 4 abstentions) vehicles that do not enter public roads, such as motorcycles and cars that are exclusively used “in a restricted and demarcated area, with the purpose of and in a manner that the ordinary traffic, the public or any party unrelated to the activity cannot actually or potentially share the route that is being driven”, as well as electric assisted bicycles and electric kick-scooters, are excluded from the scope of the Directive. As far as motorsport activities are concerned, the scope of the Motor Insurance Directive has been clarified: vehicles intended exclusively for motorsports are excluded from the scope of the Directive too.

The Rapporteur of the text in the European Parliament, Dita Charanzová, emphasized that “today is a good day for all vehicle users in Europe and for anyone who unfortunately finds themselves injured in an accident. If your insurance company goes bankrupt, you will be protected. Harmonised claim history statements will mean no more excuses for discriminating against good drivers in the EU. We protected the uptake of e-bikes, confirming they do not require European insurance. And we ended the uncertainty around European motorsports, which can continue to race without impossible insurance requirements. These are concrete examples of a Europe that works for its citizens.”

ACEM welcomes the outcome of the revision as it should end unclarity and unrealistic over-regulation in this area and takes this opportunity to thank the Rapporteur for the excellent work on a very complex file. ACEM also salute the work of the other representatives of the motorcycle and motorsport and recreational sectors (FIM, FEMA, ATVEA and the FIA) and the good collaboration on this important topic.

The law now needs to be formally adopted by the Council, the other co-legislator, and published in the EU Official Journal. The new rules will start to apply 24 months after the entry into force, leaving time for the Member States to transpose the new Directive at national level.

Press contact

Ilaria Balloni. ACEM communications assistant.
E.
T. +32 22 30 97 32

ACEM to host online event on 17 November 2021 - “The ride to 2030 and beyond"
14 Oct 2021

The ACEM 2021 conference will bring together senior industry executives and leading policy-makers to discuss the motorcycle industry’s Vision for the future, the contribution of motorcycling to different forms of mobility in Europe, and how the sector fits within the current and future policies of the EU to the horizon 2030-2050.

Some of the topics that will be discussed include:

  • Motorcycling in cities, traffic congestion and local environmental policies
  • Regulation 168/2013 on type-approval of L-category vehicles and environmental standards
  • Engine efficiency and electrification of transport
  • Pollutant emissions (HC, NOx, PM)
  • GEAR 2030 and the future of the automotive sector in Europe
  • Latest market trends

Date and venue

24 January 2018

Renaissance Hotel. 19, Rue du Parnasse, Brussels

Programme of the event

 11:00 - 11:25 Keynote speeches 
 11:30 - 13:00 Panel discussion and Q&A session
 13:00 - 14:30 Walking lunch and networking coffee. Vehicle exhibition including electric prototypes developed by the RESOLVE consortium

 

Register now (mandatory to attend the event)

Keynote speakers

image001

Antti Peltomäki

Deputy Director-General
DG GROW
See Bio
image001

Stefan Pierer

ACEM President
CEO of KTM AG
See Bio

 

Panellists

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Bernd Lange

Member of the European Parliament
See Bio
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Joanna Szychowska

European Commission
DG GROW
See Bio
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Claire Depré

European Commission
DG MOVE
See Bio
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Greg Archer

Transport and Environment
Director for clean vehicles
See Bio
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Silvio Manicardi

FIM Europe
Second Deputy President
See Bio
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Erwin Segers

ACEM - Technical
affairs committee
See Bio
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Antonio Perlot

ACEM
Secretary General
See Bio

 

Press contact

Manuel Ordonez de Barraicua. ACEM Communications manager
+32 (0) 22 30 97 32
The motorcycle industry voices concerns on the global semiconductors shortages
29 Sep 2021

Echoing the statements of automotive suppliers and manufacturers on the current shortage of semiconductors at global level, ACEM has taken steps to voice its members’ concerns on the situation as well as to highlight the strategic importance of semiconductors for the motorcycle industry too.

In a letter recently addressed to EU Commissioner Thierry Breton, ACEM calls on the European Commission to support current and future endeavours to obtain additional supplies of semiconductors for the whole automotive sector, including the motorcycle segment.

ACEM Secretary General Antonio Perlot took the opportunity to salute the European Commission’s active work towards a more localised production of strategic components in the EU, while underlining that the medium/long term vision would not address the current urgency and short‐term supply problem the industry is facing today. ACEM trusts that the European Commission will continue to engage with its regional counterparts in the coming weeks and months. It is now crucial to rapidly secure the usual flow of components needed to support the industry on the path towards achieving the EU’s ambitions set in the Green Deal.

Press contact

Ilaria Balloni. ACEM communication assistant
E.
T. +32 22 30 97 32

Joint press release - Time to resolve remaining differences and forge a new transatlantic partnership
28 Sep 2021

As EU & US leaders are about to turn a new page in their relationship and launch the transatlantic Trade & Technology Council, we want to stress the importance of resolving the Section 232 dispute once and for all, and of removing the tariffs which unfairly impact products and sectors unrelated to the source of the dispute.  

 Our organisations want to reiterate the critical importance of the transatlantic relationship for our sectors, the European economy & employment in Europe. We welcome the steps taken by both sides to seek to de-escalate the dispute in the last months – and particularly the EU’s decision not to impose the second tranche of rebalancing measures on 1 June. We fully support the common goal to reach a fruitful solution & thereby remove all remaining punitive tariffs by the end of November. The removal of all remaining rebalancing tariffs and the commitment not to impose new tariffs would provide a welcome boost to our sectors, many of which have been hit hard by the Covid pandemic and related economic slowdown.

Many of our sectors rely on open trade flows with the US as part of their production processes in the EU. For others, affected US goods are an essential and integral part of their portfolios, allowing them to invest in EU production & distribution and create local jobs and growth in the EU in the process. We call on President von der Leyen, Vice-President Dombrovskis and EU leaders to intensify their efforts towards a comprehensive and speedy resolution of this dispute, in order to support our members in their post-COVID recovery efforts and to help boost & accelerate investment in the EU. Securing the permanent removal of tariffs on unrelated sectors will also allow both sides to establish a positive transatlantic trade agenda and focus on common areas of interest, such as climate change, the digital agenda and reform of the WTO.

ACEM press contact

Ilaria Balloni. ACEM communication assistant
E.
T. +32 22 30 97 32

Documents available to download

Joint press release - Time to resolve remaining differences & forge a new transatlantic partnership [PDF]

Note to editors

The joint release was issued by the following trade associations:

ACEM (European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers); CAOBISCO (Association of the Chocolate, Biscuits and Confectionery industries of Europe); CECIMO (European Association of the Machine Tool Industries and related Manufacturing Technologies); Cefic (European Chemical Industry Council); CEMA (European Agricultural Machinery Association); EuroCommerce; EBI (European Boating Industry); FEC (Federation of European manufacturers of Cookware and cutlery); FRUCOM (European Federation of the trade in dried fruit, edible nuts, processed fruit & vegetables and processed fishery products); spiritsEUROPE

In April 2017, the US Commerce Department launched an investigation on the impact of the import of aluminium and steel for US national security, which lead to the imposition of a 25% import duty on steel from all foreign producers and 10% on aluminium from 23 March, 2018.

EU officials introduced counterbalancing measures on US products on 20 June 2018. The new import duty on affected US products first applied on 22 June 2018. Under this implementing regulation, the Commission introduced a clause whereby a second trance of rebalancing measures would apply from 1 June 2021, in the absence of a satisfactory solution before then.

On 17 May 2021, the European Commission announced the EU had agreed with the US to suspend the second tranche of rebalancing measures in the ongoing steel and aluminium dispute. On the same day, European Commission Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis, United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced the start of discussions to address global steel and aluminum excess capacity.

On 15 June 2021, EU & US leaders formally agreed to engage in discussions to allow the resolution of existing differences on measures regarding steel and aluminium before the end of the year. Since then, both sides have expressed a willingness to find a solution by the end of November 2021.

In the absence of a resolution of the dispute or decision to postpone their entry into force, the second tranche of EU rebalancing measures would be in force from 1 December 2021. 

5 programmes in Italy, Cyprus, Greece and Portugal receive the European Motorcycle Training Quality Label
28 Sep 2021

Today five new motorcycle training programmes, in Italy, Cyprus, Greece and Portugal, were awarded the European Motorcycle Training Quality Label, an initiative jointly led by the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM), the International Motorcycle Federation (FIM) and the German Road Safety Council (DVR).

The awarded programmes are:

“Importance of Protective Equipment - Accident Risk Assessment - Riding Skills Development”, a programme offered by the Cyprus Motorcycles Federation

“Advice on Advanced Riding - E.Q.L.” a programme offered by the Hellenic Motorcycle Institute MOTOTHESIS

“Safe Driving Course” and “Advanced Safe Driving Course”, two programmes offered by the Italian Motorcyclists Federation (FMI)

“Ride safer - Motorcycle training”, a programme offered by the PRP (Prevenção Rodoviária Portuguesa), the Portuguese association for the prevention of road accidents

These training programmes have received the Provisional European Motorcycle Training Quality Label, which will be valid for a period of 12 months. This Label certifies that the above-mentioned training programmes are of high quality as well as road safety-oriented based on the programme screening and initial assessment. An on-site evaluation by DVR safety experts will take place as soon as the COVID-19 situation allows it.

Quote

Antonio Perlot, Secretary General of the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM), said:
“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. The European Motorcycle Training Quality Label has been strongly supported by the European Commissioner for Transport Adina Vălean and the European Coordinator for Road Safety Matthew Baldwin.”

Julia Fohmann, Spokesperson of the German Road Safety Council (DVR), said:
“We are glad that new training programmes are joining the network of excellence of high-quality safety training providers in Europe. The European Motorcycle Training Quality Label aims to encourage riders to undergo voluntary safety training on a regular basis. This motivates us to continue working every day to make Europe’s roads safer”.

Damiano Zamana, Deputy CEO of the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM), said:
“The FIM considers that life-long training is essential to improve the safety of motorcyclists. Having certified programmes delivering high-quality, post-licence, training contents is one of the objectives of the FIM Strategy 2024. We are pleased to see that our members, in Italy and Cyprus, are actively delivering training programs. At the same time, in Portugal and Greece, the cooperation between the awardees and our members is an example of best practices in support of riders’ safety. The FIM will 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 - Five motorcycle training programmes in Italy, Cyprus, Greece and Portugal receive the European Motorcycle Training Quality Label - EN [PDF]

Press release - Five motorcycle training programmes in Italy, Cyprus, Greece and Portugal receive the European Motorcycle Training Quality Label - EL [PDF]

Press release - Five motorcycle training programmes in Italy, Cyprus, Greece and Portugal receive the European Motorcycle Training Quality Label - IT [PDF]

Press release - Five motorcycle training programmes in Italy, Cyprus, Greece and Portugal receive the European Motorcycle Training Quality Label - PT [PDF]

Media

Example of motorcycle safety programme - HONDA Safety Institute [JPG]

Example of motorcycle safety programme - BMW [JPG]

Example of motorcycle safety programmes - "Ready to Ride" by VSV [JPG]

Closing session of the ITF Motorcyclists safety workshop “Riding in a Safe System” to be held on 29 September
23 Sep 2021

On 29 September 2021, the International Transport Forum (ITF) holds the closing event of the Motorcyclists safety workshop “Riding in a Safe System”.

The workshop was co-organised by the International Transport Forum (ITF), the Swedish Transport Administration, VTI, the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM), and the motorcycle manufacturers associations (ACEM and IMMA). It is a follow-up to the Third Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety, held in Stockholm in February 2020, and was focused on the nine recommendations of the Academic Expert Group and their application to motorcyclists’ safety, building on the 2008 Lillehammer workshop and on the 2015 ITF research report “Improving Safety for Motorcycle, Scooter and Moped Riders”.

The closing session will be the occasion to present the outcome of the workshop, in the form of seven thematic recommendations.

For more information, complete programme and to register please go to: https://www.itf-oecd.org/motorcyclists-safety-workshop-riding-safe-system-closing-plenary

About the OECD

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organisation that works to build policies that foster prosperity, equality, opportunity and well-being for all.
Together with governments, policy makers and citizens, the organisation works on establishing evidence-based international standards and finding solutions to a range of social, economic and environmental challenges.

About the ITF

The International Transport Forum at the OECD is an intergovernmental organisation with 62 member countries. It acts as a think tank for transport policy and organises the Annual Summit of transport ministers. ITF is the only global body that covers all transport modes. The ITF is administratively integrated with the OECD, yet politically autonomous.

Contact

Véronique Feypell de la Beaumelle
IRTAD Manager of the Road Safety Programme
E.

New research highlights the economic and mobility benefits of  two-wheelers in Europe
13 Sep 2021

A new piece of research by Oxford Economics shows that 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 study has also found that just in 2019, the motorcycle sector contributed about € 21.4 billion of GDP across Europe. All in all, every € 1 of GDP created directly by motorcycle businesses supported a further € 1.80 of GDP in other industries, due to the various knock-on expenditure impacts.

In terms of tax revenue, the motorcycle sector and related activities generated about € 16.6 billion, making motorcycling an important contributor to public finances, particularly in large markets like Germany, France, Italy, UK and Spain.

Europe-based motorcycle companies export goods for about € 2.1 billion per year

The report also analyzed the role of the motorcycle industry in the area of international trade. EU and UK based motorcycle companies export every year about € 2.1 billion worth of vehicles, parts and components to non-European customers.

The key export markets included the US, Switzerland, Australia and Japan. However, as the study stresses, “European exporters face high import tariffs in China and Thailand as well as India”, all of which are major markets with significant growth potential for European motorcycle manufacturers.

Significant mobility, time savings and environmental benefits

The study prepared by Oxford Economics also examined the additional benefits offered by motorcycles to their users, and to the environment. A scenario analysis suggests that if 5% of those who commute by car across Europe (5.3 million commuters) switched to motorcycles, the aggregate time savings would be 21.2 million days per annum — worth € 3.3 billion to these users.

Motorcycles were also found to offer substantial cost savings due to lower fuel use and operating costs. On average, the cost of commuting by motorcycle (€ 545) was nearly one-third of what it would cost to use a car (€ 1,435) across a year.

The research confirmed that motorcycles have a smaller environmental footprint than four-wheelers, with the average powered-two wheeler in the European vehicle fleet emitting about 99 g CO2/km, less than half of the 210 g CO2/km emitted by the average car (petrol and diesel). Interestingly, motorcycles up to 250 cc were found to emit on average 62 g CO2/km. About 62% of Europe’s two-wheelers fall into this category.

The economic and social importance of motorcycle leisure, sports and events

The study also examined the economic importance of motorcycle-related events, i.e. motorcycle sports, motorcycle trade fairs and events organized by OEMs.

In total, these activities contributed about € 2.1 billion to Europe’s GDP and supported about 38,400 jobs and € 1.2 billion in tax payments. A large part of that impact happened in local communities that greatly benefited from international tourists attending motorcycle-related events.

The study found that about 5 million spectators attended major motorcycle sporting events in 2019, with MotoGP attracting about 1.8 million spectators to its 12 European races in that season. Furthermore, about 2.5 million people attended motorcycle trade fairs and manufacturers' promotional events the same year.

The impact of COVID-19 on motorcycle manufacturers’ activities

An additional annex extended the analysis into 2020, gauging the impact that the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic had on the motorcycle industry. Motorcycle manufacturing activity in Europe was interrupted in a substantial way at the height of the pandemic in March - April 2020, with production falling substantially across the continent, largely linked to the impact of national lockdowns.

Amongst the major motorcycle manufacturing companies, the interruption to factory work was significant, but work in the HQ functions, R&D and trading held up relatively well. Also, motorcycle companies responded to Covid in such a way as to ensure that they are in a good position for the future, by largely maintaining the volume of work (in terms of hours) undertaken on R&D and design, and putting in place the staff protocols and infrastructure necessary to support widespread homeworking.

Motorcycle companies tended to protect active staff headcount, with hours per head temporarily cut in preference to direct layoffs.

Quotes

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

“Oxford Economics’ research demonstrates that the motorcycle sector makes a valuable economic and societal contribution to Europe’s economy and mobility”.

“In spite of recent challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic or a difficult international trade environment, our sector remains strong. The motorcycle industry will continue to play a positive role in terms of job creation, economic growth and urban and leisure mobility”.

Antonio Perlot, Secretary General of ACEM, said:

“There has never been a better time to provide a snapshot of the motorcycle industry and related sectors. This study provides a detailed picture of the benefits that today’s motorcycles bring today to their users, to the people involved in the motorcycle sector, and to the economy and society at large”.

“Looking ahead, we expect mobility in Europe to undergo a profound transformation process. Motorcycle manufacturers within ACEM are committed to address those challenges, and to bring to market vehicles enabling even more efficient and more sustainable urban and recreational mobility. This is part of the forward-looking vision of the sector, to the horizon 2030 and beyond”.

Press contact

Manuel Ordonez de Barraicua
ACEM communications manager

+32 496 52 65 17

Documents available to download

Report - Oxford Economics - The importance of motorcycles to Europe [PDF]

Infographic - Economic importance [PNG]

Infographic - Environmental performance [PNG]

Infographic - Motorcycle use [PNG]

Infographic - Motorcycle sports [PNG]

Media

 

ACEM welcomes political agreement on the Motor Insurance Directive by Council and Parliament
24 Jun 2021

More than 3 years after the publication of the European Commission’s proposal, and after intensive discussions between the two Institutions, the European Parliament and the Council have reached an agreement on the revision of the Motor Insurance Directive.

While the new and revised rules should better protect injured people, including domestic victims of an accident caused by a driver from another EU country, the agreement reached earlier this week will finally - and rightfully - exclude motorsports and related activities from the scope of the Directive.

ACEM welcomes the decision to recognize the specificity of motorsport activities. This was a redline for key organisations of the motorcycling world (FIM, FEMA and the FIA) which have constantly held that including “motorsports” under the scope of this piece of legislation would endanger the economic viability of this activity in many EU Member States.

The amendments agreed today should also clarify what vehicles are subject to compulsory insurance, and what the insurance coverage should be. ACEM understands that the Directive will cover, as an harmonised rule, accidents caused during the normal use of a vehicle as a means of transportation, including its use on private properties.

ACEM takes this opportunity to thank the European Parliament’s Rapporteur, Dita Charanzová, for her dedicated efforts to steer this important file during lengthy and complex discussions.

Next steps

The provisional agreement will now have to be formally approved by the European Parliament, and the Council, prior to its publication in the Official Journal of the EU.

The new Directive will apply 24 months after its entry into force, leaving ample time for the Member States to implement the new rules at national level.

More information

European Commission press release - “Motor Insurance: Commission welcomes European Parliament and Council agreement to update the Motor Insurance Directive”

European Parliament press release - “Deal reached on new rules to better protect road accident victims”

Press Contact

Manuel Ordonez de Barraicua
ACEM communications manager

+32 496 52 65 17

EU-US Summit: Motorcycle industry supports coalition call for immediate suspension of retaliatory tariffs
10 Jun 2021

ACEM (Association des Constructeurs Européens de Motocycles – The Motorcycle Industry in Europe) and USMMA (United States Motorcycle Manufacturers Association) join the call on European authorities and the US Administration to agree, at next week’s Summit meeting on 15th June, to remove, as soon as possible, all tariffs on unrelated sectors impacted by the steel and aluminium dispute.

In a joint transatlantic industry statement, 113 associations have reiterated their call for the permanent removal of tariffs on sectors unrelated to the ongoing transatlantic trade disputes.

ACEM welcomed the positive joint announcement on 17th May 2021 of European Commission Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis, United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo of the start of discussions to address global steel and aluminium excess capacity. In particular, ACEM welcomed the suspension of the European Union’s additional 25% tariffs on US motorcycles, which were due to come into effect on 1st June 2021.

However, ACEM recalls that the motorcycle industry remains considerably hurt by the 25% rebalancing tariffs, which remain in place while negotiations are taking place.

ACEM therefore, calls upon European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, and President of the United States, Joe Biden, to take the opportunity of the EU-US Summit meeting in Brussels on 15th June, to commit at the highest level, their willingness to resolve the steel and aluminium dispute in the shortest possible timing.

Quote

“ACEM calls upon the Transatlantic Leadership to ensure that negotiations to tackle steel overcapacity concerns be concluded without delay and not to wait 6 months, during which time hundreds of millions of Euros of unrelated sectors’ money will be spent on unwarranted tariffs, instead of on investments and essential research and development for the rebuilding and greening of both EU and US economies”, said Antonio Perlot, ACEM Secretary General.

Press contact

Manuel Ordonez de Barraicua
ACEM communications manager

+32 496 52 65 17

Documents available to download

ACEM statement ahead of the EU-US Summit [PDF]

Joint statement - 113 U.S. and EU Organisations Urge EU and U.S. to Lift Retaliatory Tariffs on Products Unrelated to Transatlantic Trade Disputes [PDF]

ITF holds virtual Motorcyclists Safety Workshop “Riding in a Safe System” from 9 to 23 June 2021
27 May 2021

The workshop is co-organised by the International Transport Forum, the Swedish Transport Administration, VTI, the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM), and the motorcycle manufacturers associations (ACEM and IMMA). The workshop is a follow-up to the Third Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety, held in Stockholm in February 2020, and will focus on the nine recommendations of the Academic Expert Group and their application to motorcyclists’ safety.

This event builds on the 2008 Lillehammer workshop, which was the first international event to bring together all key stakeholders and which has proven influential in setting the agenda for developing government motorcycle strategies across the world. It also builds on the 2015 ITF research report “Improving Safety for Motorcycle, Scooter and Moped Riders”, which made recommendations on a wide range of measures to improve the safety of motorcyclists.

For more information, complete schedule and registrations for the opening session and motorcycling in the regions session please go to: https://www.itf-oecd.org/motorcyclists-safety-workshop-riding-safe-system

About the OECD

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organisation that works to build policies that foster prosperity, equality, opportunity and well-being for all.

Together with governments, policy makers and citizens, the organisation works on establishing evidence-based international standards and finding solutions to a range of social, economic and environmental challenges.

About the ITF

The International Transport Forum at the OECD is an intergovernmental organisation with 62 member countries. It acts as a think tank for transport policy and organises the Annual Summit of transport ministers. ITF is the only global body that covers all transport modes. The ITF is administratively integrated with the OECD, yet politically autonomous.

Contact

Véronique Feypell de la Beaumelle
IRTAD Manager of the Road Safety Programme

+33 1 73 31 25 25

Contact us

European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers

Avenue de la Joyeuse Entrée, 1 B1040
Brussels Belgium

+32 (0)22 30 97 32

VAT BE0740.931.926

Transparency register - 02480451230-88