All players in the motorcycle industry are firmly committed towards more sustainable economic growth and highly skilled employment. In this sense, manufacturers of vehicles, parts and components, suppliers, national or regional distributors and local dealers, or aftermarket operators actively contribute from different business areas.
In line with corporate social and responsibility principles, ACEM members have improved commercial operations through the years, providing several benefits for the labour market while ensuring that the transition to a climate-neutral economy offers a true social and economic impact for Europe.
However, there are still several challenges that can only be overcome with constructive support from public bodies at EU and national levels.
of two-wheelers
sold per year
yearly total
contribution to GDP
Recent research by Oxford Economics demonstrates that the economic footprint of the motorcycle sector in Europe is substantial and widespread. The largest members of our industry, directly represented within ACEM, currently operate 21 manufacturing sites and 22 specialised R&D facilities across the continent. It is estimated that, in 2019, the yearly GDP impact of the motorcycle sector on the European economy was about €15.9 billion. It also generated tax revenues of €13.5 billion and jobs for more than 290,000 people, before taking into account the added economic benefits of the manufacturing of motorcycle accessories and activities such as motorcycle sports and other events.
Motorcycle sports, motorcycle trade fairs and events are regularly organised by OEMs in all countries, contributing alone about €2.1 billion to Europe’s GDP and supporting about 38,400 jobs and €1.2 billion in tax payments. A large part of that impact happens in local communities that greatly benefit from international tourists attending motorcycle-related events. In 2019 alone, 5 million spectators attended major motorcycle sporting events, 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.
Another positive societal contribution from motorcyclists relates to travel and tourism, especially in remote and rural areas. Riders use their motorcycle for short rides in the evening or on weekends, while enjoying motorcycle tours or long-distance adventures during their holidays. The leisure segment keeps growing with new tourist destinations across Europe, where many hotels and restaurants display the sign “Bikers welcome”.
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