On 26 January 2016, ACEM Secretary General Antonio Perlot presented the motorcycle industries’ views on the present and future of the sector at the first meeting of the High Level Group GEAR 2030.
During his presentation Mr Perlot explained that the economic downturn has put considerable pressure on the sector and that there is a clear need for policies that create favourable and predictable conditions to help motorcycle manufacturers to continue investing in Europe.
Fair and balanced trade agreements, a clear and workable type-approval framework as well as market surveillance activities, were mentioned as good examples of some of the policies needed by the motorcycle industry.
Mr Perlot also emphasized that emerging technologies such as intelligent transport systems and, in the future, automated vehicles have a high safety potential for vulnerable road users.
A space for cooperation between industry and policy-makers
Commenting on the first meeting of GEAR 2030, ACEM and BMW Motorrad President Stephan Schaller said:
“We welcome this major initiative and we will remain closely involved in the work done in GEAR 2030. It is particularly encouraging that the European Commission has decided to continue the good cooperation with ACEM members, and to follow up on the work done by the Cars 2020 forum”.
The European Commissioner for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, Elżbieta Bieńkowska, said:
“I expect this group to develop a forward-looking agenda to fuel innovation, adapt to new trends and reinforce access to growth-driven markets. With this process I am also turning a new page in cooperation with the industry. I trust we can build a positive agenda”.
About GEAR 2030
The High Level Group GEAR 2030 is an EU initiative which will run for 2 years and will discuss and formulate recommendations to ensure that the European automotive industry remains competitive at the international stage.
The first GEAR 2030 meeting took place on 26 January 2016 and brought together several European associations including ACEM, ACEA and ETRMA, as well as representatives from Member States, trade unions, consumer organisations and NGOs.
The meeting was also attended by the several European Commissioners including Elżbieta Bieńkowska (Internal Market, Industry and Entrepreneurship); Günther Oettinger (Digital Economy and Society); Marianne Thyssen (Employment and Social Affairs); and Violeta Bulc (Mobility and Transport).
Further information
To see the full composition of the group please click here.
To learn more about GEAR 2030 please click here.
