ACEM news
Registrations in key European markets in the first half of 2023 confirm growing interest for L-category vehicles
26 Jul 2023

New motorcycle registrations in five of the largest European markets (i.e. France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK) reached 600,784 units during the first half of 2023.

This represents an increase of 11.3% compared to the same period in 2022 (539,644 units). Motorcycle registration volumes significantly increased in Italy (192,497 units, +19.1% year-on-year) and Spain (102,626 units, +11.7%), Germany (129,964 units, +10.1%) and France (116,224 units, +7.5%) showed an upward trend. Volumes remained broadly stable in UK (59,741 units, -0.9%). Moped registrations reached a total volume of 99,782 units in the six European moped markets monitored by ACEM (i.e. Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain). This registration volume represents an overall reduction of 25.8% in comparison to last year (134,503 units), widespread in the monitored countries, except for Belgium (15,864 units, +2.8%).

 

Quote

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

“When it comes to long term EU market trends, over the last three years motorcycles have shown an outstanding progression nearing +50%.  Mopeds an overall reduction of -12% with a growing share of electric propulsion, even if fluctuating due to the effect of incentives.  All in all, data confirms consumers’ growing interest for L-category vehicles, for convenient short range mobility and for leisure”.

 

Documents available to download

ACEM - Statistical press release - January - June 2023 [PDF]
ACEM - Statistical press release - January - June 2023 [XLS]
ACEM - Statistical releases - FAQ [PDF]
ACEM - Statistical releases - Glossary [PDF]

 

Press contact

Antonio Perlot

ACEM Secretary General

 

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.

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).

 

Job opening at ACEM: Regulatory Officer (Junior position)
24 Jul 2023


ACEM is looking for a Regulatory Officer to join its Secretariat in Brussels, to support the motorcycle industry in a fast evolving regulatory environment.

 

About ACEM

The European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM), is the trade 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 17 national industry associations in 14 different European countries. 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 and international trade.

 

Job purpose and description

Based in the Brussels office, the function will report directly to the Technical Manager.

The Regulatory Officer will address issues related to:

  • European and international vehicle type-approval regulations, and other regulations that influence the design of motorcycles and affect the industry and its products.
  • European and International standards.

Key tasks will include:

  • Monitoring, reporting, and coordinating activities with experts from the ACEM membership, facilitating the building-up of common industry positions.
  • Representing the Motorcycle Industry, in both European and international technical meetings.

 

Requirements

  • University level education, either engineering degree (automotive, electromechanical or similar) with interest in regulatory affairs, or European studies/law with interest in vehicle technology
  • 1-2 years working experience, preferably in an industry association or in the motorcycle or automotive industry (regulatory affairs, vehicle or component manufacturing, type-approval or R&D) or equivalent
  • Experience with EU and/or national institutions are a plus
  • Fluent in English (spoken and written); knowledge of other European languages is a plus
  • Ability to work in a dynamic and multicultural team, working in an international environment
  • Ability to work autonomously on the assigned tasks in a result-oriented way
  • Good analytical and communication skills
  • Flexibility and ability to travel

 

Application

  • Please send your CV, motivation letter, and form to
  • Only shortlisted candidates will receive a reply and be invited for an interview
  • Deadline for applications: 15 September 2023.

Photo by Headway on Unsplash

Initial considerations on the future framework for Vehicle End-of Life (EoL)
19 Jul 2023

In line with our Vision 2030+, ACEM welcomes the proposal for revision of the Vehicle End-of Life (ELV) Directive published by the European Commission on the 13th July.

Circular economy stands as key priority to improve the environmental performance of the L-category sector. The inclusion of L-category vehicles (two-wheel motorcycles, powered tricycles, light and heavy quadricycles) under the scope of the future Regulation represents a positive step ahead to prepare the sector and accelerate the compliance of the industry with EU objectives in transport and mobility.

ACEM and its members support a comprehensive framework for the collection and treatment operations for L-category vehicles ensuring a positive contribution towards the Green Deal goals with several benefits for the society. However, further assessment of technical and economical specificities for various sub-categories should be considered to ensure a successful achievement of the ELV objectives and full alignment with other vehicles.

As well, a coherent approach with other pieces of legislation will provide consistency in the future framework on vehicle design and production putting Europe at the forefront of circularity in terms of reusability, recyclability and recoverability of materials including L-category vehicles.

The ACEM Secretariat will continue a constructive dialogue with EU institutions during the coming months and provide know-how and good experiences from the sector.

Additional information 

For further information about ACEM position on the inclusion of PTWs in the End-of -Life Vehicles Directive, please click here

Contacts

Francesco Fenoglio
Policy Advisor

+32 478 39 32 01

 

 

Connected Motorcycle Consortium: First Demo Event
03 Jul 2023

The Connected Motorcycle Consortium (CMC) will organize an event in September 2023 to demonstrate several interactions between a car and a motorcycle where C-ITS applications or Advanced Driver Assistant Systems will help to mitigate the chance of a collision.

As a collective effort of manufacturers, suppliers, researchers, and associations, the CMC has been working towards integrating Powered Two Wheelers into the future landscape of connected mobility.

 

The CMC journey began with the launch of the 'Basic Specification' in 2020. Since then, the CMC has progressed further and will show results of its research in a Demo event at Dekra Technology Center at Lausitzring in September 2023.

 

Alongside world-leading motorcycle manufacturers such as BMW, Honda, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, KTM, Suzuki, and Yamaha, prominent carmakers including BMW, Honda, Lamborghini, and VW will also be participating in the event. The invited guests will have the opportunity to experience the systems live by taking the first-row seat, as passenger in one of the cars.

The event will also provide a platform for presenting key findings from the Consortium’s accident research, insights into rider behaviour, and detailed information about safety applications.

 

ACEM is associate member of CMC.

Press Release: Guidelines on anti-tampering rules for motorcycle exhaust silencers
31 May 2023

The European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) shares the concerns of citizens, politicians and regulators regarding the impact of noise in daily life. Sound emissions of motorcycles have been regulated in the EU, with maximum permitted levels defined since the 1990s, through European type approval requirements.

As part of the solution to address these concerns, ACEM has recently developed a set of guidelines in cooperation with key aftermarket exhaust industry players. The aim of these guidelines is to avoid diverging, non-effective interpretations of anti-tampering rules for exhaust silencers, in particular for non-original equipment that may be alternatively fitted on motorcycles over their lifetime.  The document notably clarifies technical requirements to ensure robustness of fixing solutions for silencing baffles and dB-killers, to prevent their easy removal.

Following an informal endorsement by authorities at EU level, the guidelines were supported by government experts at UNECE, the world forum on vehicle regulations.

Dissemination activities are now being launched by the motorcycle sector, with the involvement of ACEM member vehicle manufacturers, industry national associations and aftermarket exhaust manufacturers, seeking to raise the awareness of all stakeholders – including type approval authorities, market surveillance authorities and users.

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

“This initiative bringing together the expertise of recognised players in the motorcycle sector addresses one of the main causes of motorcycle noise in the streets. Approved silencers with too easily removable baffles or dB-Killers are today still present on the market, which may result in unacceptably high levels of noise on the road.

Putting forward state of the art solutions, the guidelines will help type approval authorities towards a more harmonised assessment of conformity to anti-tampering rules for exhaust silencers. The call is now on all stakeholders to apply them without delay.”

 

Note for editors

For sound level and anti-tampering rules of motorcycle exhaust silencers, the EU type approval framework Regulation 168/2013 mandates the application of UNECE Regulations no. 92 (aftermarket silencers) and no. 41 (original motorcycle). These Regulations were developed and are maintained by the Working Party Noise and Tyres (GRBP), under the World Forum for the harmonization of vehicle regulations (WP.29), operating within the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

In December 2022, ACEM presented the guidelines to national type approval authorities at a stakeholder meeting organised by the European Commission. Following an informal approval by authorities at EU level, the International Motorcycle Manufacturers’ Association (IMMA) introduced the guidelines in February 2023 at GRBP, the world forum on sound level of vehicles. A final document is expected be adopted at next GRBP session in September 2023.

 

About the initiative

This initiative has been jointly developed within the motorcycle sector, by the following actors:

  • The European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) and its members (ACEM website).
  • The International Motorcycle Manufacturers’ Association (IMMA website).
  • Motorcycle exhaust manufacturers Akrapovic, Arrow, Giannelli, Lafranconi, LeoVince, MIVV and SC project.

 

About ACEM

The European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) represents manufacturers of mopeds, motorcycles, three-wheelers and quadricycles (L-category vehicles) in Europe.  ACEM is a member of IMMA, the International Motorcycle Manufacturers’ Association.

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).

 

About IMMA

IMMA, as the voice of the global Motorcycle Industry, has a membership of Powered Two- and Three-Wheeler (PTW) manufacturers’ associations from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Europe, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, USA, and Vietnam. IMMA promotes solutions for safe, sustainable, socially responsible and economically viable motorcycling. IMMA advances inclusive policies and engages in the development and progressive harmonization of vehicle requirements in global forums. IMMA is based in Geneva, Switzerland.

 

Contact

Thomas Vercammen

ACEM Technical Manager

+32 (0) 22 30 97 32

 

Documents

Press Release - Guidelines on anti-tampering rules for motorcycle exhaust silencers

ACEM position paper - Transport sustainability, sound emissions and noise

 

Q1 2023 European registrations of motorcycles and mopeds return to pre COVID market trends
12 May 2023

New motorcycle registrations in five of the largest European markets (i.e., France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK) reached 253,859 units during the first quarter of 2023. This represents an increase of approximately 15.5% compared to the same period in 2022 (219,826 units).

Motorcycle registration volumes significantly increased in Italy (78,997 units, +31.1% year-on-year) and both Spain (44,127 units, +13.4%) and Germany (54,964 units, +13.2%) showed an upward trend. Volumes also continued with a slight progression in France (48,945 units, +7.21%) and they remained broadly stable in UK (26,826 units, 1.7%).

Moped registrations reached a total volume of 43,610 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 24.5% in comparison to last year (57,737 units). The decline is widespread in the monitored countries, except in Belgium where volumes continued to increase.

 

Quote

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

“The first quarter results of the year must be interpreted cautiously, considering the significance of spring and summer for the European powered two-wheeler market. Although there were considerable fluctuations when compared to the same period in 2022, Q1 data confirms a growing trend of users favouring motorcycles and scooters to mopeds. This shift supports both urban and short-range mobility, as well as a sustained interest in leisure riding. Thus far, the figures seem to align with long-term, pre-COVID trends. A more definitive outlook for 2023 will emerge as Q2 and Q3 data becomes available.”

 

Press contact

Antonio Perlot

ACEM Secretary General

+32 2 2309732

 

Documents available to download

ACEM - Statistical press release - January - March 2023 [PDF]
ACEM - Statistical press release - January - March 2023 [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 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.

 

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).
Job opening at ACEM: (Senior) Public Affairs Manager
17 Feb 2023

ACEM is looking for a (Senior) Public Affairs Manager to join its Secretariat in Brussels and lead the association’s Public Affairs 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.

ACEM members include 18 manufacturing companies and 18 national industry associations in 17 different European countries. About 389,000 jobs depend on the motorcycle, moped, tricycle and quadricycle industry, which generates €21.4 billion of GDP across Europe every year.

ACEM works closely with the EU institutions, as well as with a wide range of stakeholders, in different policy areas. ACEM advocates for policies that support the competitiveness of motorcycle manufacturers, provides factual information about the European motorcycle sector, and fosters a better understanding of the motorcycle industry’s contribution to society.

Responsibilities

With a more junior colleague under your responsibility, and with the support of regulatory/technical experts and communications’ team, you will:

  • be responsible for monitoring and conducting research and analysis on the current state of play across a broad range of European policy issues relevant for the motorcycle Industry under the association strategic vision Vision 2030+
  • develop and implement strategies and action plans to engage the organisation in EU policies and legislative proposals;
  • support the ACEM team and the Membership with the development of engagement strategies and messaging, at Brussels’ and national level;
  • draft high-quality memos, policy briefings, presentations and policy analysis on short timelines;
  • develop/maintain relationships with the EU institutions and key stakeholders at the European level and exchange information related to priority topics;
  • be responsible for the planning, implementation, preparation, and follow-up of meetings;
  • represent the organisation externally in institutional meetings and towards other stakeholders through being a visible and credible advocate for the industry.
  • assist the Secretary General and act as a sherpa for high-level meetings, with C-suites executives (internally) and with EU Institutions representatives (externally).

Profile requirements

  • University degree (Law, Political Sciences and/or EU Studies);
  • Minimum 8 years of experience in EU Policy and Government Affairs roles in trade/industry associations, consulting firms, corporations or EU Institutions;
  • An established network and sound knowledge of European policy in various fields that are connected to sustainability in all its facets, mobility/transport, industrial transformation and/or manufacturing;
  • Track record in political advocacy and campaign management;
  • Excellent verbal and written communication in English is a must, other languages are a plus;
  • Effective communication (written and spoken) with internal and external stakeholders;
  • Ability to find consensus amongst wide range of opinions and to work with different functions, teams and seniority levels;
  • Firm willingness to understand the issues at stake and to enhance your personal knowledge on highly political/technical topics;
  • Team player with commitment to excellence and diplomacy and negotiation skills.

Benefits

We offer a long-term contract with a competitive package.

At ACEM you will find the freedom to broaden your horizons thanks to an internationally composed team and flexible working time models. The sector is on the path of transformation towards climate-neutral mobility and offers an exciting, innovative, future-oriented and collegial working environment.

Application Procedure

  1. Closing date for applications: 17 March 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 (“(Senior) Public Affairs Manager – 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 (Senior) Public Affairs Manager - Advert

ACEM (Senior) Public Affairs Manager - Annex

 

Photo by Headway on Unsplash

Job opening at ACEM: Communications Officer
03 Feb 2023

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

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