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“The financial and economic crisis, which hit public finances, businesses, employment and households, took a heavy toll on the motorcycle industry in Europe, as well.”

That was the message representatives of 12 powersports vehicle manufacturers and 15 national associations in 13 European countries had for members of the European Commission during a meeting Jan. 28 in Brussels, Belgium.

The meeting between industry stakeholders and European policy makers was part of the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers(ACEM) 6th annual conference. The industry representatives, among them the heads of KTM, BMW and Ducati, called for a common strategy to overcome the crisis and move towards recovery.

ACEM is a professional body representing the interests of the powered two-wheeler (PTW) industry in Europe. The annual conference provides the opportunity for policy makers, professionals and company managers to share an overview of the motorcycle sector and engage in discussions about topics that may shape the industry.

The recent conference, titled EU 2020: Which Industrial Policyfor the Motorcycle Sector?, included a panel featuring ACEM Secretary General Jacques Compagne; ACEM President and KTM CEO Stefan Pierer; ACEM Vice President and BMW Motorrad CEO Hendrik von Kuenheim; Ducati CEO Gabriele Del Torchio; and Philippe Jean, head of the European Commission’s Automotive Industry Unit.

The European Commission is preparing to review proposals for new regulations impacting motorcycle design.

The motorcycle manufacturers 1) urged policy makers to outline a dedicated strategy for the short and medium term, calling for swift action to ensure that the European industry is in the best position when the recovery starts; 2) called for any new PTW regulations to be justified by a long-term perspective and a cost-benefit analysis; and 3) asked that the industry obtain a clear roadmap with sufficient lead time if the EU’s goals are to be achieved.

"We are pleased with the close collaboration established with the European Commission in the context of the future PTW regulation,” Compagne said following the conference. “The Commission has acknowledged the serious crisis faced by the industry, as well as the opportunities it represents for the European economy.”

Cycle sales in Europe in 2009 dropped an estimated 25 percent compared to 2008. ACEM says the motorcycle industry in Europe was “deeply affected” by the economic and financial crisis as a fall in demand for PTWs gave way to a decline in production and pressure on manufacturers and employment.

Read the entire ACEM conference report HERE.