Se ne parla meno che per le auto, ma pure nel settore moto tira una brutta aria. La si è respirata pure la scorsa settimana, alla conferenza annuale dell'Acem, l'associazione dei costruttori europei. Che sanno di vivere un momento cruciale: la crisi ha colpito tutti proprio nel momento in cui la Ue sta studiando quelle che saranno le prime norme europee per omologare anche le moto (finora l'omologazione unica europea c'era solo per le auto, poi la direttiva 2007/46 ha stabilito il principio che per meglio unificare il mercato vanno unificati i requisiti per ogni categoria di veicolo). E – come sempre – i parametri più importanti di omologazione saranno quelli ambientali e di sicurezza.

La Commissione europea renderà nota la sua proposta di fissazione dei requisiti ad aprile, come leggete nel comunicato che vi riporto sotto. Nel frattempo i costruttori hanno dichiarato che non si tireranno indietro nonostante la crisi, a patto che:

– sia loro dato abbastanza tempo per adeguare progettazione e produzione ai nuovi requisiti;

– le nuove regole rimangano stabili, nel senso di essere via via migliorate secondo un percorso già delineato senza sorprese;

– si tenga sotto controllo la concorrenza low-cost asiatica, che come si sa non sempre rispetta i requisiti.

Una posizione ragionevole. Ma bisognerà vedere quanto tempo vorranno concretamente prendersi per daci moto più pulite e sicure.

European motorcycle manufacturers seek regulatory stability and a level playing field in foreign markets

European Commission to unveil new rules for a technical regulation as Powered Two-Wheeler sector faces tough consequences of economic crisis

PRESS RELEASE

Brussels 2.2.2010 – 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. Registrations of Powered Two-Wheelers (PTWs) plunged in the final quarter of 2008, and for 2009, a drop in the range of -25% was recorded.

During its yearly conference held on 28 January ACEM, the European association of motorcycle manufacturers, gathering representatives of the industry, managers and officials from the European Institutions in Brussels, called for a common strategy to overcome the crisis and move towards recovery.

Fall in demand of PTWs gave way to a decline in production, putting high pressure on manufacturers and on employment. In this climate of uncertainty, exacerbated by the import of low-cost products from Asian countries, the European Commission is preparing to submit a proposal for a new technical regulation for the type-approval of PTWs. In Europe the PTW sector employs 150,000 people with a turnover of Euro 34 billion.

Just over a year ago, ACEM announced a series of initiatives focusing on environment and road safety. Despite the crisis, ACEM members are determined to keep these commitments, also considering the European Commission’s upcoming EU 2020 strategy, aiming to boost the economy and employment.

But to achieve these objectives, the motorcycle manufacturers are urging European policy makers to outline a dedicated strategy for the short and medium term, underlining the importance of strengthening Europe as a destination for investments. In this regard, Gabriele Del Torchio, CEO of Ducati, has underscored the need for supportive measures for the PTW industry calling for swift action to ensure that the European industry is in the best position when the recovery starts.

During the ACEM Conference Giacomo Mattinò, deputy head of the automotive industry unit at DG Enterprise, announced that the Commission’s proposal, due in April, will have environmental and road safety objectives, while taking into account the lead time required by industry to adapt production.

Bern Lange MEP, who chaired the conference, underlined the need of ambitious targets however he also acknowledged that the industry requires a clear roadmap with sufficient leadtime if these goals are to be collectively achieved.

To restore confidence it is necessary to address several issues: a new European regulatory framework for PTWs must be justified by a long-term perspective and be based on a cost-benefit analysis. This approach will ensure regulatory stability and simplification, providing the industry with a sensible timeframe and sufficient flexibility to develop new products meeting costumers’ demand.

Innovative technologies, especially with regard to urban mobility, are already on the market with more efficient vehicles, hybrids, three-wheelers and advanced braking systems becoming increasingly available. If electric motorcycles are soon to be a reality in the market place, fiscal incentives and the presence of recharging stations will be crucial to stimulate demand. Much depends on the infrastructure and policy-makers still have an important role to play.

The ACEM conference provided the opportunity to address the issue of imported products from emerging markets like China and the serious concerns they are causing, due to safety and environmental flaws. In fact, these vehicles often do not meet type-approval requirements. Regarding exports, greater attention must be paid to ensure equal conditions on foreign markets.

Quote:
Jacques Compagne, ACEM Secretary General, said: "We are pleased with the close collaboration established with the European Commission in the context of the future PTW regulation. The Commission has acknowledged the serious crisis faced by the industry, as well as the opportunities it represents for the European economy. The PTW Industry is ready to play its part provided the objectives are achievable and foresee a reasonable lead time. Furthermore, if we want a thriving PTW industry in Europe, a level playing field has to be guaranteed, here and abroad, for all manufacturers, including those from emerging economies".

Note to editors:
ACEM, the Motorcycle Industry in Europe, is the professional body representing the interests and combined skills of 12 powered two wheelers (PTWs) manufacturers producing a total of 26 motorcycle and moped brands, and 15 national associations out of 13 European countries, guaranteeing jobs to over 150.000 people. The aggregated turnover of the PTW sector (manufacturing, plus upstream and downstream activities) amounted to Euro 34 billion in 2006. Manufacturers alone account for Euro 7 billion. The members of ACEM are responsible for 90% of the production and up to 80% of the European powered two-wheeler (PTW) market.

More information, statistics and policy statements at: http://www.acem.eu/