5th ACEM Conference Rolls on Theme of "To Shape Future of Motorcycling"
2009/04/24 | By Quincy LiangA steam velocipede built by the American inventor Sylvester H. Roper in 1867 may be the earliest known motorcycle; while Roper's powered two-wheeler (PTW) never found commercial success, his innovations inspired, directed inventors of gas-powered motorbikes at the turn of the century. The first really successful production of PTW though, was the Hildebrand & Wolfmueller, patented in Munich in 1894. And across the Atlantic and in 1903, 21-year old William S. Harley and 20-year old Arthur Davidson made history by launching the first production of Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
Europe was and is the leading production base of PTWs, although the top Japanese makers may disagree. Today the European PTW sector is typically regarded at the forefront in terms of investment in innovation, quality and design. The region has seen its fleet of PTWs grow significantly in recent years, likely driven by some of the highest gasoline prices globally and the most sensitive eco-consciousness, as well as increasingly congested urban streets. More Europeans are opting PTWs and scooters as convenient, cost-effective personal mobility solutions for leisure and business, further enhancing market forces that help build Europe into the most important PTW center, especially for top-end models globally.
The fifth ACEM (Association des Constructeurs Europeens de Motocycle, or The Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers in Europe) Annual Conference, held December 2008 in Brussels, set the tone for the annual meeting's theme: shaping the future of motorcycling. The makers' association proposed constructive suggestions related to road safety and exhaust emission to the European Union (EU), points worthy to be heeded by all PTW companies eyeing to further tap the market; while many experts were invited to speak on various issues.
Malcolm Harbour, Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and event chair, introduced the audience to the European motorcycle and moped markets, which have grown steadily over the last six years, mainly driven by increasing demand for PTW-enabled mobility in European cities.
Although the looming economic recession is expected to also impact the PTW market, ACEM members believe the time is right to commit to new environmental objectives, to maximize market opportunities and further promote PTWs as a mobility alternative, in particular for urban settings.
The ACEM pointed out that over the last decade PTWs had already achieved remarkable progress in reducing environmental impact, with its membership nevertheless proposing to equal passenger cars' Euro 5 emissions standards by 2015.
For the upcoming regulatory discussions within the European Commission, the ACEM's proposal is to introduce Euro 3 standards for mopeds (PTWs with sub-50cc engines) and Euro 4 for motorcycles by 2012, accompanied by a more representative and stringent emission test cycle, followed by a Euro 5 for motorcycles by 2015 that equals passenger cars' emissions.
These two steps, which need sufficient lead time to comply with industrial design and production constraints, are fundamental to maintain employment stability in the sector amid this recession, ACEM stressed; while moving from the current Euro 3 to Euro 5 would achieve a 44% reduction of motorcycle emissions.
Road Safety
The ACEM manufacturers also jointly announced a renewed, enhanced commitment to the EU Road Safety Charter related to advanced braking systems, with the manufacturers deciding to extend their initial commitment to offer half of street PTWs with an advanced braking system by 2010, and a further 75% by 2015.
This collective commitment ensures the large-scale deployment of these safety features on different categories of PTWs, taking into account the specific use of these products, distinctive characteristics and cost-effectiveness of the technical solutions.
But the ACEM opposes a legislative approach, the association stressed, which would limit the variety of systems, potentially freezing innovation.
Mattia Pellegrini, Member of the Cabinet of Antonio Tajani, Vice President of the European Commission Responsible for Transport, delivered the keynote speech-welcoming the measures of the PTW industry towards safety, the environment and motorcycle manufacturers to play a role to help the European Commission solve the problem of urban mobility.
Sorbonne University Professor Pierre Kopp presented a study on PTW mobility in Paris, which confirmed the economical benefits and highlighted the important role local authorities play to back dedicated policies.
The ACEM highlighted the above initiatives to further clarify the benefits of PTWs as a way to enhance urban mobility: as more commuters switch from cars to PTWs, urban transport systems can move more people to benefit the economy and society.
Stefan Pierer, president of ACEM and CEO of the Austria-based PTW brand KTM, reaffirmed the industry's commitment to innovation and cooperation with related institutions. "The top priority is to protect businesses and jobs from the worst effects of the current financial crisis," Pierer said. "The Recovery Plan proposed last week by the European Commission is a positive signal, which should also apply to the motorcycle industry. We will face over the coming months a delicate period, with challenges for the sector."
Shaping the Future
In his presentation on the topic of "The (EU) PTW Market of Tomorrow," Pierer said that national markets in the EU are characterized by contrasting trends due to various historical, cultural and local conditions; but the overall market grew steadily.
Jacques Compagne, secretary general of ACEM, spoke on "The Motorcycle Industry in Europe," saying that the first step to shape the future is to acknowledge the market realities in the EU market, including the main market forces (brands and products; increasing mobility challenges from new needs and traffic congestion; leisure demand such as tourism and sport; and exogenous factors such as economic situation, oil cost and scarcity, taxation etc.) and implications in terms of road safety and environment.
The future should be shaped by two major momentums, the secretary general added, including one from manufacturer's objective: maximize the opportunities of PTWs in transport by addressing challenges; and another from the key role to be played by institutions and stakeholders in the EU, national and local levels in developing initiatives towards this objective.
New Technologies
Looking ahead, Compagne stated, riders can look forward to some new safety technologies and propulsion technologies, including active safety systems (advanced lighting, tire pressure monitoring systems), electronic stability control, advanced braking systems etc.), passive safety (airbag and other applications being researched), and intelligent transportation systems or ITS (such as BMW's intersection assistant system and Honda's advanced Human Machine Interface concept.)
New propulsion technologies in the works include bio-fuel, hybrid, electric, fuel-cell etc., according to the secretary general.
In a nutshell, Compagne said: "The industry's commitment to shaping the future of motorcycling should comprise of improving safety, reducing environmental impact, and maximizing future advantages of PTW-enabled mobility."