THE MAIN ORGANIZATIONS REPRESENTING BOTH THE RIDERS AND THE MOTORCYCE INDUSTRY – ACEM, FEMA, FIM – JOINTLY CELEBRATE THE DAY OF EUROPE BY LAUNCHING A MANIFESTO ADDRESSED TO EUROPEAN LEADERS
Europe, 7 May 2024 - We call on the European Institutions to actively incorporate motorcycling into the policy priorities for the 2024-205 political mandate that will kick with the coming European elections on 6-9 June.
(Europe Day, 9 May 2024: europeday.europa.eu/index_it).
(European Elections, 6-9 June 2024: elections.europa.eu/it).
Our sector positively contributes to the European economy, social inclusion and territorial cohesion with around €21.4 billion to European GDP and 389.000 jobs. Only in Europe, there are almost 40 million motorcycles, mopeds, tricycles and quadricycles to support a clean, efficient, practical and enjoyable alternative for moving people and goods in cities and rural areas.
Motorcycling fully aligns with the current vision for Europe, putting quality of life of our citizens at the core while promoting sustainable industrial leadership. To benefit from the full potential of our sector towards such ambitious goals, the current manifesto identifies five strategic areas to enhance further cooperation between public authorities, users and the motorcycle industry while supporting mobility and transport policies: safety, environment and sustainability, competitiveness, R&I, motorsport and tourism.
As long-standing partners of the European Union project, ACEM, FEMA and FIM look forward to continuing a constructive dialogue and cooperation with the new political leadership at the European Parliament, the Commission and the Council.
QUOTES. Commenting on the Manifesto, representatives from the three organizations agree on the milestone for the motorcycle sector by bringing together all actors for the benefit of the European citizens.
Michele Colaninno, ACEM President and CEO of Piaggio Group, said: “This manifesto showcases the social and industrial contribution of motorcycling in Europe. Especially in urban and peri-urban areas that gather 75% of the EU population, L-category vehicles can fill the gap between soft mobility as walking or cycling and the use of cars offering several benefits for daily commuting and small logistics. Through innovative, sustainable and high-quality mobility solutions, ACEM members will firmly continue contributing to Europe´s competitiveness.”
Odd Terje Dovik, FEMA President, commented: “We hope the newly elected Members of the European Parliament will consider the needs of motorcyclists, especially where road safety is concerned. Of course, we will be on hand to offer advice and expertise whenever MEPs need us. Our three organizations represent the entire European motorcycling community: producers, athletes and leisure riders. We stand united in our commitment to continue working for our joint interests and rights.”
Jorge Viegas, President of FIM stated: "Research has shown that motorcycle sport is a key driver of tourism in the European Union. FIM is pleased that our three organizations have come together to draw attention to sport's contribution to the economy of rural areas. Not only is it economically important, but, as we have shown in the manifesto, it is vital as a test bed for new technologies that can drastically improve the quality of life of EU citizens and the wider world.”
ACEM. European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM): ACEM represents the largest manufacturers of mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles (L-category vehicles) to promote a constructive dialogue with the European Union institutions.
FEMA. Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations: The Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations (FEMA) represents European motorcyclists. Its purpose is to promote, protect and preserve motorcycling.
Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM): Founded in 1904, FIM is the IOC-recognized international governing body of motorcycle sport and the global advocate for motorcycling.
The full Manifesto is available in the Acem website, at this link www.acem.eu/consumers-and-manufacturers-agree-historic-joint-manifesto-for-motorcycling-ahead-of-europe-day-and-next-elections
(Source: ACEM press release).
