Brussels, 23/03/2011 (Agence Europe) - At a public hearing in the European Parliament on Tuesday 22 March, the Motorcycle Industry in Europe (ACEM) repeated its concerns over the proposals contained in the draft regulation on the type-approval of motorcycles (COM 2010/542) (see EUROPE 10339). The association is particularly critical of the timescale proposed by the European Commission for the introduction of these measures, which seek to improve the environmental performance and the safety of motorcycles (ABS). The industry says it would be unrealistic to try to meet the requirements set by the Commission.
In addition to exemptions sought on compulsory fitting of anti-lock braking systems (see EUROPE 10339), ACEM is calling for a one-year postponement (until 2014 rather than 2013) of the coming into force of the regulation which will apply to EURO IV class vehicles and a one-year delay on all the provisions (environmental, administrative and safety) provided for in the type-approval of new vehicles. At present, the Commission wants to make binding the new type-approval requirements for new models of EURO II class motorcycles in 2013, EURO IV class in 2017 and EURO V class in 2018. According to an estimate performed by ACEM the application of the new environmental, safety and administrative provisions will lead to a cost increase between +5% and +10% for the high end of the market (motorcycles above 750cc) and up to +30% for the low end of the market (motorcycles under 300cc). “This rise is disproportionate and risks limiting consumer purchasing propensity”, the association says in a press release published on Tuesday, pointing out that vehicles under 300cc represent two thirds of EU registrations. “Motorcycles, scooters and the other vehicles in the scope of this regulation represent a great opportunity for mobility, especially in cities”, ACEM Secretary General Jacques Compagne said. He asked policy makers to reconsider very carefully the proposals on the table. (A.By./transl.rt)