Brussels, 30/01/2012 (Agence Europe) - Bikers want motor cycles to be perceived as positive contributors to mobility, even though sales have fallen to their lowest level. The European Motorcycle Association (ACEM) held a meeting in Brussels on 24 January and was keen to demonstrate the advantages motorbikes could bring, given the current challenges facing mobility, and to request political support in the context of the crisis facing the industry.
In 2011, the two-wheeler market fell sharply. With 1.7 million units sold last year, the industry experienced its worst performance for a decade. Nonetheless, two-wheelers can provide a response to current mobility problems. ACEM considers that by producing smaller, lighter and more specialised vehicles, it can make the difference to reducing traffic jams, lack of parking and helping to improve air quality. The Transport & Mobility Leuven consultancy said that, if 10% of cars were replaced by two-wheelers or scooters, this would result in 40% less congestion, with noticeable results for the environment.
Hendrik von Kuenheim, the president of the ACEM and chief executive of BMW Mottorad said that, “small, light and specialised vehicles will prove useful tools for sustainable mobility, in the context of the European Union's transport objectives… However, strong political support is necessary to further develop this reality and market even more innovative products. This support should start with a full acknowledgement of our products as positive contributors to mobility”. This is the message he is seeking to address to the European institutions. (MD/transl.fl)