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European Motorcycle Industry
ACEM, the European Motorcycle Industry Association, appointed Thursday Hendrik von Kuenheim as its new President. Based in Brussels, ACEM, is the organization representing the manufacturers of motorcycles, scooters, tricycles and quadricycles at European level.
Mr von Kuenheim has been involved in ACEM’s activities since 2009 when he became Vice President. From May 2008 to September 2010 he also held the post of President of IMMA, the International Motorcycle Manufacturers Association.
Born in 1959 in Hannover, Germany, Mr von Kuenheim succeeds Stefan Pierer who successfully served as ACEM President since 2007. Mr von Kuenheim has over 25 years experience in the automotive sector. Since 2008 he is serving as General Director of BMW Motorrad, a business division of BMW Group.
Stefan Pierer (Former ACEM President and CEO of Austrian Motorcycle Manufacturer KTM) says: "The first challenge Hendrik von Kuenheim will need tackling in his new role as ACEM President is the new Regulation on type approval and market surveillance of motorcycles currently under discussion in the European Parliament and Council.
"I’m sure that his outstanding experience and insights will turn this crucial issue for our industry into new opportunities for the sector."
The Motorcycle Industry in Europe is facing an unprecedentedly difficult market environment. Due to the global economic crisis the European market has shrunk by 25-percent since the fourth quarter of 2008.
Hendrik von Kuenheim says: "Our mission will consist in underlining and defending the specificities of an industry with deep roots in Europe’s economy. Despite harsh economic conditions ACEM manufacturers continue to be at the forefront of innovation for cleaner and safer mobility. However a thriving future for our industry can only be achieved with a realistic European legislation enabling the Motorcycle Industry to successfully compete on a global level."
Mr von Kuenheim will assume the ACEM Presidency on 1st July 2011. Mr Pierer will continue to be active as Vice President, together with Mr Leo Francesco Mercanti (Piaggio).
About ACEM
ACEM, the Motorcycle Industry in Europe, is the professional body representing the interests and combined skills of 12 powered two wheelers (PTWs) manufacturers producing more than 30 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 account for 90% of the production and up to 80% of the European powered two-wheeler market. ACEM also represents main manufacturers of tricycles and quadricycles.
More information, statistics and policy statements here.
