The Safety of Your L-Category Vehicle is in Question

European Commission proposes long due Regulation on
type-approval of L-category vehicles

According to ACEM, main approach taken by the European Commission appears sound, but the specificity of the vehicles and appropriate lead-time have not always been properly considered – many crucial technical points remain open.

Brussels, 4.10.2010 – Today the European Commission adopted a long anticipated proposal on new type-approval of L-category vehicles. This proposal makes provisions on many different safety and environmental requirements for a wide range of vehicles such as two- or three-wheel powered cycles, mopeds, motorcycles with and without a side-car, tricycles, on-road quads and mini-cars. The Members of ACEM, the European Motorcycle Manufacturers Association, have been urging policy makers for a regulatory framework with a long-term vision ensuring employment and the competitiveness of the sector in Europe. 

Whilst broadly speaking the main approach of the European Commission appears sound, according to ACEM’s, in its complexity today’s proposal missed out on many important aspects which will need to be carefully considered by Council and European Parliament. These crucial technical points will also need to be addressed in the development of the four additional Regulations announced by the European Commission, which will contain test procedures, technical details and administrative provisions.
 
This regulation falls during a critical time for the motorcycle industry. The economic crisis triggered a drop in registrations of L-category vehicles. In 2010 the EU market has shrunk by one third compared to pre-crisis figures. The first semester of 2010 recorded a -30% compared to the same period of 2008, indicating that this sector is still far from recovery.

In this context, ACEM wishes to underline the utmost importance of the progressive introduction of environmental and safety measures allowing for sufficient lead-time, for new and existing types. This is particularly important given the price impact that the proposed legislative package will have, especially for small and medium displacement vehicles.  

The EC proposed provisions in regards to market surveillance are welcome to safeguard economic operators against unfair competition and, provided they are implemented effectively, will ensure re-establishing a level playing field and preventing non-compliant products from reaching the EU market, while restoring confidence in EU legislation.

The Motorcycle Industry in Europe is looking forward to working with the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council on this proposal and will release more detailed comments in the coming days.

Stefan Pierer, ACEM President and CEO of Austrian manufacturer KTM Sport Motorcycles stated: “Since 2004 ACEM Members have been at the forefront of road safety, with voluntary commitments on Automatic Headlamp On and Advanced Braking Systems.  In regards to environmental measures, Industry proposals have been laid out already in 2008 presenting the EC with a feasible roadmap.  While the document reflects some of the industry proposals, the addition of some technically unrealistic requirements, which do not take into account current production and market realities, are of serious concern and require further detailed reflections, to ensure competitiveness and employment in the sector.”

Note to editors:
ACEM, the Motorcycle Industry in Europe, is the professional body representing the interests and combined skills of 12 powered two wheelers (PTWs) manufacturers producing a total of 26 motorcycle and moped 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 are responsible for 90% of the production and up to 80% of the European powered two-wheeler (PTW) market.

Reference document:
European Commission, Enterprise and Industry, Legislative Proposal:
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/automotive/documents/proposals/index_en.htm

More information, statistics and policy statements at: http://www.acem.eu/

Aprilia Race Team Does it Again!

2010 World Manufacturers Champion

Magny Cours, 3 October 2010 – Thanks to the 13 points earned today by Max Biaggi in the last round of World Superbike, Aprilia is the World Manufacturer Champion in the highest championship for factory motorcycles. The final standings show: Aprilia 446, Ducati 408, Suzuki 399, Yamaha 332, Honda 309, Bmw 201 e Kawasaki 108.

 Aprilia’s 2010 WSBK season – with race 2 at Magny Cours still left to close out the championship – boasts incredible spoils: 9 wins, 7 podiums and two world titles.

Valentino Rossi going into the corner hard

 The success on the French track is a new and extraordinary result which comes just eight days after the world rider title won by Max Biaggi on the Imola circuit. An absolutely exceptional double achievement because this sweep by Aprilia comes in just the second year that they 1000 four cylinder V RSV4 has taken the track, establishing Aprilia’s sport and technical dominance in World SBK. And so Aprilia strengthens its enviable collection which now holds 45 world titles (36 in Moto GP, 2 in Superbike, 2 in trial, 5 in Supermotard) and makes it, with 277 GP titles won, the most victorious Italian and European name in the history of World Motorcycle racing.

 Maurizio Roman, Managing Director of product development and strategy for the Piaggio Group comments: “This is a result that bears witness to the our absolute state-of-the-art technology and products. The fact that this comes just 48 hours from the grand opening of our Cologne motorcycle showroom, whose queen will be precisely the most advanced road technology of our magnificent RSV4 which has dominated this world championship, fills me with joy. This is a bike which combines all of the electronic innovations utilised on the track to make the greatest technology applied to the sport bike available to enthusiasts everywhere”.

 “Aprilia Racing confirms itself today as a point of excellence with few equals in the world – states Leo Francesco Mercanti, Director of product development for the Piaggio Group and Managing Director of Aprilia Racing – We are only in our second year of racing with a completely innovative project like the RSV4, and it is only thanks to the extraordinary skills at work every day in Piaggio Group that we were able to achieve high enough levels of competitiveness and reliability to win this match against well known brands which have years of experience in this difficult championship”.

 Gigi Dall’Igna, technical and sport manager of Aprilia Racing, has been a key player on the road to this victory: “Even just one of the championships already seemed like a mirage two years ago when we began with the completely new and totally different bike from anything that we had made before. Celebrating a “world sweep” like this one today makes me happy and confirms for me that the Aprilia Alitalia team is made up of exceptional technicians and personnel. A team to whom I want to give full credit today for having made possible in only 27 races what seemed like a silly dream until just a few months ago”.

Ride for the Kids

Moto Guzzi and AMA Pro Racing President Roger Edmondson Join Chick-fil-A
Kyle Petty Charity Ride for Kids

Celebrity-rider autographed Moto Guzzi Norge will raise additional fund at
2010 Sound and Speed charity auction

NEW YORK – April 28, 2009 – Moto Guzzi motorcycles http://www.motoguzzi-us.com have
delighted riders with their unique motor music and long-distance riding
comfort for over 80 years.  Now, one of this storied brand’s thoroughly
modern sport touring motorcycles, the Moto Guzzi Norge, will travel
cross-country on the 15th anniversary Chick-fil-A Kyle Petty Charity Ride,
starting in Stevenson, Wash. on May 8.  Piloted by AMA Pro Racing President
and Grand-AM CEO Roger Edmondson, the Moto Guzzi Norge will head east, along
with over 200 other riders and motorcycles, collecting autographs from
celebrity participants along the route.  Its final destination is the
January 2010 Sound and Speed charity auction http://www.soundandspeed.org in
Nashville, Tenn., benefitting children’s charities, including Petty’s
Victory Junction camp.
     
“I’ve been an enthusiastic rider for over 53 years and I’m especially happy
to combine my passion for motorcycles with a terrific cause like Kyle and
Pattie’s charity ride,” said Edmondson.  Edmondson, who was first hooked on
two wheels when he bought a scooter at the age of 13, is no stranger to Moto
Guzzi.  He owned one of the best-loved Moto Guzzi models, an 850 LeMans –
the same model that AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Mike Baldwin unexpectedly
took to a runaway victory in the 1976 AMA Superbike race at Loudon, New
Hampshire.
     
Edmondson will be adding a number of non-standard “options’ to the Norge
along the route.  To prep the Moto Guzzi for its final destination, the 2010
Sound and Speed charity auction, he’ll ask notable ride participants like
NASCAR legend Harry Gant, Chick-fil-A president and COO Dan Cathy, football
great Herschel Walker and PGA Tour professional Davis Love III to add their
autographs to the motorcycle.
     
     
Supported by a growing number of caring riders each year, the 15th
anniversary Ride benefits Victory Junction and other children’s
charities. Petty and his wife, Pattie, founded Victory Junction in
Randleman, N.C., in 2004. The year-round camp serves children ages 6 to 16,
with serious health issues, at no cost to their families. The Petty’s plans
to open a second Victory Junction will come to fruition on May 13 when the
Ride stops in Kansas City, Kan., to participate in a ceremonial
groundbreaking celebration at the site of the new camp. 
     
Since its inception, the Ride has visited 49 states and donated more than
$12 million to children’s charities. Riders have traveled approximately 7.9
million cumulative motorcycle miles, and 13 riders have participated all 15
years.  For complete and current information on the Ride, visit
http://www.kylepettycharityride.com.
     
About Moto Guzzi and Piaggio Group Americas
     
For more than 85 years, Moto Guzzi has maintained a reputation as one of
world’s most prominent manufacturers of motorcycles. The company was founded
in 1921 on the shores of Lake Como in the village of Mandello del Lario,
Italy, where the motorcycles are still manufactured today.  Moto Guzzi has
notched up no fewer than 3,300 racing wins including 14 world GP titles, 22
world records and 11 Isle of Man Tourist Trophy wins in the course of its
long history. 
     
In December 2004 Moto Guzzi became part of the Piaggio Group, Europe’s
leading manufacturer of two wheelers and one of the world’s most recognized
and respected names in motorcycle and scooter production.  For more
information on Moto Guzzi’s complete U.S. model line, visit
http://www.motoguzzi-us.com.

The Aprilia Adventure Heads Cross-Country

The Aprilia Adventure Heads Cross-Country 

Aprilia USA adds five additional dates to its popular new consumer ride experience

 NEW YORK, NY – April 3, 2009 – Following the successful launch and fast sell-out of the Aprilia Adventure ride experience during this year’s Daytona Bike Week, Aprilia USA has added five additional dates to the program.  Enthusiasts will now be able to reserve a full hour of seat time to evaluate and enjoy the latest Aprilia motorcycles on the best regional roads.  Participants even take home some special mementos of the experience.  The Aprilia Adventure is available at:

• AMA Superbike Weekend at Road Atlanta, Braselton, GA, April 3-5
• AMA Superbike Weekend at Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI, June 5-7
• AMA Daytona SportBike Weekend at Laguna Seca Speedway, Monterey, CA, July 3-5
• AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days at Mid Ohio Sportscar Course, Lexington, OH, July 24-26
• AMA Superbike Weekend at Virginia International Raceway, Alton, VA, August 14-16.

For riders who want to experience the adrenaline rush of Aprilia motorcycles, the Aprilia Adventure is the antidote to the traditional short demo ride.  Instead of a few minutes riding through traffic, enthusiasts have plenty of time to fully appreciate the real capabilities of the bikes.  Along the way, participants also enjoy hospitality, refreshments and an Aprilia gift bag.  The Aprilia Adventure is open to licensed riders with proper riding gear for $20.00 per person. 

“The Aprilia Adventure Daytona ride sold out by 9:30 a.m. each day – in fact, we had riders lined up with their lawn chairs as early as 7 a.m. just to get a jump on the line,” said Rick Panettieri, brand manager, Aprilia USA.  “We think there’s strong demand from serious motorcyclists to do more than just kick the tires or take a few turns – and we’re looking forward to offering that opportunity at more events this year.”

Each hour-long Aprilia Adventure ride is customized to take advantage of the best local and regional riding routes.  Along the way, riders sample and swap new 2009 models such as the all-new Aprilia Dorsoduro 750 as well as long-time favorites, such as the award-winning Tuono and RSV 1000 R.  Registration for the ride is exclusively on-site at each event.  For the latest information on Aprilia products and events, visit www.apriliausa.com.

About Aprilia and Piaggio Group Americas

Aprilia world headquarters are in Noale (Venice, Italy).  Founded in 1962, the company designs and manufactures motorcycles in Noale, with production facilities in Scorzè.  With 38 motorcycling world championship titles (32 road and 6 off-road) under its belt, Aprilia is the only European manufacturer to have a complete on- and off-road model portfolio, ranging from sporty scooters, innovative off-road bikes and tough adventure tourers to award-winning super sport bikes.  For information on Aprilia’s complete U.S. model line, visit the company’s website at www.apriliausa.com.

 In December 2004 Aprilia became part of the Piaggio Group, Europe’s leading manufacturer of two wheelers and one of the world’s most recognized and respected names in motorcycle and scooter production.

Europe’s Two-Wheelers Want to be Treated the same as Cars

Bologna (Italy), 26.3.2009 – The European Powered Two-wheeler industry will ask the European Commission and EU member states for same treatment as car industry. Gathering for their annual General Assembly hosted by Ducati in Bologna, Italy, ACEM, the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers, urged for similar measures to those devised for the car sector to be applied to the powered two-wheeler industry in order to defy the economic crisis. The General Assembly also unanimously confirmed Mr Pierer as President of ACEM for another two-year term and welcomed two new Members: BRP, manufacturer of a new concept of road tricycle, with an engine factory located in Austria, and ARGE2RAD, the Austrian Association of PTW manufacturers and distributors. Recently, the European Commission announced initiatives and instruments to fight the downturn in the automotive sector. Due to its similarities to the car sector, the PTW industry should be  entitled to the same benefits. The PTW sector needs the same urgent and drastic measures aimed at preventing a prolonged period of recession, supporting manufacturing and continuing to drive forward the environmental goals that are shared by policy makers and manufacturers. The Communication on the European automotive industry, presented on February 25th by the European Commission, clearly shows the need for urgent action and lists various options and tools. Inclusion of powered two-wheelers in the scope of the European Commission’s measures to respond to the crisis in the automotive sector would secure the future of an otherwise healthy and innovating industry. Stefan Pierer, ACEM President and CEO of Austrian manufacturer KTM Sport Motorcycles, stated: “By identifying a series of tools and measures to support the automotive sector, the EU has shown its ability to act in times of crisis. Not unlike the car sector, the motorcycle industry is experiencing the same kind of problems and, despite our lesser size, we need the same kind of tools if are to successfully overcome this downturn”. European Member States must tackle the PTW industry’s problems with the same determination  applied  to the car sector. Viable businesses and jobs are at stake in the motorcycle industry as well, which is being hit by the current economic crisis with new registrations down by 8% in 2008 and poor forecasts for 2009. These figures partially hide the significant -34% contraction (-42% for mopeds and -28% for motorcycles) of the last quarter of 2008 over the same period of 2007. This dramatic drop has been confirmed by the January 2009 registrations showing a further negative signal in major PTW markets in the range of -40%. In this context scrapping schemes aimed at supporting the demand for new vehicles and benefiting cleaner and safer mobility should be introduced. “Another pressing issue to resolve – concluded Mr Pierer – remains the limited access to credit due to the non-functioning of the financial market. Action must be now taken without further delay to lift bureaucratic barriers and speed up implementation at national level. A coordinated European policy would not only ensure more fairness and respect for EU competition rules but – more importantly – greater efficiency in a single, European market”. Mr Gabriele Del Torchio, Ducati President and CEO, said: “As one of ACEM’s founding members Ducati is honoured to have hosted the General Assembly on the occasion of ACEM’s 15th Anniversary. Ducati has believed from the beginning in the necessity of uniting forces to achieve common goals but at the same time putting forward a strong image of the motorcycle industry which stands for excitement, innovation and industrial excellence. In spite of the economic challenges ahead, we will continue with the same passion and commitment to work together within ACEM for the wellbeing of the motorcycle sector in Europe”. Last December ACEM announced a set of initiatives based on innovation, safety and environmental performance ensuring that the motorcycles and scooters of tomorrow will respond the future social needs and sustainability requirements while continuing to represent an exciting and convenient mobility tool. 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 a total of 25 motorcycle and moped brands, and 15 national associations out of 13 European countries, representing a turn-over of €10bn and guaranteeing jobs to over 200.000 people.

“I Love You Man”

NEW YORK, March 19, 2009 – How far would you go for your bro? In the new Paramount Pictures comedy “I Love You, Man” Peter Klaven (actor Paul Rudd) and Sydney Fife (actor Jason Segel) raise that benchmark to hilarious new heights.  As the two buddies test and stretch the boundaries of friendship in adventure after adventure, they’re aided and abetted by a Vespa LXV 150.  On-screen, the Vespa is a fun and fuel efficient friend.  In the real world, every Vespa is also a great companion for more serious pursuits, such as combating traffic congestion, energy consumption and harmful carbon dioxide emissions.

   

"I Love You Man"

        

Leading up to the movie’s opening on March 20, fans have the opportunity to win the Vespa LXV 150 that was used by Segel in the movie, by entering the “I Love You, Man – How Far Would You Go For Your Bro Comment Contest” on MySpace.  Long-suffering friends are invited to submit their favorite example of just what length they went to for a pal by March 20.  The best tale of woe will qualify to win the Vespa.  In addition, Paramount Pictures created an exclusive poster featuring the Vespa LXV for fans to download from the Vespa website.

           

Whether traveling solo, with a best friend or a significant other, consumers will be hard-pressed to find a better partner than a Vespa.  Combining stylish Italian form with premium quality and function, Vespas get up to 100 miles per gallon and save owners an average of $6000 per year versus driving a mid-size sedan.  Add a twist-n-go automatic transmission and the ability to park a Vespa in the smallest of spaces and it’s the most accommodating friend you’ll ever have.  For more information visit www.VespaUSA.com.

 

About The Piaggio Group:

 

With about 7,000 employees, an annual production of more than 680,700 vehicles in 2007, 5 R&D centers, 7 production facilities in Europe and Asia, and operations in over 50 countries, the Piaggio Group has a consolidated leadership in the European 2 wheeler market.  Its production includes scooters, motorcycles and mopeds in the 50cc to 1,200 cc displacement range, marketed under the Piaggio, Vespa, Gilera, Derbi, Aprilia, Scarabeo and Moto Guzzi brands.