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| Designed to be a "space for co-operation between industry and policy-makers", GEAR 2030 is an EU initiative which will build on the work of the CARS 2020 programme and run for two years - discussing and formulating recommendations to ensure that the European automotive industry remains competitive on the international stage |
On 26 January 2016, ACEM Secretary General Antonio Perlot presented the motorcycle industry’s views on the present and future of the sector at the first meeting of the EU's new "High Level Group" GEAR 2030.
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| "The economic downturn has put considerable pressure on the sector and that there is a clear need for policies that create favourable and predictable conditions to help motorcycle manufacturers to continue investing in Europe" |
Designed to be a "space for co-operation between industry and policy-makers", GEAR 2030 is an EU initiative which will build on the work of the CARS 2020 programme and run for two years - discussing and formulating recommendations to ensure that the European automotive industry remains competitive on the international stage.
During his presentation Perlot explained that the economic downturn has put considerable pressure on the sector, and that there is a clear need for policies that create favourable and predictable conditions to help motorcycle manufacturers to continue investing in Europe.
Fair and balanced trade agreements, a clear and workable type-approval framework and market surveillance activities were mentioned as good examples of some of the policies needed by the motorcycle industry.
Perlot also emphasized that emerging technologies such as intelligent transport systems and, in the future, automated vehicles have a high safety potential for vulnerable road users.
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| "It is encouraging that the European Commission has decided to continue the increasingly good co-operation with ACEM members" |
The first GEAR 2030 meeting brought together several European associations, including ACEM, ACEA and ETRMA, as well as representatives from Member States, trade unions, consumer organisations and NGOs.
Commenting on the first meeting of GEAR 2030, ACEM and BMW Motorrad President Stephan Schaller said: "We welcome this major initiative and we will remain closely involved in the work done in GEAR 2030. It is particularly encouraging that the European Commission has decided to continue the increasingly good co-operation with ACEM members, and to follow up on the work done by the CARS 2020 forum".
The European Commissioner for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises), Elżbieta Bieńkowska, said: "I expect this group to develop a forward-looking agenda to fuel innovation, adapt to new trends and reinforce access to growth-driven markets.
"With this process I am also turning a new page in co-operation with the industry. I trust we can build a positive agenda".
Other European Commissioners to attend the inaugural meeting included Günther Oettinger (Digital Economy and Society); Marianne Thyssen (Employment and Social Affairs); and Violeta Bulc (Mobility and Transport).
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| EU officials attending the inaugural GEAR 2013 meeting included The European Commissioner for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) Elżbieta Bieńkowska; Günther Oettinger (Digital Economy and Society); Marianne Thyssen (Employment and Social Affairs); and Violeta Bulc (Mobility and Transport) |
