ACEM Workshop on type-approval regulation
New legislation’s entry into force from 1 January 2014 prompted manufacturers to invite European Council representatives to delve into details of technical aspects
On the 10th of April ACEM, the European Motorcycle Industry Association, invited officials from all European Ministries of Transport for an informal exchange of views on the regulation on the type-approval and market surveillance of two- or three-wheel vehicles and quadricycles (COM 2010/542).
Given the complexity of the proposed legislation and the impending deadline for its application (1.1.2014), ACEM called on the Members of the Technical Working Party of the European Council for a meeting with the aim of offering an additional opportunity to exchange opinions on many open questions of the regulation currently under discussion.
Based on the positive turnout and feedback of the workshop organised in collaboration with the Polish Presidency last September, this event was an opportunity to informally exchange views with industry experts on issues related to the codecision act and the delegated acts. More than forty participants registered for this event showing high interest in the topic.
ACEM’s identified the main priorities for the industry, such as the calendar for technical and administrative requirements, and specific environmental issues, (Euro steps, durability, crankcase emissions, evaporative emissions, annexes).
Jacques Compagne, reiterating the industry concern about the economic crisis, said that this regulation should be proportionate and cost-effective, while also contributing to strengthen the PTW industry in Europe and abroad.
While ACEM supports the EC’s objectives of reducing emissions and improving road safety, it stresses the need to bring this regulation into a greater context, considering the stifling European market conditions as well as the global background.
Given the relatively small size of the EU market compared to other global markets, Mr Compagne underlined the need for global technical harmonisation of rules and urged policymakers to avoid creating a unique European regulatory context that would only create type approval inconveniences without helping the industry to compete on more promising markets.
The consequence of developing regulations only for the EU, will only lead to additional burden and costs for globally active manufacturers without benefits in terms of competitiveness.
Representatives from Italy, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and the UK attended the workshop. MEPs also responded positively to the invitation, as well as officials from the European Commission and the European Economic and Social Committee.
Mr Wim van De Camp MEP and Rapporteur of the Regulation, confirmed the Parliament’s willingness to reach an adequate solution of the most debated issues.
Furthermore, Mr van De Camp showed the intention of the Parliament to try to find a compromise on the issue of braking, which a recent Impact Assessment Study commissioned by the IMCO Committee could not clarify.
Hendrik von Kuenheim, Acem President and Managing Director of BMW Motorrad, ” Legislation should aim at strengthening manufacturing in Europe as well as efficiently promoting international harmonization of regulations. ACEM recently called on EU Institutions to acknowledge the difficulties faced by the industry in this economic downturn, and asked that some key aspects in the currently discussed type-approval regulation should be carefully re-considered and properly researched, taking stock of the stifling situation in Europe for the manufacturing industry. ACEM welcomes CARS21 discussions developing in this direction, following the moratorium concept proposed by Antonio Tajani, European Commissioner for Industry.”
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