COMMENT: The ultimate stress test of all that we have built .................................. Page 4
Spain: The shape of things to come - Q1 PTW registrations horrible at -43.66% .................................................................... Page 7
Norton: Bankrupt with GB£28 million of other people's money gone missing ......................................................................... Page 16
APR/MAY ’20
ISSUE #154
Harley-Davidson: Fires CEO, appoints a German as temporary replacement ................................................................................ Page 12
ACEM calls on EU and national
administrations to act quickly to help
motorcycle sector protect jobs
russels based international
motorcycle industry trade
association
ACEM's
Secretary General Antonio Perlot
issued a March 23rd statement in
reaction to the impacts of the
COVID-19 crisis on the motorcycle
sector.
“ACEM is engaging with our partners
in the EU and national administrations
to find solutions to this unprecedented
challenge," said Perlot.
"Things are evolving rapidly and ACEM
is closely monitoring the situation in
tight cooperation with industry
associations across Europe and vehicle
manufacturers. We call on policy
makers to work together and adopt the
necessary measures to protect our
citizens and economies in the short and
longer term.”
ACEM went on to acknowledge that
"the COVID-19 pandemic is an
unprecedented crisis that is inflicting
considerable damage to the health of
citizens across the world and
threatening global economic stability",
stating that "policy makers at the
European level and national authorities
B
are working together to address these
two major challenges. Industrial and
retail sectors are already severely
impacted, including those within the
motorcycle industry.
"Every effort is being taken by the
motorcycle industry to protect our
employees and customers. Public
ACEM President and CEO of KTM AG
Stefan Pierer: "The COVID-19 crisis
will test our ability to cope
simultaneously with a major health
and economic crisis."
health and safety is the number one
priority for us all. Notwithstanding this
need, preservation of the European
economy and the protection of jobs are
also paramount.
"The current situation is particularly
challenging for motorcycle dealers and
NEws ROOM 6-26, 48
manufacturers. The ongoing pandemic
has severely disrupted supply chains,
manufacturing operations and the
development of new Euro 5 models.
This disruption, in addition to virus
containment measures taken in
factories, has led to a near complete
standstill of the industry in many
countries.
"The recent lockdown and stringent
measures to contain the pandemic have
also paralysed motorcycle retail
business activity. This is progressively
affecting all European markets, creating
unsettling uncertainties for the
motorcycle sector. The COVID-19 crisis
is placing dealerships, most of which
are small family-run operations, under
extreme financial hardship. Immediate
cashflow concerns will need to be
addressed through support measures in
every impacted country.
"Against this background, the
motorcycle industry urgently calls on
the European Commission and national
administrations to swiftly adopt all
necessary measures to help the sector
come through this unprecedented
Continues on page 6 >>>
TRADEZONE 45
14 PAGE SPECIAL
A LETTER
FROM ITALY
PROGUIDE EXTRA
INDEX 46