International Dealer News IDN 154 April/May 2020

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