PIAGGIO EXEC HEADS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

The ACEM , the overarching motorcycle industry association to which all the world ’ s motorcycle and scooter groups belong to , has a new man at the helm with the announcement that Piaggio ’ s Michele Colaninno is stepping into the position of President of the ACEM . Colaninno , whose other jobs include being the Piaggio Chief Executive of global strategy , product , marketing and innovation of the Piaggio Group and who is the founder and Chair of Piaggio Fast Forward , the US company specialising in robotics , steps up to head the ACEM ( Association des Constructeurs Européens de Motocycles ) at a crucial time for the industry . With electrification of motorcycles now seen as a necessity to remain relevant in continuously anti-internal combustion urbanised nations , Colaninno has a serious challenge on his hands . “ As new ACEM President , I am very grateful to the other motorcycle manufacturers for trusting the Piaggio Group in this prestigious and challenging role that I will carry out with the greatest commitment ,” Colaninno states . “ I look forward to working with all members of the association promoting our priorities described in Vision 2030 +, the ACEM ’ s strategy document to respond to future mobility needs in an increasingly sustainable world . As part of this Vision , the European motorcycle industry will keep working to bring innovative and low carbon vehicles to the market , for commuting , leisure and urban mobility .” “ Also , as part of Vision 2030 +, we will intensify our dialogue with the EU institutions and we will boost industry cooperation in strategic areas , such as connectivity , safety and electrification ,” Colaninno added . Michele Colaninno ’ s appointment to the presidency of ACEM coincides with the restructuring of the association , which has also named three Vice-Presidents ; KTM ’ s Stefan Pierer , BMW Motorrad ’ s Markus Schramm and the President of Yamaha Motor Europe Eric de Seynes .