Markus Flasch, head of BMW Motorrad, became president of the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers, ACEM, on 1 July 2026. His term runs for two years. The change in leadership comes as the industry faces several connected questions: how powered two-wheelers fit into urban travel, how emissions can fall, and how European manufacturers can remain competitive.
ACEM’s new leadership wants motorcycles, mopeds, tricycles and quadricycles to have a clearer place in European urban mobility plans. A second priority is decarbonisation alongside continued investment in new technology. The association also intends to promote riding for leisure, touring and sport, recognising that the sector serves more than one kind of journey.
Flasch was elected at ACEM’s general assembly in Munich and succeeds Michele Colaninno. Senior representatives of Ducati, Yamaha Motor Europe and Piaggio serve as vice-presidents. These are priorities set by an industry body, rather than transport policies already adopted by European authorities. Their practical effect will depend on future discussions with policymakers and on how cities make room for different kinds of powered two-wheeler.