Markus Flasch, BMW Motorrad CEO, Becomes President of European Motorcycle Manufacturers Association ACEM
BMW Motorrad CEO Markus Flasch has been elected president of the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM), a two-year term starting July 1, 2026.
- 2 years
What Happened
Markus Flasch, CEO of BMW Motorrad, has assumed the presidency of the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) as of 1 July 2026. His two-year mandate begins at a pivotal moment for the sector, as Europe's mobility landscape faces regulatory, mobility, and competitiveness challenges. The election took place during the ACEM General Assembly at BMW Welt in Munich, succeeding Michele Colaninno.
Under his presidency, ACEM will focus on three key priorities: strengthening the integration of L-category vehicles into sustainable urban mobility concepts across Europe; advancing the industry's decarbonisation agenda while safeguarding its industrial competitiveness; and promoting motorcycling in leisure, touring, and sport as a driver of economic growth and societal value.
“Our task is to further strengthen the voice of the motorcycle industry in Europe. L-category vehicles are not a niche; they are part of the solution to the mobility challenges Europe faces today. Our industry has the technology, the ambition and the responsibility to deliver on sustainability while keeping riding accessible, safe and enjoyable.”
“I look forward to further implementing the association's work, with the support of our new President Markus Flasch, a strong Presidium and the full membership. The motorcycle industry is an asset for the European economy and ACEM will continue engaging with policy-makers on the benefits L-category vehicles bring to society.”
Why this matters
The appointment signals the industry's focus on integrating motorcycles into sustainable urban mobility and influencing EU regulatory policy on decarbonisation and competitiveness.
Terms in This Story
- ACEM
- European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers, representing the motorcycle industry in Europe.
- L-category vehicles
- A European vehicle classification for mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles, and quadricycles.
- Decarbonisation
- The process of reducing carbon dioxide emissions, often through cleaner technologies.
- Technology-neutral approach
- A regulatory principle that does not favor any specific technology but allows multiple solutions to meet goals.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.