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 is undergoing profound change and the industry faces a convergence of regulatory, mobility, and competitiveness challenges.
The election took place during the ACEM General Assembly held at BMW Welt in Munich. Flasch succeeds Michele Colaninno. The ACEM Presidium is completed by Vice-Presidents Claudio Domenicali (CEO, Ducati Motor Holding), Clément Villet (Director of Land Mobility, Yamaha Motor Europe N.V.), and Michele Colaninno (CEO, Piaggio Group).
Under his presidency, ACEM will focus on three key priorities: strengthening the integration of L-category vehicles (mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles, and quadricycles) into sustainable urban mobility concepts across Europe; advancing the industry’s decarbonization 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 further to 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,” declared the new President of ACEM.
Ensuring the future of motorcycling
“A particular focus will be placed on ensuring that the regulatory environment in Europe supports innovation and investment, while maintaining a technology-neutral approach and reflecting the needs of customers,” says the BMW Motorrad press release.
“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 policymakers on the benefits L-category vehicles bring to society,” said Antonio Perlot, Secretary General of ACEM.
At the start of his presidency, Markus Flasch underscores his ambition to actively help shape the future of motorcycling in Europe, ensuring the industry continues to contribute to sustainable mobility while preserving its economic relevance and emotional appeal.
Updated BMW 7 production started
Meanwhile, the new BMW 7 Series Sedan celebrated the start of production at the BMW Group Plant Dingolfing today. This marks an important milestone for both the plant and the company, with innovations from the Neue Klasse being introduced into an established production model for the first time in the BMW 7 Series.
Between now and the end of 2027, plans call for the Neue Klasse technologies to be rolled out across 40 BMW Group models. “The new BMW 7 Series highlights what sets Dingolfing apart: the fusion of cutting-edge industrial production with meticulous craftsmanship. This enables us to build exceptional vehicles for our customers worldwide that combine technological excellence with the highest standards of exclusivity, individuality and quality,” according to Plant Director Christoph Schröder.
The new BMW 7 Series Sedan represents the most comprehensive model update in the BMW Group’s history, combining progressive luxury features with innovations from the Neue Klasse. The vehicle’s variety is also reflected in the manufacturing process. Production of the new BMW 7 Series combines large-scale automated manufacturing with meticulous craftsmanship.
Like its predecessor, the new BMW 7 Series will be built in Assembly Hall 52, on the same line as the BMW 5 Series and BMW iX models. All drivetrain variants are assembled in a flexible mix on the same line. As before, BMW 7 Series customers can choose between gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric drivetrains.
