Bajaj Auto’s Rakesh Sharma appointed VP of global motorcycling body

The Geneva-based International Motorcycle Manufacturers Association (IMMA) today elected Rakesh Sharma, executive director, Bajaj Auto as its vice-president, representing the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) during its Annual General Assembly held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

“As IMMA advances its strategy for sustainable growth of the two-wheeler industry in every region of the world, we are fortunate to have Rakesh with his wide experience in the two- and three-wheeler industry, to steer IMMA towards being the trusted global voice of the motorcycle manufacturers,” said Johannes Loman, president, IMMA and director, Astra Honda, Indonesia.

"I am excited for the role that has been entrusted to me by IMMA for furthering the cause of safe, responsible and exciting motorcycling and am delighted to accept this position,” said Rakesh Sharma. 

IMMA has membership of the Powered Two and Three Wheeler (PTWs) manufacturers association from various countries across the world including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, German, France, Italy, Spain, UK, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, apart from SIAM in India. IMMA promotes mobility through safe, sustainable motorcycling by advocating the development and harmonisation of technical regulations in United Nations, affecting the motorcycle industry and by advancing inclusive policies for motorcycling.

IMMA’s core business is the negotiation of global international legislation on the construction and use of powered two-wheelers. IMMA enables the industry to speak with one voice at all levels.  The primary reason for creating international regulations is to facilitate trade through harmonised technical specifications. The substance of the regulations inevitably means in-depth discussion of the environmental and safety issues related to PTWs.

In a global business environment,  PTW manufacturers are faced with different regulations in different countries, while often aimed at achieving the same purpose, but differing for historical reasons. Harmonizing these regulations world-wide, offers savings from many perspectives and results in a wider choice of vehicles to all consumers.