EU-backed initiative AM2R sees Portugal’s two-wheel industry thrive

In an effort to intensify Portugal’s position as a global leader in innovation and high-value manufacturing in Europe, AM2R, an EU-backed project led by Polisport, aims to unite companies and research institutions to drive efficiency, sustainability, and global competitiveness using 4.0 industry technologies.

“Portugal’s two-wheel sector has strong growth potential, particularly in terms of Europe’s 2030 sustainability goals,” says ABIMOTA’s Gil Nadais. “That’s why it’s essential that we promote local innovation, R&D, and high-quality solutions to be able to compete globally.”

ABIMOTA’s expanding network

With its headquarters in Águeda, a central hub for bike manufacturing in Portugal, ABIMOTA serves as the foundational organisation supporting the industry, while Portugal Bike Value acts as its international promotional arm, and BIKiNNOV functions as the innovation and technological development centre.

In 2015, the association launched Portugal Bike Value to promote the industry internationally, emphasising quality, innovation and sustainability. Now, as the leading bicycle producer of Europe, it has advanced as a robust manufacturing base with significant exports. BIKiNNOV was first established in 2022 as an innovation centre to provide technical support to companies, while focusing on R&D, testing, and certification services. All three initiatives have come together to support the AM2R project by enhancing the sector’s ability to meet growing demands for innovative, sustainable, and competitive solutions in the global market.

What AM2R has to offer

Sustainability and circular economy principles are central pillars of the AM2R project with a focus on carbon footprint reduction and eco-friendly practices in the production and design of bicycles, components, and new mobility systems. But it is Europe’s financial support that has been crucial in implementing the plan, and making sure it continues with scalable projects.

The project has already equipped more than half of its participating entities with Industry 4.0 technologies, with a total investment of more than €200 million. Of the €213 million planned, more than half has been allocated to modernising and digitalising processes, demonstrating a strong commitment to industrial transformation.

For example, businesses who have adopted AM2R strategies have already reported tangible improvements, such as reduced production costs, increased industrial efficiency, the development of new products, and a significant expansion into international markets. Manufacturers like Miranda and Rodi have brought home the production of essential components, reducing their dependency on suppliers outside of Europe.