The NMDA – the trade association for motorcycle dealers – has welcomed the “real resurgence” in motorcycle registrations in 2015. Steve Latham, head of its motorcycle division, said PTW sales had taken longer to recover as the economy, and car purchases, had grown stronger.
Latham said manufacturers and dealers had worked together to demonstrate to customers the benefits of acquiring their new machines on lease-purchase schemes as bank interest rates remained low. “As with the car industry, this option of only paying for the part of the asset that has depreciated is popular with the retail buyer and has been instrumental in boosting motorcycle sales in 2015,” said Latham.
“Overall, the motorcycle market finished 2015 with a 12.7% increase in registrations. The year can also boast the highest level of commuter bikes sold, with 43,759 machines of 51-125cc, put on the road. According to records, this is the highest level of commuter bikes registered since 1983 and has to indicate the new confidence in the economy and the low unemployment figures in the UK.
“This is an important sector of the market, and 51-125cc machines are a major contributor to the industry as they accounting for 38.3% share of bikes sold, making them the largest single sector for this year’s registrations.”
Latham noted that, while sales of entry-level, 0-50cc machines had continued to decline and now represented just 8.3% of sales in the UK, bigger bikes had sold well. “The biggest volume increase was 24.9% for 650-1000cc machines, which represents one in five of all motorcycles sold. Growth in this sector clearly demonstrates the return of the established rider who purchases for leisure and sport reasons.”
He concluded: “Talking to motorcycle dealers, there is generally an air of confidence in the future and the bigger dealers predict the 2016 market could increase still further by 8% to 10%. We look forward to seeing the January registrations as this will be an early indicator to the direction of the market.”
http://www.rmif.co.uk/associations/nmda/