Despite September being a plate change month, it failed to deliver the anticipated boost to the new motorcycle market. This marks the fourth consecutive month of decline, with total registrations down by 14.1% for the month,” says Symon Cook, head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA), commenting on the latest MCIA figures.
“In September, total registrations decreased by 14.1%, from 13,471 to 11,570 units. Total motorcycle sales fell by 13.8%, from 12,730 to 10,969 units, and moped registrations also declined by 18.2%, to 540 units. Year-to-date figures show a slight decline of 3.8% for total registrations.
“The various categories of motorcycles exhibited a wide range of performances, modern classic witnessed growth of 3.0% for the month to 1307 units. Adventure saw a drop of 11.3% to 2349 units. Scooter saw a decrease of 28.4% from 2918 to 2089 units.
“Electric motorcycles dropped 10.9% from 411 to 366 units. Year-to-date electric figures still remain just below the corresponding period last year, down 2.6% from 3058 to 2977 units.
“In terms of the different engine capacities, the 126-500cc category witnessed growth (2.6%), whereas the larger engines saw a decrease, with 751-1000cc contracting by 16.7% and over-1000cc shrinking by 21.4%.
“Honda once again emerged as the best-selling brand of the month, with 2314 units sold. It was followed by Triumph (1180) and BMW (1146), while Ducati rounded out the top ten with 218 models sold.”
Cook concluded: “This downward trend is concerning, with several key metrics showing a notable decline compared to last year. Consumer confidence in both the motorcycle and electric vehicle markets appears to be waning in the face of tough economic conditions and global instability.
“As winter approaches, it is evident that the government needs to take swift action to restore confidence in the market. The budget at the end of October presented a critical opportunity for the government to address many of these issues.”