5:23 pm, August 12, 2008
IT’S a good day for positive sales news.
The Motor Cycle Industry Association reports that, last month, sales of ‘powered two wheelers’ increased by a fifth.
Over 14,000 bikes were registered in July, which is 2578 up on 2007. And year-to-date sales are also up, by one per cent, to 87,551.
Compare that to the car market, which is down three per cent year-on-year, and 13 per cent in July.
So why are people switching? To reduce commuting times, cut CO2 and… save money.
‘Against the backdrop of the credit crunch, inflation and economic uncertainty, this has been an up and down year for the market,’ said the MCI’s Craig Carey-Clinch. ‘But there are signs that people are switching to two wheels in order to make daily travel and commuting easier and cheaper.’
‘Dealers report very high interest from new customers in practical commuter-type bikes, and test centres are booked solid with people wanting to take bike tests ahead of the test changes due to take effect in October.’
Looking more closely at the figures reveals emerging trends: while sales of naked bikes leapt massively, scooter and moped sales have posted big increases, too. These are arguably to first-time bikers, which means new and untapped customers are being drawn in.
The biggest selling models were the Yamaha YZF 125, at 338 units, and the Yamaha YBR 125, with 277 sold.
Don’t think it’s all about the small stuff, though. While important, a 40 per cent increase in 651cc to 1000cc machines showed increased demand for adventure, sport and custom bikes.
Buyers have clearly been inspired by Carey-Clinch’s compelling rallying call: ‘A PTW is a real and viable alternative that can cut journey times, is easier to park, low cost to run and helps cut CO2 emissions. There’s probably never been a stronger reason to switch to two wheels.’
