It’s been a bit of a strange time since the last issue came out. The disruption caused by all this bad weather has really hit home here at T&G. Being in a fairly rural location, not only was it a problem to get into the office itself, but we have experienced severe problems concerning some of our proposed road tests.Latest industry figures
(Information supplied by the MCIA)
Bike market weathers well
Statistics released by the Motor Cycle Industry Association for the end of 2009 show an overall reduction in sales of 20%. The figures show that in total 111,513 bikes, scooters and mopeds were sold.
Half of the reduction in the number of new registrations can be attributed to the lower capacity bikes up to 50cc. Of these 10,000 machines around 60% were from the inexpensive unsupported, online brands, mainly from China and Asia and are unsustainable in the current economic environment. In light of this, the overall market has fared well. Scooters were the third top sellers (16,943), with nearly 18% of market share in the over 50cc class.
There is still evidence of continued public interest in biking and in particular, practical transportation. There are 1.5 million active riders and the Government’s statistics reveal that 52% of all motorcycle trips in 2008 were made for the purpose of commuting, compared to just 34% of bicycle journeys and 22% of car journeys. The National Travel Survey also found that the average rider uses their bike as their main mode of transport for over one-third of all trips, making eight trips a week and travelling an average 80 miles.
The industry is keen to halt the trend of declining sales and has called on the Government to consider a scrappage scheme for the motorcycle sector. The MCI is also committed to the industry’s ‘Get On’ campaign. So far it has proven popular and successful with 80% of people who try a bike booking Compulsory Basic Training and starting their journey to a full licence (www.geton.co.uk).
Steve Kenward, Chief Executive of MCI said: “The MCI is extremely optimistic about the future. Motorcycling can clearly play a greater role in mainstream transport in 2010 and beyond. There are issues to manage, including appropriate implementation of yet more new European motorcycle licensing rules, but with the right Government support, we are confident we can rise to meet these challenges.
“The motorcycle industry also wants to see government, legislators, local authorities and transport planners viewing motorcycling as a key alternative to the use of cars and public transport.”
New Zero Representative
Zero Motorcycles has appointed Kakspyora Ltd near Helsinki, Finland, as Independent Representatives for its range. Founders Jouni Jarvinen and Kimmo Peltonen are successful motocross and enduro competitors, and have a background in electrical engineering.
In 2002 the Finnish Government approved a national programme designed to curb emissions according to the EU’s National Emissions Ceilings Directive. As well as striving to reduce carbon output, the government also has stringent restrictions on minimizing noise pollution.
Kakspyora also offer frontline support and maintenance to Zero Motorcycle owners in the region.
Eurosport partnership
E-motive scooters are to be sold through around 50% of SsangYong car dealerships. The arrangement will mean that scooter owners should receive a “car dealer level of service” according to Paul Williams, MD of Koelliker UK, which imports both marques.
