PTW MARKET GETS BACK ON TRACK BUT CONFIDENCE IN ELECTRIC SCOOTERS REMAINS LOW

"It is really encouraging to see sustained growth in the recent MCIA figures for October. In particular it is great to see is the current market catching up with last year as we get closer to year end.” says Symon Cook, Head of National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) commenting on the latest MCIA registration figures.

In October, there was a 0.8% increase in total registrations, rising from 8,003 to 8,066 units. However, the market is still behind last year figures by -1.9%, with 102,037 registered this year, compared to 103,961 at the same point last year. Nevertheless, these year-to-date figures indicate that the market is gaining considerable ground, reducing from -2.1% in the previous month. Total moped and motorcycle sales have also increased by 0.3% and 7.8% respectively.

Various bike models continue growth. The 'unspecified' category witnessed a particularly interesting month, rising from 1 unit to 12, equating to a 1,100% increase for October. Year on year this is now a 115.3% change, an increase of 85 to 183 units. Those motorcycles designated as ‘unspecified’ are those brands/models which have gone through the V55/4 registration and to which MCIA have been unable to find information or images for. 'Naked' models also increased by 8.5%, rising from 21,079 to 22,862 units, while 'competition' models grew by 8.4%, climbing from 4,948 to 5,366 units.

In the current market landscape, ICE motorbikes remain dominant to their electric counterparts, with electric registrations at 3,567 for October 2023, a decrease of -38.3% from October 2022. But in October, a noticeable increase for electric was recorded, rising from 415 units to 508 units (22.4%).

Year-to-date figures reveal a substantial 26.2% increase in 751-1000cc motorbikes, rising from 14,332 to 18,089 units, with the Honda CB 750 HORNET remaining the leading model in the category.

Honda remains the top-selling brand in the market, with 1,463 units sold in the month of October. Yamaha comes in at second with 1,266 units, KTM with 519 units, and Vmoto makes up the final spot of the Top 10 with 204 units, seeing Ducati drop out.

Symon Cook concluded “Despite the confusion surrounding the recent Government announcement to push back the deadline for the phasing out of ICE vehicles from 2030 to 2035, it is positive to see an increase for electric scooters after having been on the decline for most of the year. The upcoming Autumn Statement will provide a great opportunity for the Government to build  on this momentum. As we reach the end of the year and enter the new model launch season, we hope to see strong performances for powered two-wheelers.”