POWERED TWO-WHEELER MARKET SEES ANOTHER MONTH OF CONTRACTION, NMDA URGES NEW LABOUR GOVERNMENT TO WORK WITH SECTOR TO ADDRESS CORE CHALLENGES  

“June marks another month of contraction in what is proving to be a year of fluctuation and uncertainty for the new two-wheeler market with total registrations down -5.8%” says Symon Cook, Head of National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA), commenting on the latest MCIA figures.

In June, there was a -5.8% decrease in total registrations, from 13,518 to 12,734 units. Total motorcycle sales fell by -5.8% from 12,934 to 12,183 units, whilst moped registrations increased by 0.8% to 487 units. Year-to-date figures show a slight decline of -0.7% for total registrations.

The various categories of motorcycles exhibited a wide range of performances, ‘Modern Classic’ witnessed growth with 23.4% for the month to 1,766 units, as did ‘Road Sport’ with 25.7% to 1,469 units. ‘Naked’ saw a significant decrease of -16.4% from 3,248 to 2,714 units.

Electric two-wheelers saw a substantial contraction of -3.8% from 452 to 435 units. Despite this, year-to-date figures still display a slight increase of 0.2% for electric from 1,924 to 1,927 units.

In terms of the different ICE capacities, the 126-500cc category witnessed growth (23.6%), whereas the larger engines saw a decrease, with 751-1000cc contracting by -14.4% and 1000cc+ contracting by -6.2%.

Honda has once again emerged as the best-selling brand of the month, with 2,097 units sold, followed by Triumph (1,649) and Yamaha (1,285), whilst Ducati rounded out the top ten with 363 models sold.

Symon Cook concluded: “With the results of the General Election now clear, there are certain challenges in the two-wheeler market which the next government will need to immediately address. The market, much like the weather this summer, has been uncertain with year-to-date figures slightly below that of the corresponding period the previous year.

“In the build-up to the General Election, NMDA released its manifesto which included five key ‘asks’ to the new Labour government including providing a clear pathway for the decarbonisation of L-Category vehicles as well as streamlining licensing and training for younger riders.

“With the election now over, NMDA looks forward to working with the new government on these core issues over the coming months and years, which will be vital for our industry to ensure robust growth.”