POWERED TWO-WHEELER MARKET SEES SECOND CONSECUTIVE MONTH OF CONTRACTION, ELECTRIC CONTINUES TO LOSE GROUND

“With the General Election now concluded and the weather brightening up, it is disappointing to see the powered two-wheeler market record another downturn. July marks the second month of consecutive contraction in what is proving to be a rocky year for the sector” says Symon Cook, Head of National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA), commenting on the latest MCIA figures.

In July, there was a -7.3% decrease in total registrations, from 10,014 to 9,283 units. Total motorcycle sales fell by -6.6% from 9,390 to 8,767 units, whilst moped registrations also decreased by -11.0% to 455 units. Year-to-date figures show a slight decline of -1.6% for total registrations.

The various categories of motorcycles exhibited a wide range of performances, ‘Modern Classic’ was the only category to witness growth with 15.3% for the month to 1,181 units. ‘Road Sport’ saw a drop of -7.6% to 799 units. ‘Custom’ saw a significant decrease of -20.5% from 760 to 604 units.

Electric two-wheelers saw a contraction of -14.9% from 389 to 331 units. Year-to-date electric figures have now fallen behind the corresponding period last year from 2,313 to 2,258 units, a -2.4% drop.

In terms of the different ICE capacities, the 126-500cc category witnessed growth (21.6%), whereas the larger engines saw a decrease, with 751-1000cc contracting by -11.8% and 1000cc+ contracting by -19.5%.

Honda has once again emerged as the best-selling brand of the month, with 1,578 units sold, followed by Yamaha (1,132) and Triumph (830), whilst Ducati rounded out the top ten with 195 models sold.

Symon Cook concluded: “This week, NMDA released its highly anticipated Dealer Attitude Survey, which highlighted dealer uncertainty amid a challenging financial market. This uncertainty is evidently being reflected in the market. 

“NMDA has already started engaging with Parliamentarians, underscoring key issues from our manifesto* which outlines five key ‘asks’ to the new Labour government. These requests include providing a clear pathway for the decarbonisation of L-Category vehicles and streamlining licensing and training for younger riders.

 “With interest rates cut last week and a new plate month approaching, there is optimism that this will provide the market with the boost it needs to get back on track.”