ACEM: EU to June 2020ACEM, the Brussels based international motorcycle industry trade association's co-ordinated new motorcycle registration statistics for the first half of the year show the market behind 2019, but demonstrating a greater resilience and recovery than most would have anticipated.
Between January and June 2020, motorcycle registrations in the five largest European markets (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK, i.e. about 80% of the EU + UK motorcycle market) reached 413,200 units - a decrease of -17% in comparison to the first six months of 2019.
"The current registration trends in the motorcycle segment, however, can be considered a relative improvement in comparison to the first four months of the year," said Antonio Perlot, ACEM Secretary General. "Indeed, during that period motorcycle registrations in the main European markets had fallen on average by -32.7% as a result of the paralysis of commercial activity that followed the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus."
In moped terms, registrations during the first six months of 2020 in the largest European markets (i.e. Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain) reached a total of 110,600 units. This represents a decrease of -6.9% in comparison to the same period of 2019.
Perlot went on to say "motorcycle and moped registration volumes remain considerably below 2019 levels due to the impact of Spring lockdown measures. The partial rebounding of the market since the restart of activities shows that consumers consider our vehicles as excellent mobility and leisure options in the current context.
"Nevertheless, it is still early to draw any meaningful conclusions about the short-term evolution of the market and operations within the sector, especially given the unforeseeable evolution of COVID-19. The second half of the year will be crucial - the fact remains that a large number of dealers across Europe, in particular in most hit markets, still experience considerable financial pressure.
"They also face the challenge of handling excess inventory of Euro 4 models which, should there be no decisive action from the EU institutions, will become unsellable due to regulatory changes.
"This is why the motorcycle industry in Europe renews its call on policy-makers to support OEMs, dealerships and suppliers in these difficult times through an extension of the deadline to sell Euro 4 vehicles, and targeted financial measures at national level."