The MIC has stated that powersports could be facing a return of tariffs. The United States Trade Representative is to consider reinstatement of selected, expired China tariffs that threaten small-displacement motorcycle engines, electric motorcycles, helmets, apparel, accessories, insulated electric conductors, parts for internal combustion engines and starter motors, among other products. In a recent speech, USTR Ambassador Katherine Tai said that imports previously excluded from tariffs will be re-evaluated for possible reinstatement on a case-by-case basis.
H-D is stepping up its infrastructure in China with the appointment of the Shanghai office of Golin (Interpublic Group) as its domestic Chinese PR agency of record - "to maintain its corporate reputation in China. Golin will implement a scaled, earned media strategy throughout China for Harley, supporting the brand's growth in the country by providing tailor-made solutions including product launches, brand campaigns, dealer communications, brand partnerships and consumer activations." Golin got the gig after a competitive pitch process.
Germany - Harley was in 6th spot in market share terms in September with 6,011 units sold for a 6.30% market share (down from 8,394 units sold for an 8.32% share for the same first nine-month period of 2020). In the absence of its Sportsters this year, its bestselling model remains the Sport Glide (685 units sold YTD), followed by the Breakout 114 (630 units). They are now Harley's only two models among the top 50 bestsellers in Germany.
Originally slated for March 2022 at the Royal Dublin Showgrounds, the Irish Motorcycle and Scooter Show has been postponed to March 3-5, 2023. The hugely popular 'Dublin' Show is host to one of the longest established AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building Affiliate events - staging the Irish Custom Bike Building Championship. In 2013, Don Cronin and Michael O'Shea (www.medazza.com), winners in Dublin, went to bring the AMD World Championship back to Ireland for the first time with 'Rondine' - a much admired Nuovo Falcone 500 flat single-engined 1971 Moto Guzzi; www.irishmotorbikeshow.com
The popular Bigtwin Custom Bike Show will return to the Expo Center Houten, near Utrecht in the Netherlands (November 5-7,) after cancelation last year. Classes include Classics, Custom Modified, Chopper, Clubstyle, Café Racers/Trackers and Freestyle; www.bigtwin.nl
RevZilla, Cycle Gear, J&P Cycles and REVER have unveiled a premium annual membership program. The Comoto brands will co-promote and operate Riders Plus Membership (RPM). The new membership program ($59.99 annual fee) will span the company's portfolio of brands - "providing premium benefits and experiences for the motorcycle, e-bike and scooter enthusiast."
Volcon ePowerpsorts in Texas is now a publicly traded company - stock ticker: VLCN. Described as "the first all-electric, off-road powersports company," demand for its inaugural vehicle the Grunt, a two-wheeled, all-terrain, off-road motorcycle, had reached $1,700,000 in customer orders (277 units) and up to $4,200,000 in refundable reservations for 708 more; www.volcon.com
Austria - Harley was in 11th spot in large displacement sales terms for the first six months of 2021, with 389 units sold. Indian was in 14th spot with 98 units sold.
Switzerland - Harley was in 7th spot in market share terms for the first nine months of 2021 with 1,554 units sold; Indian Motorcycle was in 10th spot with 569 units sold in what, in European terms, is the home market of its headquarters.
Sources: AMD, IDN, FT, Reuters, PSB, MPN, BDN, MCN, AP, Bloomberg, MSNW, Electrek, electricmotorcycles.news, RideApart.com, Motor1.com, Cycle World, motorbikewriter.com