European Motorcycle Registrations
Registrations of motorcycles in the largest European markets continued increasing in the first nine months of 2021, exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
Five of the largest European markets (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and UK) saw registrations rise by 10.6% compared to the same period of 2020, totaling 792,819 units.
Due to the impacts of the COVID-19 disruptions in Spring 2020, almost all the main national markets in Europe registered volume gains in 2021 compared to the same period in 2020, with Italy showing the biggest increase (+27.9%). UK, Spain and France also performed well (13.5%, 8.7% and 8.5% increases respectively); new registrations in Germany were down slightly for the nine-month period (-4.9%).
For a better comparison, against pre-pandemic registration data, the first nine months of 2021 saw the European motorcycle market showing signs of growth; the 792,819 units for January-September 2021 compares to 732,594 units for January-September period in 2019, representing an 8.2% increase.
Antonio Perlot, ACEM Secretary General, said: "In aggregate, the registration figures for the first nine months of 2021 confirm market recovery after the impact of COVID-19 compared to the first nine months of last year.
"More importantly, the latest data confirms that powered two-wheeler (PTW) markets in Europe have globally surpassed pre-COVID-19 figures, with significant increases for motorcycles and for mopeds.
"These interim 2021 results could have been even more positive if it weren't for the global semiconductor shortage affecting the automotive sector, and indirectly causing logistical delays for some motorcycle manufacturers' production."