That was the primary 'take-away' for the AMD team from the 79th edition of EICMA, Milan, in November. After the post-pandemic 2021 'comeback' year had seen a near collapse in the (almost certainly exaggerated) attendance numbers being reported for the shows to 2019, to some extent there did appear to have been at least some 'bounce' in 2022.
The organizers are not quoting an attendance number, but are claiming a 38% increase over 2021. In 2021, they had released a number, claiming a 342,644 total attendance figure - way down from the absurd 800,000 plus pre-Covid claims that the organizers had been making. That would put 2022 at around 472,000 total visitors.
Whether or not one believes the numbers, the fact is that the show was busier this year. Despite all the reasons not to be cheerful (Russia's attack on Ukraine, consumer price inflation, supply chain bottlenecks, logistics, materials price rises and shortages, impending recession in some or all markets, high interest rates etc.), the motorcycle industry continues to be able to sell most, if not all, of the PTW unit inventory it is generating. In fact, lack of inventory has been the primary issue for dealers this past year.
The powersports industry may yet again prove to be one of those few, rare markets that can grow in a downturn.
With the magic of momentum filling its tires once again, expect to see the number of vendor booth comebacks that were seen in 2022 increase for EICMA 2023, with fewer withdrawals and more new generation business continuing to fill the halls of Edition 80.
Maybe even Harley-Davidson may deign to grace EICMA's hallowed aisles with its presence once again. Or perhaps the primary expo showcase for a market with 38 million total machines in-use and worth some 1.2 million new units annually doesn't get them out of bed anymore - not even for a LiveWire booth? Egregious oversight IMHO!
Stop Press - The latest batch of data from JAMA, the Japanese automotive industry that includes the 'Big Four' Japanese motorcycle manufacturers among its membership, suggests that as of late summer some of the backlog of finished but unshipped 'units' held up in Japan (and elsewhere) by the logistics issues has started to clear with increased inventory levels now hitting US and European showroom floors.
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BS Battery: The France based OEM and aftermarket battery vendor now sells to dealers in the United States through Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited. BS Battery offers a wide range of battery solutions and options for all powersports industry applications - from motorcycle, scooter and large displacement V-twin touring and cruiser models to SSV, ATV, UTV, snowmobiles and watercraft. With an eye to the future, General Manager Benjamin Sebban told AMD that its focus at this time is on race-bred innovation in the lithium-ion space. "We have designed a unique, ultra-resistant casing that can resist up to 230°C, including ultra-robust terminals, to make sure our batteries can be used in extreme conditions." The inventory-friendly BS Battery Lithium range covers most of the existing powersports model fitments in the market - with just 12 models of battery, from 12.8 voltage up to 560 CCA (A), small, lighter weight (up to 70% lighter than lead-acid batteries) and maintenance-free, long lifetime solutions to high discharge rate and waterproof designs and features like integral voltage indicators to check the state of charge. "Approved and used by many top race teams, the BSLi02 battery is the right answer to the most demanding riders looking for higher performance, high resistance and high longevity," says Benjamin; www.bs-battery.com
Powersports Distribution Group (PDG): Recently appointed Denis Brouwer as CEO. His strong commercial experience makes him ideally suited to plot a growth course for the Breda based owner of Motorcycle Storehouse, Hoco Parts and AFAM Group. "Our strategy is to help dealers to build on the bond between their stores, their customers and the distributors they buy from with world-class brands and products. PDG builds on the relationship between dealers and their local riding community by acquiring or partnering with accomplished wholesalers. Quite simply put, our long-term goal is to become Europe's leading parts distributor. This is ambitious, yes, but the growth realized in a little over four years proves that we aren't just talk"; powersportsdistributiongroup.com
Puig Hi-Tech Parts: 2022 saw the Barcelona based manufacturer showcase its materials research, product design and precision manufacturing capabilities with a special Yamaha MT-09 project - 'Diablo' - to showcase its "EverFlowing Design" concept. Described by Carles Puig as a design philosophy that can be translated into a design language that ticks all the most important boxes, the aim is to produce accessories that are functional - "without purpose, there is no design"; adaptable - "versatile designs that can be purposed to different uses and needs" and aerodynamic - "the basis of everything"; ergonomic - "designs for every kind of rider"; minimalistic - "designs with nothing unnecessary getting in the way"; smart-electronic - "technological and useful" and interactive - "a bike that responds with an improved riding experience." This design language informs the form-meets-function decision-making that goes into all its parts, including its fast growing 'CustomAcces' program - distributed to dealers in USA by Tucker V-Twin; www.puig.tv
Zard: The Italian performance exhaust specialist has commissioned a 'Top Gun' 2:1 full kit with two-piece carbon heat shield and a range of carbon fiber parts for the Sportster S, including a new headlight fairing, radiator side covers and left rear side panel; www.zardexhaust.com
Andreani Group: International Sales Manager Diego Arduini told AMD: "This has been another good year for the Group, and our message to the market is 'watch this space'. We hope to have a major announcement to make soon about a massive expansion to our capabilities and market reach." Meanwhile, the Pesaro based company has continued to develop its specialty suspension tools and workshop equipment offer with additions to its SP Vacuum Pump series, Misano front fork suspension cartridge program and professional suspension technician course series; www.andreanigroup.com
