Sales of Certain PTWs in Europe Show End of Negative Cycle: ACEM
2013/04/01 | By Quincy Liang
The analysis of recent market trends highlights that urban mobility and passion are still acting as main drivers of the motorcycle market. While some segments have suffered from the impact of the economic downturn, sales of light Powered Two-Wheelers (PTWs) specifically designed for city trips indicate a growing interest in this mode of transport, the association pointed out. The relative good performance of engine capacities over 250cc confirms that passion for motorcycling is still a key factor pushing customers toward this vehicle category.
ACEM conducted a review of the most recent motorcycle market trends comparing the Moving Annual Total of the past year (September 2011- August 2012) with the same time frame a year before, which allows for a reliable representation of the "seasonal effect" closely linking the PTW business to the weather conditions.
Main results showed that southern European countries (Greece, Italy, Spain), with a greater exposure to the debt crisis, are suffering most. In these countries return to pre-crisis levels will need a certain time. Northern European markets generally show a better resilience. Considering that some northern markets are already performing positively (Germany, UK, Austria, Switzerland), pre-crisis levels could be attained in the short/mid-term.
In the period analyzed by ACEM, PTW sales went from 1,622,376 to 1,456,070 units which equals to a 10% reduction. This decline was led by the moped segment (PTW with engine capacities below 50cc) with a 13% contraction, from 576,591 to 502,003 vehicles.
Sales of motorcycles and scooters above 50cc decreased 9% Europe-wide over the same period from 962,052 to 873,360 units. The 3- and 4-wheeler market can be considered stable (73,295 to 71,408).
These aggregated figures however do not reveal the varied nature of individual national markets. For example, the moped market is growing in countries such as Slovakia, Switzerland and Norway. France positions itself first in the country ranking for mopeds, followed by the Netherlands, Poland, Italy and Germany. Country variations are also strong as regards the over 50cc segment, where one third of European markets are performing positively (e.g. Germany, the U.K., Austria, Switzerland, Norway).
Germany and France lead the ranking of European motorcycle (over 50cc) markets, followed by Italy, UK, Spain and Switzerland.
New User Category
The boom of electric PTW, with a growth above 60%, confirms the dawn of a new user category considering this mode for its benefits in terms of flexibility, efficiency and low environmental impact. The electric PTW segment now accounts for 1% of the overall market, and is expected to gradually grow.
Jacques Compagne, ACEM Secretary General, said: "The analysis of the most recent trends shows that the European PTW market is characterized by a cycle effect. Today the cyclical nature of our business is further upset by the economic crisis. Judging from the positive signs that can be extrapolated from our statistics we believe that the cycle will soon produce positive effects on the market."
Mobility Alternatives
To promote the two-wheeler industry with a slogan "Beat the traffic, Enjoy the city", the
Sustainable 2Wheels, an event promoting the uptake of mobility alternatives on two wheels, within the framework of the European Mobility Week was successfully held in mid-September, 2012 on the esplanade of the European Parliament in Brussels. The activity, once again, expressed the vigorous efforts of PTW makers and related associations' to promote the important industry in Europe.
The event was organized by the European TwoWheel Retailers' Association (ETRA) in cooperation with the European Parliament and in association with ACEM. For the first time, all types of PTWs were fully included in the event.
According to ACEM, PTWs, such as scooters and motorcycles, can offer a great solution for users who seek individual mobility alternatives in congested cities. Embracing different forms of transport for different parts of a journey, thus reducing travel times, costs and environmental impact, will be considerably easier if PTWs are added to the possible alternatives. Smaller, lighter and very well adapted to the challenges of urban traffic, PTWs were for the first time taking part to the European Mobility Week with an exciting line-up of innovative, fuel efficient and enjoyable vehicles.
The exhibition, which aimed at raising awareness among European decision-makers on the contribution of two-wheels to sustainable mobility, attracted hundreds of visitors and offered them the opportunity evaluate the benefits of this individual mobility alternative while testing the vehicles on show.
PTW Advantages
By participating in Sustainable2Wheels, ACEM said its members intended to promote the advantages of PTWs making them a sensible and sustainable solution for urban mobility. The tagline chosen by ACEM “Beat the traffic, enjoy the city” for this event aims at illustrating how a new generation of scooters and motorcycles can effectively solve traffic problems while improving the quality of life in European cities.
ACEM's stand at the event featured 18 vehicles ideal for everyday city trips which exemplified the advantages of PTW in terms of flexibility, reduced travel times, fuel efficiency, and ease of parking. Visitors from the European Parliament, the Commission, the Council and the general public were able to discover how PTW can help beating the traffic and making cities more enjoyable.
Alternative propulsion systems were also on show. Besides e-scooters from manufacturers such as Honda, Peugeot Scooters, Piaggio and Yamaha, visitors could also see a street legal hydrogen-powered scooter from Suzuki. BMW Motorrad showcased its Evolution C prototype.
EU Commissioner for the Environment Janez Potocnik together with Vice-Chair of the REGI Committee Nikos Chrysogelos, and other member of European Parliament visited the ACEM stand and were informed of the solutions available to users aiming to beat congestion in European cities.
The exhibition was followed by a hearing in the afternoon held by the European Parliament Transport Committee, where cities and the public debated on the sustainable urban mobility plans.
