 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Motorbike Sales Continue To Fall |
|
by Damon Spencer, 19th August 2009
 Whilst there are apparently signs of the global financial crisis easing, it is likely to be some time before consumers are left with the ability, or confidence, to purchase new motorbikes. In many cases bikes are seen as a luxury and it has contributed to the slow decline in the market while people concentrate on necessities.
Undoubtedly one of the worst to be hit is Ducati, the exotic Italian sportsbike manufacturer. In an interview with the Financial Times, Chief Executive Gabriele Del Torchio stated that the market for luxury bikes had declined by 30% in the six months to June. Worse than that, the manufacturer’s sales figures in America had dropped by 50%. The company is attempting to offset this fall and the senior executives are taking a 10-20% pay cut.
The Guardian is reporting that during the first seven months of this year new bike registrations have dropped 16.8% over last year. The paper also reports Yamaha’s global sales dropping 33% while Honda’s revenues fall by 29% alongside Suzuki’s at 27%. Yamaha’s motorcycle division may not be as bad as its other interests, which have been hit by a fall of up to 51%.
Ducati is not the only European manufacturer struggling, with KTM expecting a 30% drop in sales alongside BMW’s 15% (which looks impressive given the competition).
So, what does this mean? In the short term several manufacturers have looked at reigning in production, cutting jobs or, more radically, closing factories. Although every day we are seeing reports that the “credit crunch” situation is improving it is obviously impossible to define when (and if) sales will return to their former figures. Most recently Germany and France’s economies have come out of recession but that doesn’t mean that the average man in the street will be bashing down dealers’ doors for a new sports bike. As is being seen in the mortgage market, it could be some time before availability of credit is seen at previous levels. When you consider that up to 80% of machines are purchased on credit then there may not be any shift in sales for some time.
What it does mean for the customer is that there are some great deals to be had. Several manufacturers, including Suzuki, Yamaha and Kawasaki have been offering attractive 0% finance deals in attempt to bolster their sales figures. On top of this many dealers are openly bundling free equipment such as exhaust upgrades and peripherals. Walk into the showroom and you have a good chance of being able to haggle a great deal for yourself. If you have the resources then this credit crunch could be the very best time to buy.
What do you think? Have you say in the forums.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Whilst we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information presented here, we can take no responsibility for any errors that may occur.
Motorbike Sport Site Map
Copyright © 2006-2009 www.motorbikesport.co.uk - All rights reserved
|
|
|
|