MOTORCYCLE MARKET COMMENT – YTD October 2021
The “hard lock down” and closure of the NaTIS system in April and May 2020 and a significant catch up of sales and registrations during June and July 2020 made it difficult to draw meaningful comparisons with the comparative trading periods of 2020 versus 2021.
At YTD October 2021 we have a much clearer picture in that the market size at 21 608 new units is not only 25% up on comparative 2020, but importantly 15% up on 2019. Forecasting to the end of December, the motorcycle market is likely to experience its best year since 2016 with a market estimate of 24 850 units in respect of 2021.
All segments are performing well with growth varying from 3 to 40%, the one exception being the 250-500cc leisure/commuting motorcycles which is down 30%. This is perhaps indicative of a perception that this segment is expensive relative to what one can buy, but also that the typical buyer in this segment is experiencing financial stress. ATV and Side by Side sales are still affected by stock shortages but has nonetheless experienced good growth. Unsurprisingly, the commercial segment continues to grow.
Electric motorcycles and 3 wheelers form a statistically insignificant portion of the market and sales are flat compared to 2020.
Used motorcycle sales are up 15% on 2020, but down 6% on 2019 on average.
The industry remains positive to end 2021 off on a high. With exciting new models on the horizon, manufacturers are looking forward to continuing the growth pattern in 2022 and beyond.
Issued by Arnold Olivier, National Director, AMID