During the latter part of 2022, we estimated that total sales in respect of calendar year 2022 could exceed 30 000 new units. It was a pleasant surprise that the market ended up on 31 374 new units for the year under review. This represents an increase of 18.4% on comparative 2021, which in turn was up 28% on 2020. The market is now well above pre-covid sales levels.
Segment performance is volatile which is becoming the new normal. Small capacity commercial and commuting motorcycles and scooters grew by 29.6%. This growth is largely driven by the continuing growth of e-commerce business. The higher priced 500cc+ leisure segments shrank by 10%, whereas the leisure segment below 500cc grew by 39%. Off-road motorcycle sales, which is also a leisure segment, decreased by 12.3%.
The Quad market declined by 4%. This market is more affected by stock shortages than is the case with conventional motorcycles.
Electric 2 and 3 wheeled motorcycle sales are less than 150 units per annum yet grew by 135%. This is indicative of an ever-increasing interest in EV, with several models registered being homologation samples, and very little evidence of commercial traction.
Used motorcycle sales statistics are not yet available for the last quarter of 2022. End of 3rd quarter indications are that total registrations will be down 3% on 2021. Viewed over a 6-year period, annual used sales remain at a +/- 45 000 unit p.a. level, which makes 2022 more or less in line.
The 2022 sales results are therefore very good in some respects and disappointing in others. Importers remain positive that the growth pattern will continue in 2023 and beyond.
Issued by Arnold Olivier, National Director, AMID
