An increase in motorcycles on the road is a positive sign for the powersports industry, and the latest figures of the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) indicate that registrations of motorcycles in the EU reached 564,850 units during the first six months of 2018, representing an increase of 7.2 percent compared to the same period of 2017.
“Our latest registration figures for the EU show, once again, the importance of two- and three-wheeled vehicles as a solution to the mobility needs of people, particularly in large urban areas that suffer from congestion problems,” said Antonio Perlot, secretary general of ACEM. “The latest increase in sales, particularly in the motorcycle segment, is a very positive development. Newer and more environmentally friendly vehicles are being added to the European vehicle fleet, which according to our estimations is now close to 36 million units. At the same time, the motorcycle industry continues working intensively on the development of new vehicles that will comply with the upcoming Euro 5 environmental standard, currently being discussed by the EU institutions.”
With 130,540 units (a 4.4 percent increase on a year-on-year basis) Italy remains the largest European motorcycle market, followed by France (98,660 motorcycles, +7.8 percent), Germany (97,620 motorcycles, +10.5 percent), Spain (72,900 motorcycles, +8.2 percent) and the UK (55,350 motorcycles, +3.4 percent). Motorcycle registrations also increased in most European countries, with the exception of some relatively smaller markets (Ireland, Slovenia, Poland and Croatia).
The European moped market has shown a decline, showing 121,740 units during the first six months of 2018. This represents about a 32.1 percent decrease compared to the registration levels of the first half of 2017 (179,260 units). The largest markets for mopeds in Europe were: France (27,640 units), Netherlands (26,730 units), Germany (12,790 units), Italy (10,000 units) and Belgium (9,050 units).
A positive sign overall is the combined registrations of electric mopeds, motorcycles and quadricycles reached 21,100 units during the first six months of 2018, representing a substantial increase of 49% compared to the registration levels of the first half of 2017 (14,160 units).
Most of the electric L-category vehicles registered in 2018 are mopeds (14,150 units), followed by motorcycles (5,370 units) and a much smaller number of quadricycles (about 1,580 units).
The largest European markets in terms of volume were France, where combined registrations of mopeds, motorcycles and quadricycles totaled 5,430 units (+24.8 percent on a year-on-year basis), followed by Netherlands (3,890 vehicles, 48.6 percent), Belgium (3,830 vehicles, 62 percent), Spain (2,930 vehicles, +125.5 percent) and Italy (1,280 vehicles, +20.9 percent).
The ACEM represents manufacturers of mopeds, motorcycles, three-wheelers and quadricycles (L-category vehicles) in Europe. ACEM members include 18 manufacturing companies: BMW Motorrad, Bombardier Recreational Products, Ducati Motor holding, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, KYMCO, MV Agusta, Peugeot Scooters, Piaggio, Polaris Industries, Renault, Royal Enfield, Suzuki, Triumph Motorcycles and Yamaha. ACEM also represents 17 motorcycle industry associations in 14 different European countries.
