Thursday 31 March 2016

2016 ACEM Conference

2016 ACEM Conference - "The Safe Ride to the Future"

The European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers, ACEM, will be hosting "The Safe Ride to the Future", a major international conference on motorcycling safety on 27 April 2016.

Stephan Schaller


The event will take place at the Renaissance Hotel, 19 rue du Parnasse, Brussels, from 11:00 to 15:00.
"Motorcycles play an increasing role in urban and leisure mobility across Europe. At the same time, motorcyclists remain vulnerable road users requiring dedicated attention. The industry continuously works to ensure high safety levels for powered two-wheeler users. Yet, there is a clear case for increased cooperation between manufacturers, policy-makers and other key stakeholders.
"The conference will explore how all relevant players can take up this challenge and better work together to further improve motorcycling safety in Europe. As part of the conference, ACEM will launch its new European Training Quality Label and organise an exhibition on motorcycle safety technology".

Speakers at the conference are scheduled to include:


- Stephan Schaller (ACEM President, BMW Motorrad President)
 
- Antonio Perlot (European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) Secretary General)

 
- Alisa Tiganj (Member of the Cabinet of the European Commissioner for Transport and Mobility)

 
- Inés Ayala Sender (Member of the European Parliament)

 
- Szabolcs Schmidt (European Commission's Directorate General for Transport and Mobility, Head of the Road Safety Unit)

 
- Gianfranco Burzio (European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA),
Safety Director)

 
- Antonio Avenoso (European Transport and Safety Council Director)


To see the full programme and to book see www.acem.eu

Ducati

Ducati teams-up with Arai and Rev'It!


Ducati has teamed-up with Arai and Rev’It! for a full-face helmet and textile jacket combo that is designed for "greater riding safety in bad weather or in conditions of poor visibility", according to the Italian motorcycle manufacturer.

The HV-1 Pro full-face helmet is produced for Ducati by Arai. Its external shell in Super Fibre Laminate makes it robust and lightweight, ensuring optimum ergonomics for the best fit.
In creating the HV-1 Arai-Ducati, great attention has been paid to ventilation, ensured by a series of air vents and extractors that optimise the flow inside the shell, thus allowing excellent visibility and preventing any misting or condensation on the visor. The graphics stand out for their chromatic asymmetry, which coordinates with the fluorescent yellow paint of the reflective details.
Equipped with the Pro Shade System - a combination of two visors (one transparent and one that acts as a sun shield) that are raised and lowered with a simple hand movement - the HV-1 Pro helmet is said to pair perfectly with the Tour HV fabric jacket, produced by Rev’It!. 



Thanks to the removable liner, the Tour HV jacket can be used all year round and is particularly appropriate for use in bad weather, when the certified hi-vis yellow fabric inserts and reflective prints ensure greater safety. The jacket is equipped with CE protectors on the shoulders and elbows and suitable for use with a G2 Wave back protector (to be purchased separately). The internal membrane guarantees that the item is 100% waterproof.

www.ducati.com
www.araihelmet-europe.com
www.revit.eu

Yamaha

Yamaha dealers "Yard Building" again for 2016

Yamaha Motor Europe's 2016 'Yard Built' dealer competition will see Yamaha’s European dealers again "mix it" with some of the best custom bike builders in the world to create their own 'Yard Built' projects from Yamaha’s Sport Heritage range.
Yamaha say that "dealers have been busy over the winter and now they need the public's help to choose the best build!



"Further to recent collaborations with iconic builders such as Portugal’s 'it roCkS!bikes' and Yard Built newcomers GS Mashin of Switzerland have added fuel to the fire and motivated the dealers to really pull out all the stops. The results show that the only limits are the imagination. The builds prove everyone can take a brand new bike from the Sport Heritage range and personalise it to their liking - opening the world of custom possibilities to bike owners who have considered their own custom, but were afraid of the technical knowledge required".
The competition has simple rules - the bike needed to be from the current Sport Heritage range, and an unspecified number of genuine aftermarket accessories had to be used.
This year Yamaha Motor Europe is awarding special prizes to the best custom build in the following three engine categories: single-cylinder and parallel-twin, V-twin and V-four and finally inline-four. Voting closes on the 31st March. Yamaha say they will be opening up the competition to the public later in the year.
The initiative started two years ago with a Yamaha Yard Built campaign that saw invited customisers collaborating to create builds based on the Sport Heritage range. The competition last year then saw European Yamaha dealers create 41 of their own interpretations of the platforms - over ten thousand bike fans from across Europe cast votes online to help choose four category winners for unveiling at the Glemseck 101 event in Germany in September.


“This project has proved a great validation that the custom scene is truly alive and kicking - not just in the niche custom world, but that it has now been embraced across Europe by our dealerships”, commented Yamaha Motor Europe Product Manager Shun Miyazawa.
“The end results have been really impressive, with some stunning builds that wouldn't be out of place sitting alongside the top custom builders. More importantly it shows that our Sport Heritage range of motorcycles is the perfect base for personalisation".
Many of the builds featured genuine Yamaha as well as aftermarket bolt-on accessories, showing that riders can achieve quality results without any cutting or welding to the frame.
The VMAX category winner was Liberty Yam of France with a tribute to legendary Yamaha France icon ‘JCO’ - muscular Café-Dragster build in 60th anniversary yellow and black colours. The XJR1300 class was won by internationally respected German dealership Motorrad Klein with a purposeful, race-inspired machine that made more than a passing reference to WSB racing star Noriyuki Haga.
The winning XV950 came from Portuguese dealer Yamaha Motor 7 with a dual colour scheme scrambler-inspired build; the winning SR400 was a classic café racer style interpretation of the popular SR platform by Motor Madrid.

Polaris

Polaris 2015 Q4 and full-year results

Polaris Industries Inc. has reported that its sales for the full year 2015 totalled a record $4,719.3 million, an increase of +5 percent compared to sales of $4,479.6 million for the full year 2014.

Sales for the fourth quarter of 2015 totalled $1,105.6 million, a decrease of -13 percent over last year's fourth quarter sales of $1,275.0 million. Including their respective PG&A related sales, motorcycle sales were +33 percent for the fourth quarter at $162.6 million and +67 percent for the full year at $698.3 million.
The growth was primarily due to continued strong retail sales for Indian motorcycles and the Slingshot "moto-roadster." North American consumer retail demand for the Polaris motorcycle segment, including Victory, Indian Motorcycle and Slingshot, was up low-single digits percent during the fourth quarter, while overall motorcycle industry retail sales of 900cc and above declined high-single digits percent in the fourth quarter.
Polaris say that interest in the Slingshot continued to be strong as the Company completed a first full retail year for it - a year that far exceeded the Company's expectations for sales and profitability. 



Product availability for Indian Motorcycle and Slingshot improved considerably in the 2015 fourth quarter as throughput at the Company's Spirit Lake, Iowa motorcycle plant increased and the new paint facility purchased in Spearfish, South Dakota, began production.
Victory Motorcycles’ retail sales were down mid-teens percent in the 2015 fourth quarter primarily due to continued low product availability. For the fourth quarter and full year 2015, Polaris' motorcycle business gained a significant amount of market share.
"While 2015 was a difficult year, we did manage to grow market share in each of our businesses and increased sales and earnings per share for the sixth consecutive year. That said, our performance failed to meet our earlier projections, as both external and internal challenges restrained growth and profitability", said Scott Wine, Polaris' Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

"The strengthening dollar and weakening oil markets, combined with an unseasonably warm winter, constrained demand for off-road vehicles and snowmobiles, placing pressure on dealer inventory and forcing us to curtail shipments in the fourth quarter.
"While our execution to plan did not meet our historically high standards, we have taken numerous actions to position Polaris for better performance in 2016.
"Our outlook for 2016 reflects another volatile year in powersports driven by near-term growth pressures from weak end markets as the threat of a worldwide economic slowdown looms. However, we have been in this situation before, and we know how to manage through difficult economic climates. We will continue to optimise dealer inventory, aggressively manage operating costs and other risk exposures, and provide our end-consumer with products and services that exceed their expectations.
"Concurrently we will continue to invest in projects that accelerate future growth and our lean journey, such as the Huntsville, Alabama plant, which is scheduled to begin production in the second quarter of this year. I believe we have the best team in powersports, a strong and diverse portfolio of brands and products, broad capabilities across all our disciplines, and a proven strategy that will continue to create value for our stakeholders in the years to come".

Andreani

Misano cartridge for Africa Twin

The R&D department at leading Italian suspension specialist Andreani has added to its popular Misano range of fork cartridge kits with this new fitment for Honda's 2016 Africa Twin.


Developed with over 25 years of race experience and track success, this new Misano cartridge is designed specifically for the OEM forks with a 20 mm diameter piston and increased oil passages.


Adjustable in compression, rebound and spring preload, it features a sophisticated hydraulic system that guarantees excellent braking, turn performances and increased comfort.

ANDREANI GROUP INTERNATIONAL S.R.L.

www.andreanigroup.com

Kappa

KV8 Multivision demi-jet

Kappa's KV8 Multivision demi-jet features nine versions in four lines: 'Basic', 'Cosmo', 'National' and 'U-Star'.



Made in polymers, it weighs just one kilogramme, with a removable 'ecoleather' external finish. It features an anti-allergenic inner lining and removable cheek pads and is described as comfortable in cool temperatures, but with the capacity to provide effective ventilation in summer. As standard the KV8 is supplied with a short, transparent, anti-scratch and glasses-friendly visor, with additional options including a (75%) smoked version and a longer, more protective visor - also available transparent or (75%) smoked.



The 'Basic' includes basic versions of the KV8, in gloss white and matt black with Garnet red inner lining. The 'Cosmo' shows a clever use of a bi-colour effect on the shell with "sinuous" lines in two versions with graphics in white/black and silver/black and a black inner lining. The 'National' makes stylish use of the Italian, UK and US flag and has a black inner lining. The 'U-Star' is characterised by "stellar" graphics, with the same pattern used for the two versions - matt silver shell with red and blue graphics and gloss shell white with graphics in an attractive black pattern with black inner lining.
The helmet has a one size shell, weighs 1,000g and has a buckle with quick-release system and micrometric adjustment; options include Bluetooth interphone I302BK.



KAPPA S.r.l.
www.kappamoto.com

Wunderlich

Wunderlich goes hybrid

German BMW parts and accessory specialist Wunderlich made a big impact at EICMA in November last year with their latest customised BMW special.
Having already shown a 156 horsepower GS LC based Scrambler prototype last year, at EICMA they unveiled what they say is the first BMW R 1200 GS LC ever seen with additional front wheel drive. 

Always "stretching boundaries", Wunderlich's follow-up to their 156 hp GS LC Scrambler concept and "White Star", a 30th anniversary R nineT Cafe Racer conversion, was this Hybrid GS conversion. Featuring dual-wheel drive courtesy of a regenerative braking system, a 7.6 kw electric front wheel gearbox delivers power-assisted traction to help power the GS through the dirt, up slopes and through curves, and with an electric only option the bike will make up to 20 kph with the engine turned off and 3 kph power-assisted reverse

Wunderlich CEO Frank Hoffmann said that "our concept vehicles have become a traditional feature that symbolise our expertise, creativity and manufacturing capabilities. They are all about showing what is possible and establishing design standards that speak to the quality and ergonomics of our products".
The Wunderlich GS hybrid has a ten-kilowatt electrical front wheel gearbox, which offers several new "sturdy" advantages. The big enduro does not just have much more propulsion on the ground, but the powered front wheel also draws the GS through curves quickly. "The increased performance can be clearly felt in the driving operation", said Hoffmann.
The emphasis is on efficiency - for example the energy produced while braking the GS is used to recharge the battery. The front wheel operation, which can be adjusted while riding, can be used entirely on its own. It can operate at up to 20 kilometres per hour on electric with the combustion motor turned off, and used as manoeuvring assistance, the electric motor even allows for reverse function at three kilometres per hour - extremely practical for parking the heavy GS on a slope.


Wunderlich have a wide range of accessories available to enhance the R 1200 GSD riding and ownership experience, including lights, covers, screens and  strengtheners, risers, cruise controls, hand-guards, footrests/pegs and levers, mirrors, protectors and luggage - a massive range of hard and soft luggage options, from their X-2 series hard cases as seen on the Hybrid to this tankbag kit "Safe", a multi-functional travel companion with a 3M-SCOTCH reflection fabric and 25-litre capacity with big, detachable map compartment

Nearly all the changes to the GS series, including the chassis set-up to balance out the additional weight, were developed in-house by the Wunderlich development and engineering team, with assistance for implementation of the electric concept from Italian electric mobility specialist Evolt, who co-developed some of the electrical components.
Of course, when not "stretching the boundaries", Wunderlich's day job is designing and manufacturing parts and accessories that are made to improve the riding experience, and here we also see one of their recent product line additions - a cockpit fairing for the R1200R LC.



WUNDERLICH GmbH
www.wunderlich.de

MIZU

MIZU crash cages

German parts and accessory specialist MIZU manufactures a wide range of parts and accessories for many popular motorcycle makes and models - from adjustable clutch and brake levers, lowering kits and swingarm extensions to triple trees and risers, carbon fibre body parts and covers and a wide range of RST brand parts for Harley-Davidson and custom bikes of all kinds.



Seen here for KTM models, their crash protection cages deliver important protection both off and on-road. Manufactured in high quality stainless steel, they protect the engine and the most important components and accessories.
Shown here in KTM orange, they are also available polished and as model-specific configurations for the rigorous demands of R1200 GS riders.




MIZU VERTRIEBS GmbH

www.mizu.de

Thursday 24 March 2016

German motorcycle registrations

German motorcycle registrations +12.11 percent year-to-date

According to the latest data released by the motorcycle industry trade association in Germany (IVM, Essen) new motorcycle registrations in February were up by +14.83 (6,862 units) - the best February market performance in Germany since 2008 - leaving the German market with a healthy +12.11 percent growth for the year-to-date (9,339 units). 


In total PTW terms February was up by +14.76 percent (9,118 units), and the total PTW market in Germany is +10.96 percent (at 12,609 units) for the year-to-date.
The top-selling motorcycle in Germany in February was BMW’s all conquering R 1200 GS, followed by Honda's new CRF 1000 'Africa Twin', the KTM 1050 Adventure, the BMW S 1000 XR and BMW R nineT.
Seven out of the top 20 best selling motorcycles in Germany last year were BMW models.
The strongest market sectors in Germany in February were Tourers/Luxury Tourers (29.13 percent of the market), Supersports models and Enduro style models.
BMW was German market share leader in February (19.14 percent of all new motorcycle registrations), followed by Honda, KTM, Harley-Davidson, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Ducati, Triumph and Suzuki.

BMW Motorrad

BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy

BMW’s ambitious (fifth) International GS Trophy, the 2016 Southeast Asia edition, finished on March 5th after seven days of riding in Thailand, with Team South Africa taking the win after having been second twice previously.


This fifth edition brought together 19 teams (comprising 57 riders plus 19 embedded journalists), representing 25 nations, for a 1,300 kilometre trek through the forests, jungles and mountains of Northern Thailand on their R 1200 GS and GSA bikes. BMW say the riding was possibly the most technical yet.
The 2016 edition again saw the event grow, with 114 motorcycles on the tour and an entourage of close to 200 people (riders, marshals, medics, caterers, organisers and more). 


Team South Africa consisted of John Harris, Charl Moolman and Byron Coetsee. Team UK and Team Germany shared second.
Three new teams took part in 2016 - Team China, Team Southeast Asia and the International Female Team - Stéphanie Bouisson (France), Morag Campbell (South Africa) and Amy Harburg (Australia).



The BMW R 1200 GS/GSA models used featured the latest engine revisions, including a new heavier crank that makes for smoother running and Shift Assist Pro that allows clutchless up- and down-shifts; the riders also had the code-plug that enables the Enduro Pro mode to modify the rider-assist systems to suit sportive off-road riding, aluminium enduro engine guard and steel crash bars and Metzeler Karoo 2 tyres.
Final results
 

Touratech

Touratech to equip 'Hertz Ride' BMW rental fleet in Spain and Portugal; other markets to follow

German specialist Touratech has established an innovative partnership with auto rentals giant Hertz for motorcycle rentals in Spain and Portugal.



The new 'Hertz Ride' motorbike rental service for the Iberian market offers riders a programme of motorcycle hire and touring with guides certified by the BMW International Tourguide Academy (ITA). The 'Hertz Ride' motorcycle rental fleet has a maximum use of seven months and is fully equipped and accessorised by Touratech.
'Hertz Ride' is the official partner of BMW Motorrad and the largest BMW motorbike rental operator in Portugal. The service is available through the association with Touratech in Portugal and Spain. Touratech Spain stores in Madrid, Barcelona and Alicante are the main rental sites for Spain, and Touratech's new store in Portugal is now the main location of Hertz Ride motorbike rental in Lisbon. However, riders can access the exclusive 'Hertz Ride' services at all Touratech dealerships.



"The partnership between Touratech and 'Hertz Ride' translates into customised motorbike solutions for customers, combining Touratech expertise on adventure and pleasure rides with the high quality Hertz fleet. With ready to ride solutions and personalised customer service, travellers can choose from a wide selection of tours across the Iberian Peninsula, the Alps, Morocco and Italy".
Touratech say that Spain and Portugal are just the start of a roll-out that should see the programme expanded to include other markets in the near future.

www.hertzride.eu

Metzeler

Metzeler Off-Road Park
 
Described as the tyre brand's "first track for enduro and off-road discipline lovers," the 6-kilometer long Metzeler Off-Road Park is opening at Pietramurata, Trentino (north-east of Italy).



Intended for all enduro and two wheel off-road discipline lovers, it is designed as an initiative to reinforce and celebrate Metzeler's claim to be "regarded as the specialist enduro tyre brand thanks to the quality and performance of our MCE 6-Days Extreme tyres, 26 titles in the FIM Enduro World Championship since 2005, and eight consecutive titles in the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship".
Located not far from Lake Garda, guaranteeing mild temperatures throughout the year, Metzeler say they will "offer the opportunity to use off-road motorcycles even in winter without the worry of finding unfavourable weather conditions such as fog or snow.
"The route of the track has been designed to recognise different skill levels. The nearly 6-km in length were built with technical sections, logs and a wooded section to make the track as natural as possible.



"At the Metzeler Off-Road Park motorcyclists will also have the opportunity to train even at night thanks to a modern artificial lighting system. The track has been designed to accommodate in particular enduro riders, but also those who practice Trial, MiniCross, Quad and Bike Trial will be welcome in this multi-purpose facility".
The facility is designed to deliver a "360° service, starting from the 500 square metre building which houses the Metzeler Lounge, a relaxation area that is able to accommodate the journalists present during the races which will take place - among events already confirmed is the second edition of the Extreme Enduro race "The Wall" scheduled for July 23, 2016 in which the most important riders of the international enduro world will compete, and European Trial Championship on April 2-3, the Beta Trial trophy on May 29 and the final of the KTM Enduro Trophy on October 9, 2016".



Metzeler say the facility will also offer a "well-stocked clothing store, a sales point for off-road motorcycles from leading manufacturers, bike rentals, trial and enduro schools with federal technicians, storage for bikes and quality locker rooms with showers, restaurants, camping and a nearby hotel.
The facility is close to the "Circuito del Ciclamino", which is a stop for the FIM Motocross World Championship.

www.offroadpark.it

OptiMate

Are you hooked?

Sometimes it’s the simple things that make all the difference!
All OptiMate battery charging, diagnostic and maintenance products delivered since 2008 come standard with integrated wall mounts neatly positioned around the cables’ entry/exit points, allowing the charger to be securely mounted, even to 'stud' walls.
However, many such products seem to spend most of their time living on the floor, next to the vehicles whose batteries are receiving "the best care in the world". OptiMate battery chargers are fully sealed so it doesn't hurt them - they would continue working even if covered in dust or dirt, or at worst if liquid is spilt all over them.
However, it leaves the cables getting mixed up and the units getting kicked around and causing trip hazards. Indeed brand owner TecMate say that they have seen so many technicians who have tried to improvise a way of hanging their OptiMates up in the workshop that they have decided to re-invent that particular wheel once and for all.
Step forward the OptiMate HOOK! It  easily attaches to the charger, and then the unit can be hung pretty much anywhere - including from the handlebar - so it is in full view, at a convenient height, with all the functions and features easy to see and access, including being able to monitor the charge progression and battery condition as displayed on the OptiMate LED panel. 



OptiMate HOOK fits any OptiMate charger with integrated wall-mounts and attaches to one of the charger's integrated wall-mounts (typically at the AC cable entry end), with a second optional attachment to the cable itself.
Even better - slots are provided to bundle and store excess cable on the HOOK. Now why can't everything in life be so simple!

TECMATE
www.tecmate.com

Innteck

SKF off-road wheel and fork protection

Italian distributor Innteck is offering a comprehensive range of motorcycle parts from Swedish manufacturer SKF, including the off-road riding upgrades seen here.
The SKF wheel seal kit for motorcycles provides protection for off-road wheel hub bearings from the intense contamination and water entry that can shorten the bearing life.


The unique design means increased sealing efficiency with reduced friction and very low power loss.
This special seal is composed of two components: one fixed non-rotating external plastic shield to protect from water, even at high pressure when the bike is cleaned, and a traditional rotating back seal made of the special SKF low-friction compound. The two-piece design allows for extreme durability because the wheel spacer is not grooved over time.


Also see here, the SKF mud scraper kit for motorcycle forks consists of a pair of ready to fit scrapers made with a new, smart design and with a low-friction plastic material.
The design results in reduced wear and increased fork seal life and performance. It effectively cleans dried mud from the stanchion and offers enhanced water protection without trapping it into the forks like other common seal protection devices. UV-resistant, it makes for reduced and consistent friction, and the user-friendly assembly means it can be installed "in-field" without fork or wheel removal.

INNTECK
www.innteck.com

Orina

'Omega' all-season gloves

These new 'Omega' gloves from Orina are "suitable for all weather conditions", with an outer shell composed of robust, high-quality Soratex material, combined with reinforcements, padding, a light and flexible knuckle guard and highly abrasion resistant Superfabric at the edge of the hand to protect the impact areas.
Equipped with warm Thermax lining as well as temperature-regulating Outlast, body heat will be absorbed and released only when needed, providing for the ideal skin temperature. Together with the 100% waterproof and breathable AquaDry membrane, these gloves "will keep the wearer warm and dry". Stretch panels are located on the fingers and at the back of the hand for freedom of movement. The high-quality Technalin Gold cowhide leather with its silicone printing on the palm offers a secure grip; wiper on left index finger.




ORINA BW GmbH

www.orina.de

UFO Plast

'Interceptor' helmet, 'Revolution' clothing, 'Recon' boot and patented 'Enigma' protector

Fuelled by their continued race success, Italian Off-Road apparel and accessory specialist UFO Plast has new and updated product lines for 2016.

Their E11 certified, 100 percent Italian made 'Interceptor' helmet, as 'championed' by Women's MX World Champion Kiara Fontesi, features new graphics for 2016. The inner shell is available in two sizes with fully removable, fully washable liners made from anti-allergenic and anti-bacterial Tricot.

An advanced Multi Vent System guarantees comfort, and a new quick unlock system for the cheek pads ensures easy release. The helmet is neck brace compatible.


Also seen here, their CE approved, patented and exclusive 'Enigma' body protector is for all off-road riders, using SAS TEC/KOROYD technology on the shoulders, elbows and back. Based on an elastic polyurethane foam partly composed of reusable materials, the main property is an instantaneous response to impact shock, maximum comfort and unique absorbing performance due to the foam microstructure - UFO-Plast say the stronger the impact, the higher the resistance of the foam.


The Italian made Recon boot is said to be the result of a long in-depth development process that has resulted in development of an innovative Exoskeleton Ankle Hyperextension Limit system (E-AHL), with stainless steel arms creating a protective cell for the ankle and tibia.
Derived from an accurate biomechanical analysis and patented by Alberto Barozzi Concept, the system allows for free movement and gives exclusive protection and mobility of the tibia and tarsus area with a personalised dorsal flexion.
Additional features include an ergonomic inner sole, the wear resistant Davos sole, an upper made of thermoformed Bioclimatic Action Low (BAL) material with polyurethane anti-shock and hypoallergenic structure, internal leg protection for a higher grip on the machine and air vents.



Finally, the Italian designed and made UFO Revolution collection features high quality materials and race-bred features.
The light and comfortable shirt is made of polyester with Airnet transpiring fabric inserts; the ergonomically cut pants feature superior protection and scratch resistance thanks to specific inserts with Airmesh aerated material for breathability and Spandex inserts at the stress points.



UFO PLAST S.r.l.
www.ufoplast.it

Thursday 17 March 2016

Piaggio

Piaggio reports Vespa, Moto Guzzi and Aprilia all up in 2015

Good news from Italian giant Piaggio, with an overall reduction of -4.9% in Group sales volumes of all vehicle types (including commercial vehicles), counterbalanced by the revenue growth achieved by the continuing shift in the product mix towards products with higher unit value per unit, in line with Piaggio Group’s "premium price policy" - notably with a 26.7% revenue increase in the motorcycle segment.



In 2015, the Group sold 322,500 two-wheelers in total worldwide (334,200 in 2014), generating net sales of 884.9 million euro, an improvement of 5.2% from 841 million euro in 2014.
In its two-wheeler business, the Piaggio Group reported revenue growth in all the main geographical areas where it operates, with turnover of 665.5 million euro in the EMEA and Americas areas (+5% from 2014), 196.2 million euro in Asia Pacific (+3.8%) and 23.2 million euro in India (+26.2%).
On the European two-wheeler market, the Piaggio Group "reconfirmed its absolute leadership”, closing 2015 with an overall market share of 15.2% and a 24.1% market share in scooters (approximately 11 percentage points ahead of its second European competitor).



The Group says it also maintained a "particularly strong positioning" in the North American scooter market, with a market share of more than 20%.
In the scooter sector, the Group reported higher net sales for the Vespa brand (+3.5% on 2014), for 2015 worldwide shipments of 166,000 scooters. Revenues also improved in motorcycles, with an overall increase of 26.7%.
The revenue improvement was 27.4% for the Moto Guzzi brand, thanks to the success of the key new products launched in the first half of 2015 -the V7 750 range (44% increase in sales volumes from 2014) and the California 1400 range (36% increase in sales volumes).
In 2015, Moto Guzzi shipped a total of 7,880 vehicles, for growth of 24% from 2014.
The Aprilia motorcycle brand reported revenue growth of 36% from 2014. The Aprilia
Supersports bikes with the V4 engine, assisted by the benefits of Aprilia's MotoGP and Superbike activities, and its victory in the 2015 Superstock 1000 FIM Cup, generated strong growth in sales in 2015, with an improvement of 56% in sales volumes for the RSV4 range and 74% in sales volumes for the Tuono 1100 models.
In November 2015, Piaggio previewed a number of new products at EICMA, including the new Piaggio Medley high-wheel scooter, the new Piaggio Liberty generation, the special Vespa “Settantesimo” models in the PX, Primavera and GTS versions, as well as the Piaggio WiBike, the pedal-assisted bicycle in four different configurations, entirely developed and built by Piaggio in Italy.
Moto Guzzi presented the V9 range, a 'Bobber' style motorbike with large wheels and a "dark spirit"; the V9 Roamer, a "smart classic mid-range custom motorbike"; the V7 II Stornello 750, and the powerful 1400cc MGX-21 ‘Flying Fortress’. 
To celebrate 54 world titles and its Superstock 1000 success, Aprilia unveiled the new Aprilia Racing Factory Works projects: custom racing bikes of up to 230 hp for professional riders, collectors and devotees.
In December 2015, the European Investment Bank and Piaggio signed a 70 million euro finance contract to fund Piaggio Group research and development projects at the Group’s Italian sites.
The seven year loan will support the development of innovative technological product and process solutions in active and passive safety, sustainability (including electric motors and reduction of fuel consumption in combustion engines) and customer satisfaction, based on research into new mobility concepts, new driver-vehicle interfaces, and communication and web access protocols.
In January 2016, Piaggio launched an updated Liberty. Originally introduced in 1997, the Piaggio Liberty has been a market best-seller with more than 900,000 scooters shipped in 18 years. The new Liberty features an air-cooled version of the new Piaggio iGet engines.
Financially the Piaggio Group closed 2015 with profit before tax of 20.1 million euro, compared with 26.5 million euro in 2014; and 11.9 million euro net profit, down from 16.1 million euro in 2014, mainly as a result of higher amortisation and depreciation expenses.
Net debt at 31 December 2015 was 498.1 million euro, an increase of approximately 5.3 million euro from 492.8 million euro at 31 December 2014. Group shareholders' equity at 31 December 2015 was 404.3 million euro (413.1 million euro at 31 December 2014).
Piaggio Group capital expenditure in 2015 amounted to 101.9 million euro (+7.4% from 94.9 million euro in 2014), of which 31.4 million euro were for R&D expenditure (31.8 million euro in 2014) and approximately 70.5 million euro for property, plant and equipment, investment property and intangible assets (63.1 million euro in 2014).
Among the investments in Group industrial assets, a particularly important project is the new automated paint shop nearing completion at the Piaggio industrial facility in Pontedera (Pisa).
In 2014, investment at Pontedera included the insourcing of high-precision aluminium machining operations, with the opening of a dedicated shop. The new paint shop is a completely robotised operation that will be completed and opened in April 2016, to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the Vespa, whose first patent dates back to 23 April 1946. 
The total workforce of the Piaggio Group at 31 December 2015 numbered 7,053 employees. The Group’s Italian employees numbered 3,638, unchanged from the previous year.

Spanish motorcycle registrations

Spanish motorcycle registrations up by over +32 percent in February 2016

According to the latest data released by the motorcycle trade association in Spain (ANESDOR), the motorcycle market there was up by +32.40 percent in February at 9,047 units (from 6,833 in February 2015).


For the first two months of the year new motorcycle registrations in Spain are +29.69 percent at 17,684 units, compared to 13,636 units for the first two months of 2015.
In Moped terms the Spanish market was -9.73 percent on low volumes in February (974 units), making it down by -3.88 percent so far in 2016. In total PTW terms the market was +28.36 percent in February at 10,021 units, making it +25.97 percent for the first two months at 19,642 units.
At the end of 2015 ANESDOR announced that it expected the strong growth seen in 2015 to continue, with total PTW registrations for 2016 reaching some 162,000 units - that would be further growth of around 9 percent from the 148,000 units sold in 2015 - 131,595 of which were motorcycles (+19.55 percent over 2014).
At the time Jose Maria Riano, the General Secretary of ANESDOR, had said that "2015 has been a very positive year for the sector in Spain" and that in looking beyond the statistics "the motorcycle is clearly the choice of transport for millions of citizens in Spain, especially for their daily commute - PTWs are a major solution for mobility in Spain, reducing travel times between 50 and 70 percent, and reducing congestion and pollution".
Pointing to the greater age of the PTW fleet in Spain than is the case in neighbouring and nearby countries, he had again repeated his call for greater government support for the sector, "the average age of PTWs in Spain is 14.7 years. Despite the growth in new registrations, the fleet actually aged further in 2015 - pointing to a strong growth in the total motorcycle park here. We believe that a review of the financial framework in which the PTW industry operates is needed in Spain and that simplifying driving licenses would also favour fleet renewal".