B&B reports that data from the KBA in Germany shows the number of motorcycles registered in Germany as of 1 January 2018 reached 4,372,978 units, a record high number. Said to have increased by 1.4% in the prior 12 months, 79.9% are over 125 cc, with 13.3% owned by women. Bavaria records the most (926,882), followed by North Rhine-Westphalia (833,009), Baden-Württemberg (675,708), Lower Saxony (418,922) and Hessen (330,822).
B&B also reports the KBA data saying that as of 1 January 2018, there are 538,029 BMW motorcycles registered in Germany, followed by 519,215 Yamaha, 503,310 Suzuki, 427,352 Honda and 354,396 Kawasaki motorcycles.
Global demand for motorcycles is projected to expand by +4.4% per year through 2022, according to researchandmarkets.com. The report concludes that advances at the global level will be supported by rising personal incomes in developing nations, the introduction of new top-of-the-line models in mature markets, and the growing use of motorcycles for business and recreation purposes. Rapidly increasing demand for e-bikes will provide the impetus for much of the growth in the US, Europe, and many Asia/Pacific markets.
Texas based Simpson Performance Products is pleased to announce the acquisition of Merelli Compositi, a high-quality Italian manufacturer of carbon parts, by Simpson subsidiary Stilo Helmets. Merelli produces carbon shells for Stilo Helmets and many other carbon performance products, including ski components and ski boots. Merelli has recently moved into a new, larger facility in Onore, Italy, to meet increasing production demands. The Simpson group claims it sells more carbon helmets than any other business.
Salvatore Coniglio (50) is the new head of export sales at German oil specialist Liqui Moly. He succeeds CEO Ernst Prost, having previously been deputy export sales manager.
