The latest data released by the motorcycle trade association in Austria (Arge2Rad) shows registrations of new motorcycles of over 125cc up in the fourth quarter of 2016 (+177.25 percent!) as unsold Euro 3 compliant 2016 carry-over inventory was pre-registered to beat the December 31st deadline.
Nonetheless 2016 was a better year for Austria (the market was flat in 2015 at 12,551 units) with new motorcycle registrations for the full year up by +19.54 percent at 15,004 units – of which prior year trend data suggests some 1,500 units may have been carry-over “unsolds”.
In total powered two-wheeler terms, registrations were up by +100.64 percent for the second quarter of the year in Austria (!), at 5,969 units, and are +12.52 percent (43,621 units) for the full year.
In other news, effective January 1st 2017, Austria became the second country in Europe (after the UK) to launch an e-mobility purchase incentive programme. Austrian consumers will be able to benefit from up to €750,00 of subsidy and discount as part of a €72m E-two-wheel transport project for the promotion of electromobility in Austria by BMLFUW, bmvit and auto-importers in the period 2017-2018.
The Austrian Ministry of the Environment and Transport, in collaboration with Arge2Rad, doubled the federal government’s €375,00 incentive per e-moped and e-motorbike. The incentives apply to private individuals, companies, municipalities and associations in Austria. At the time of reporting (early February 2017) it is said that more than 700 E-bikes have already been sold this year.
Manufacturers such as KTM and other well known brands are partners in the joint funding initiative with the Ministry of the Environment and Transport.
There is no surprise that KTM is market share leader in its home market with its 2016 sales of 5,677, being up nearly +60 percent on its 3,575 sold in 2015. Honda is second (3,121 units); Yamaha 3rd (2,680); BMW 4th (1,817 units), with Harley-Davidson 5th (1,142 units).
