The global bicycle industry continues to see unit sales reducing. In the UK, the Bicycle Association's Annual Market Data Report for 2022 showed that UK bike sales had fallen to their lowest level in two decades. Other industry analysts suggest that cycle sales fell by 22% in 2022, down to 1.8 million units and 27% below pre-Covid levels (BDN).
Suzuki UK has launched a new, completely free of charge Service Activated Warranty (SAW), which extends a motorcycle's warranty period after the initial three years through regular servicing at authorised Suzuki dealerships. It is offered once the motorcycle reaches the end of its manufacturer warranty period of three years and is booked in for its next scheduled service within the Suzuki dealer network. This warranty then stays in place until the next qualifying service. It is then simply renewed again, up to a maximum vehicle age of seven years or 70,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Germany has reached a deal with the EU on the future use of combustion engines that breaks an impasse between Berlin and Brussels, or more specifically between German auto makers and the environmental lobby, by the EU agreeing to allow some combustion engines beyond 2035. The bloc and its largest economy had been at odds over the planned 2035 phase-out of CO2-emitting cars. Germany had wanted assurances that new combustion engine cars can be sold beyond the deadline if they run on e-fuels - a request supported by parts of Germany's powerful car industry. Vehicles with internal combustion engines can still now be newly registered after 2035 if they fill up exclusively with CO2-neutral fuels.
Not to be confused with INTERMOT at Cologne every second year, Bike und Business in Germany reports that "full halls and enthusiastic visitors swarmed exhibitors' booths on the three days of IMOT - International Motorcycle Exhibition 2023 - at the new location at the Munich exhibition centre in Riem, Munich". The date for 2024 is already confirmed for February 16 to 18.
In partnership with Cardo, Ducati's new communication system V3 intercom offers enthusiasts "the most innovative communication technologies - such as Dynamic Mesh Communication (DMC) connectivity - without sacrificing the unmistakable Ducati red. The streamlined, antenna-free silhouette makes this intercom aerodynamic, improving comfort, silence and aesthetics, and the magnetic mount for attachment to the helmet simplifies installation".
Brembo has become a MotoGP "Braking Inspiration Partner". This new partnership began at the season-opening Grande Premio Tissot de Portugal, with MotoGP welcoming Brembo to a whole new role in the paddock for the next three seasons. The partnership sees Brembo supplying data for all-new graphics across the global television broadcast, as well as featuring in some exclusive behind-the-scenes content. "Putting even more information at fans' fingertips and unlocking the secrets to braking in the world's fastest motorcycle racing championship, the new graphics, highlighted as Data powered by Brembo, comprise a special replay showing the heaviest braking point on each circuit and a motion tracker graphic showcasing the reality of deceleration in MotoGP".
Sources: AMD, IDN, FT, Reuters, PSB, MPN, BDN, MCN, AP, Bloomberg, MSNW, Electrek, electricmotorcycles.news, RideApart.com, Motor1.com, Cycle World, motorbikewriter.com
