Q1 2023 European registrations - "return to pre-Covid market trends"
The Brussels based European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers - ACEM - has released new motorcycle registrations data for Europe's 'Big Five' markets (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK), reaching 253,859 units during the first quarter of 2023. This represents an increase of approximately +15.5% compared to the same period in 2022 (219,826 units).
Motorcycle registration volumes significantly increased in Italy (78,997 units, +31.1% year-on-year) and both Spain (44,127 units, +13.4%), and Germany (54,964 units, +13.2%) also showed an upward trend. Volumes grew in France (48,945 units, +7.21%) and the market remained broadly flat in the UK (26,826 units, +1.7%).
Moped registrations reached a total volume of 43,610 units in the six European moped markets monitored by ACEM (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain). This registration volume represents a reduction of -24.5% in comparison to Q1 of 2022 (57,737 units). The decline is widespread in the monitored countries, except in Belgium, where volumes continued to increase.
Commenting on the current situation of the sector, Antonio Perlot, ACEM Secretary General, said: "The first quarter results of the year must be interpreted cautiously, considering the significance of spring and summer for the European powered two-wheeler market.
"Although there were considerable fluctuations when compared to the same period in 2022, Q1 data confirms a growing trend of users favouring motorcycles and scooters to mopeds. This shift supports both urban and short-range mobility, as well as a sustained interest in leisure riding.
"Thus far, the figures seem to align with long-term, pre-Covid trends. A more definitive outlook for 2023 will emerge as Q2 and Q3 data becomes available."
