The motorcycle market has seen a rebound in sales, even if it faces the same difficulties as the rest of durable goods: inflation and lack of dollars. Nearly 411,000 units were patented last year, which represents a 7.1% increase over 2021 (383,767 units). But in December they were shipped 16% less than in the same month of the previous year, according to data from the Motorcycle Division of ACARA, the Chamber of Concessionaires.
In the industry they emphasize this demand has been on the rise until the first half of the year and the trend has changed since July, with exchange rate instability and inflationary acceleration. “We have been coming for months in which the import issue, both in units and parts, has shown its impact, as a significant level of restrictions continue,” said ACARA Motos boss, Horacio Jack.
Lino Stefanuto, president of CAFAM (the producers) clarifies it The biggest difficulty is getting funding for 180 days cancel payments abroad. “Permits to enter merchandise have become more flexible,” said the director of a chamber representing 16 assemblers, including Honda, La Emilia (Motomel), Grupo Iraola (Corven, Mondial and Zanella), Gilera and Yamaha. The latest to join the group was Volkswagen, which this year began assembling Ducati motorcycles in Córdoba.
2022 record is best in 3 years, but the improvement is not enough to exceed the historical average of 470,000 units per year. The best years were 2013 (record of nearly 724,000 patents) and 2017 (696,365). Brands and dealers expect an increase of between 10 and 15% for this year, “provided there are no drastic devaluations or a sharp rise in the interest rate,” says Leandro Iraola, president of the group of the same name.
Regarding last year’s sales, Víctor Pruvost, commercial director of Honda, distinguishes two phases: “The first semester was unusual, there has been a boom in demand due to the post-pandemic effect and the delivery business. Subsequently, with devaluations and uncertainty, the market soured. Today it is more realistic, based on the current economy, inflation and wages,” the senior executive describes.
Pruvost sees a 10 percent increase in motorcycle sales as logical “because the frame with the locks is the same.” Honda is the leading brand in the local market (17%), according to the ACARA report. The Japanese company assembles 8 motorcycle models in the Campana plant, where 650 people work. By volume of participation, the top ten round it out Motomel (11%), Corven (10%), Gilera (9%), Zanella (8%), Mondial, Keller, Bajaj (4% each), Yamaha (3%) and Guerrero (2%).
The best-selling units are those with small engine capacity (110 cc). Prices range from $300,000 to $450,000 and account for more than half of sales. Behind them are the mid-range models, whose prices range from $450,000 to $800,000. Above that are the premium ones, which can reach and even exceed US$25,000. “These don’t reach 1% of the total market,” Iraola points out.
This is indicated by the same classification prepared by ACARA 9 of the 10 best-selling motorcycles in 2022 are low-end. The leader is the Honda Wave 110 S: 42,795 units were shipped last year, just over 10% of the total. In second place was the Gilera Smash (33,563) and then the Corven Energy 110 (29,744). Further back Motomel B110 (32.784), Keller KN 110-8 (17.896), Honda XR150L (10.955), Zanella ZB 110 (15.605), Mondial LD 110 MAX-RT (9.572), Motomel S2 150 (8.887) and Guerrero G110 TRAVEL (8.366).
One of the biggest uncertainties for the companies is the future of the Mi Moto plan, which finances the purchase of motorcycles in installments at subsidized rates through Banco Nación. It was in effect last year and they are in talks to renew a program, although it is unknown if they will be successful.
Source: Clarin
