“There’s no question of demand, everything you show sells,” they say in the motorcycle industry, which has started the year full throttle. According to data from ACARA (the chamber of merchants), nearly 41,000 units were patented in January, which represents an increase of 22.1% compared to the same month of the previous year. But also, Used motorcycle sales grew 27% year-over-yearwhich excites brands and manufacturers.
In the sector they describe that the motorcycle, like other durable goods (household appliances and cars), constitutes a refuge of value against inflation, the exchange rate and the lack of alternative savings in hard currencies. But highlight that uncertainty persists due to obstacles to the import of components, for which “we work with up-to-date stock”. Manufacturers and brands make it clear that there is no shortage, but “there are delays” in entering the market.
“Until mid-December the market was weak, but then sales increased and January ends up being a good month“, illustrated Víctor Pruvost, commercial director of Honda. The Japanese brand led the market at the beginning of 2023, with 9,627 units sold. Motomel was second (5,681) and Corven completed the podium, with 4,324 units. Gilera is is positioned just behind (4,305 units).
In the industry They expect to end the year with over 400,000 motorcycles sold (up from 430,000 units)., according to the evolution of imports, the level of interest rates and the value of the dollar. In 2022, 411,000 units were patented, the best number of the last three years. However, the market is still below the historical average (470,000 per year) and much more than the record reached in 2013, when 724,000 motorcycles were patented.
Companies and retailers expect growth of between 10 and 15% by 2023. “As in all election years, an increase in consumption is expected due to the greater number of credit options and because the motorcycle is positioned as a haven of value,” says Martín de Gaetani, of the La Emilia group (Motomel). Of the Iraola group (Corven and Zanella) they also believe that the financing will determine the volume of sales.
There are currently interesting options for buying a motorcycle (Ahora plans, personal loans and pawnbrokers). But they assess that the rates are high and they fear the possibility of a sharp devaluation, which fuels even more uncertainty. Import inventories and a lack of dollars could also complicate the outlook. “The level of the market depends on the volume of imports,” summarizes Marcelo Slimmens, executive director of ACARA.
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.
The economy offers stimuli and brakes at the same time. “In January, people went out to spend their pesos, anticipating a jump in prices for fear of possible devaluation,” Pruvost notes. The senior executive also points out that from September to March “it is the high season for the sale of motorcycles”, because the climate is favorable for their use.
Source: Clarin
