Brussels (Belgium) | 12 May 2023
New motorcycle registrations in five of the largest European markets (i.e., France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK) reached 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%) showed an upward trend. Volumes also continued with a slight progression in France (48,945 units, +7.21%) and they remained broadly stable in 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 (i.e. Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain). This registration volume represents a reduction of 24.5% in comparison to last year (57,737 units). The decline is widespread in the monitored countries, except in Belgium where volumes continued to increase.
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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.”
Press contact
Antonio Perlot
ACEM Secretary General
+32 2 2309732
Documents available to download
ACEM – Statistical press release – January – March 2023 [PDF]
ACEM – Statistical press release – January – March 2023 [XLS]
ACEM – Statistical releases – FAQ [PDF]
ACEM – Statistical releases – Glossary [PDF]
Note for editors
As of 2020, ACEM statistical releases cover the following:
- For the motorcycle segment: Italy, France, Germany, Spain and UK. These countries account for about 80% of motorcycle registrations in the EU + UK block.
- For the moped segment: France, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Belgium, and Spain. These countries account for about 80% of moped registrations in the EU + UK block.
- Moped figures include L1eB vehicles (two-wheel mopeds) and L2e vehicles (three-wheel mopeds). Some countries may also include L1e-A vehicles (powered cycles) depending on their administrative practices.
About ACEM
- The European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) represents manufacturers of mopeds, motorcycles, three-wheelers and quadricycles (L-category vehicles) in Europe.
- ACEM members include 18 manufacturing companies: BMW Motorrad, Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), Ducati Motor holding, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, KYMCO, MV Agusta, Peugeot Scooters, Piaggio, Polaris Industries, Qooder, Royal Enfield, Suzuki, Triumph Motorcycles, Yamaha and Zero Motorcycles.
- ACEM also represents 20 motorcycle industry associations in 17 different European countries. About 300,000 jobs depend on the L-category industry in Europe. There are more than 39 million motorcycles and scooters on Europe’s roads (2019 estimate).
