In the first three months of 2021, registrations of new motorcycles in five of the largest European markets (i.e. France, Germany, Italy, Spain and UK) showed an increase of 10.3% (197,856 units), compared to the same period of 2020. March’s strong results (+67.6%) managed to offset the negative trend shown in the first two months of the year (-29.8% in January and -12.8% in February).
The registration trends in the motorcycle segment vary considerably across the countries. Some as Italy (+47.3%) and France (+15.1%) registered substantial increases, while others such as the UK (-21.3%), Germany (-4.1%) and Spain (-0.5%) still lag behind 2020 figures. This is linked to the different form of lockdowns imposed across European countries in 2020, and to the fact that last year’s basis for comparison in some cases was exceptionally low.
The moped segment performed slightly better. In the six largest European moped markets (i.e. Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain), moped registrations reached 56,535 units, which represents an increase of 21.6% in comparison to last year’s figures.
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Commenting on the current situation of the sector, Antonio Perlot, ACEM Secretary General, said:
“The registration figures for the first quarter of 2021 show that the sector continues to recover from the C-19 crisis, although at a different pace across Europe”.
“It would not be fully accurate to compare this year’s figures with the ones from 2020 since last year, a large number of dealerships were closed and several European economies were under lockdown”.
“If we look at 2019, arguably a more normal year, 2021 motorcycle registrations are still behind (-4.14%), whilst moped registrations show a substantial increase (+19%).
“This shows that whilst uncertainties persist for European economies, at the same time the market is reactive. The attractiveness and convenience of powered two-wheelers for urban and peri-urban commuting, within a sanitary context in which public transportation has not been deemed a safe option, is confirmed. Also, more and more consumers are opting for motorcycling when it comes to safe leisure activities, such as touring closer to home”.
Press contact
Manuel Ordonez de Barraicua
ACEM communications manager
[email protected]
+32 496 52 65 17
Documents available to download
ACEM – Statistical press release – January – March 2021 [PDF]
ACEM – Statistical press release – January – March 2021 [XLS]
