My Car Check Trade motorcycle market overview April 2015: Exciting new models, sales up and demand strong... the season proper is here!
Unlimited car, van & motorcycle valuations for £99.99+VAT a year
Accessible via smartphones and desktop
For further details visit:www.mycarcheck.com/trade
My Car Check Tradeis the trade valuations arm of CDL Vehicle Information Services. Based on cutting-edge industry data and feedback from independent and franchised dealers, these monthly bulletins highlight the most significant trends in the UK motorbike and scooter markets.
My Car Check Trade's motorcycle expert, Rob Hobson, commented: "Although the March 15 plate figures are yet to be published, we expect the increased level of new bike registrations to have been maintained. Anecdotal reports suggest that demand has been strong throughout the month, fuelled no doubt by the arrival of some exciting new models.
"The new market was around 11% up on the same time last year at the end of February. Admittedly only two months of sales, but reason for optimism given the market went on to increase throughout last year. It is also important to report that all style sectors are showing increases year-on-year, with the naked bike style showing the biggest growth, around 35%. It would be great if this level of uplift could be maintained.
"Perhaps the only disappointing figure was the decline in scooter moped sales. It is frustrating to see this sector, renowned for periods of boom and bust, continuing to fall. This entry level onto two wheels is so important to our market in terms of potential volume sales. We really need to see a focused campaign to highlight to benefits of scooter moped riding, for 16 year olds especially.
"Given that there has always been a significant level of manufacturer-induced dealer pre-registration, particularly at this time of year when first quarter results are being chased, it is worth noting that there is thought to be a fairly high number of bikes in the market which fall into this category. The numbers are always difficult to confirm but these new, registered bikes always have a direct affect upon the late model, true used machines. They need to be watched as they move through showrooms.
"With the clocks on British Summer Time and longer, warmer days ahead, we can expect showroom demand to increase sharply. With the Easter break comes the new race calendar and the start of the season proper. It is now when the used market really picks up, thankfully along with the workshop and accessory sales that boost turnover and cash flow levels as bikes are prepared for weekends, race track visits and holidays ahead.
"As previously reported, there hasn't been a dramatic fall in used values during the winter months. While retail values have been more flexible, buying prices have been firm, based on the individual model demand, condition and, importantly, history. Looking ahead, we expect to see ticket prices and values increase throughout the market.
"Most would accept that stock has been available to buy in recent weeks, though it certainly has to be worked for. With the increase in demand will come a greater number of buyers, both retail and trade, for what is still a limited pool of bikes out there.
"With a sustained period of growth in the new market will come a welcome increase in used product. There's currently still not enough clean, low mileage stock to meet demand across the trade, so values can only remain firm in the short to medium term."
MyCarCheck.com/Tradeprovides buyers and sellers with all the vehicle price data they need: ready to retail, trade, average, retail and Cat D. As a free bonus, it also provides the annual road tax cost and key DVLA information, including the make, model, colour, engine size, body style, fuel type and date of registration.
Simply enter a motorcycle, car or van registration and the vehicle's mileage to get an accurate valuation and additional information in an instant. Once signed up you can check as many vehicles as you like at no extra cost.
The MyCarCheck.com/Tradeteam includes:
Gavin Amoshas 15 years' experience in the used vehicle sector. After starting out at CAP he worked in several dealerships, progressing into management. He has hands-on experience of sourcing and disposing of stock, both to trade and retail customers.
David Hillspecialises in LCVs. He worked with Renault, LDV and Isuzu Trucks before spending 10 years as CAP's Light Commercial Vehicle Editor then 5 years as national used vehicle sales manager for Iveco. He joined CDL in 2011.
Rob Hobsonspecialises in motorbikes and scooters. After leaving a dealer role to launch CAP's Green Book, he worked in business development for Piaggio.
(Ends)
(Words = 740)
Notes To Editors
There is a "MyCarCheck_Trade" JPG to go with this.
MyCarCheck.com/Trade, MyCarCheck.com, MyMotorCycleCheck.com, MyTextCheck and the MyCarCheck apps are brands of CDL Vehicle Information Services, owned by CDL Group Holdings Ltd of Stockport, Cheshire.
CDL Vehicle Information Services is a member of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), the Consumer Credit Trade Association (CCTA), the Finance and Leasing Association (FLA), the Motor Asset Registration Service (MARS), the National Association of Motor Auctions (NAMA) and the Vehicle Remarketing Association (VRA).
For sales, contact the MyCarCheck.com/Tradeteam on 0844 482 1963.
For media enquiries, contact Neil Kennett on 07986 921 742.