Market reports – Claude Engler: becoming a major player in the 125 GT segment in the short term – KYMCO second hand

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Claude Engler: to become a major player in the 125 GT segment in the short term

Market reports - Claude Engler: becoming a major player in the 125 GT segment in the short term - KYMCO second hand

With 4,206 registrations in 2008, Kymco posted a 24.9% increase in the French motorcycle market. Claude Engler, Kymco Lux market analyst, establishes for Site the 2008 balance sheet of the Taiwanese brand and reveals its 2009 objectives.

Site: What do you think about the general development of the two-wheeler market in 2008? ?
Claude Engler, market analyst at Kymco Lux: For the markets that interest us directly (50 and 125 scooters, scooters over 125, quads and SSVs), although contrasted in some respects, we have good reason to learn some satisfaction and lessons. This will naturally require us to be vigilant and anticipate in the months to come, in order to make better progress in 2009.

Our solid values ​​such as the Grand Dink demonstrate great vitality which strengthens the credit of the Kymco brand to become, in the short term, a major player in the 125 GT segment.

M.-N.C. : What is your assessment of your year in 125 and over? ?
C. E .: In 125, we are progressing by 28.7%. In terms of volumes, we are not yet at the place we are targeting. However, our solid values ​​like the Grand Dink demonstrate great vitality which strengthens the credit of the Kymco brand to become, in the short term, a major player in the 125 GT segment. Notably with new products presented in Milan, eagerly awaited by the network and our loyal customers. In addition to 125, the volumes remain in our opinion still too confidential. The XCiting 250, 300 and 500, whose qualities are indisputable, are not sufficiently known by potential users. To overcome this small lack of notoriety, actions will be taken.

M.-N.C. : Are you fully satisfied with the results of your best sales: Grand Dink 125 and Agility ?
C. E .: The satisfaction is there. With the Grand Dink, of course, but also with the excellent Agility City available in 50 and 125, which completely redefined the aesthetics of large wheel scooters. This is a new benchmark and the network and customers are not mistaken.

M.-N.C. : Which models have you been disappointed with in sales? ?
C. E .: Strictly speaking, there was no real disappointment. At most, less recent vehicles at the end of the cycle. The expected volumes have been made.

M.-N.C. : In your opinion, did your new 2008 products pass their first year? ?
C. E .: Undoubtedly, especially since we can consider that the first deliveries from the factory were a little late in view of the seasonality.

M.-N.C. : What do you think was the highlight of 2008 in the world of two-wheelers? ?
C. E .: The start of an overhaul of brand networks, induced by the economic environment.

In terms of distribution, Kymco’s extremely dominant position on the Italian market gives an idea of ​​the development potential in Europe.

M.-N.C. : What is Kymco’s situation at European and global scales ?
C. E .: In terms of distribution, Kymco’s extremely dominant position on the Italian market gives an idea of ​​the development potential in Europe. Its technical partnerships with other large groups will further contribute to strengthening the brand’s influence on the world stage.

M.-N.C. : How is the Agility 50 cc doing in the moped market? And on the maxi scooter side, when the MyRoad 700 will land in France ?
C. E .: The Agility range displays good health. Without a stock shortage during the first half of 2008, the three flagship Premium, MMC and Duo Color would have achieved the same volumes as in 2007. The MyRoad is at the forefront of the maxi scooter category. Beyond the technological advances it will offer, this new model will represent a major challenge for the Kymco plant and a major event for its future development and increased credibility with professionals and their customers. Therefore, one can understand a certain impatience regarding the announcement of the "landing" in question.

Beyond the technological advances it will offer, the MyRoad 700 will represent a major challenge for the Kymco plant and a major event for its development.

M.-N.C. : How were your 2009 novelties received by your network and by all bikers ?
C. E .: Not only have they been well received by our distributors, but they are now eagerly awaited. Which already induces a proven interest of potential customers.

M.-N.C. : What are your goals in 2009 ?
C. E .: We plan to make progress in virtually all of the segments where our range operates: 50 scooters, 125 scooters, more than 125 scooters, 125 motorcycles and quads. Particular attention will be paid to the launch of new products. This also implies a particularly thoughtful treatment of image and communication.

We are not yet efficient enough on the Internet and this is one of the priority projects for 2009

M.-N.C. : Did the Internet share in your business increase in 2008 ?
C. E .: We are not yet performing well enough in this area and this is one of the priority projects for 2009. As much as our professional site is unanimously recognized by the profession, our general public site requires a complete overhaul. The development in our new premises has delayed us a bit in our projects, which are advanced. We will be ready very soon.

M.-N.C. : What will be your major events in 2009 ?
C. E .: The difficulties are what they are. This is to tell you that our intention is to overcome this factual situation. Without being able to reveal our projects to you yet, one thing is certain: our event, promotional and institutional communication will not be behind.

M.-N.C. : What do you think of the new compulsory three-hour training course for holders of the B license who wish to taste the joys of 125 ?
C. E .: Basically, this seems good because the handling of a two-wheeler requires the acquisition of road behavior reflexes that one does not naturally have when one comes from an exclusively automotive training. On the form, it would have been better to offer incentives, like what can be found to boost car sales.

We are sensitive to the proven will of the organizers of the World Cup to change the formula

M.-N.C. : Will 2009 be the year of the crisis ?
C. E .: It will certainly be a difficult year for many, but as far as the professional world in which we are developing is concerned, it will not necessarily be more terrible than the years when the motorcycle markets have suffered notably.

M.-N.C. : How do you approach the 2009 "New Formula" World of Two Wheels ?
C. E .: We are sensitive to the proven desire of the organizers to change the formula.

M.-N.C. : In conclusion, which maxim would best illustrate your 2008 balance sheet ?
C. E .: Another big step towards achieving our ambitions.

Interview by Matthieu BRETILLE – Photos DR

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