Market reports – First half of 2013: MBK market report – MBK occasions

First half of 2013: the market report of MBK

Market reports - First half of 2013: MBK market report - MBK occasions

MBK has just completed the first half of 2013 with a decline of -13% and has totaled 933 registrations. The sales director of the French brand, Clement Villet, delivers his impressions to Site and its readers. Balance sheet.

Site: To what do you attribute the drop in the motorcycle market in France in the first half of 2013 ?
Clement Villet (MBK Sales Director):
The economic context and the weather conditions of the last few months are very probably the two main reasons for the market decline. We estimate that the weather contributed 30 to 40% of this drop. The exceptionally bad weather is all the more regrettable as, despite a good start in July, we know from experience that the accumulated delay is difficult to make up for..

In the segments that concern us, regulatory changes have had an impact. The figures for the 125 cc market since the implementation of the 7-hour training speak for themselves … Regarding the 50 cc, it is very likely that the switch from BSR to AM license has played a role (50 cc market 1st half of 2013 compared to 2012: -17.8%). According to our dealers, the complication of the new procedures relating to obtaining the AM license is holding back some prospects. In heavy displacement, we expected professionals in our industry and training to talk more about automatic licensing. This new category is an opportunity for young players in the maxiscooters segment that we are !

"According to our dealers, the complication of the new procedures relating to obtaining the AM license (50 cc) is holding back some prospects"

MNC: For you, what is the highlight of this first half of the year? ?
C. V .:
For MBK, the major event was the introduction of our "One" range. Thanks to the new Booster One and Ovetto One, we are now able to offer a range of 50 cc scooters made in France accessible from € 1399. Available since April, these scooters have been very well received by our network and have already enabled us to reach new customer targets. Thanks to this new offer, we will be keen to bring new users to two-wheelers. We are particularly targeting young people and adults looking for a reliable and economical mobility tool, with basic functionalities but of good quality..

MNC: Regarding your activity, what is your assessment of your first six months of 2013? ?
C. V .:
We have globally fulfilled our mission in the different market segments we operate:

  • In 50 cc, the arrival of our One range allowed us to maintain our market share. This has even increased when we extract the very large volumes of scooters delivered to the Post Office. We are pleased to have helped ensure that the combined results of the MBK and Yamaha brands in the first half of 2013 allow the group to be at the forefront of sales of 50 cc in France for the moment. !

  • In 125, the conditions put in place on the Skycruiser range and the promotions offered for previous vintages enabled us to fall significantly less than the market and thus see our market share increase. We would like to thank our network which, from the start of the year, understood the importance of mobilizing to progress in 125 when our performance in this segment has tended to stagnate for several years..

  • Our presence in the maxiscooters segment is still too timid since the introduction of the Skycruiser 250 in 2012. We are impatiently awaiting the introduction of the Evolis 400 ABS which will allow us to make significant progress..
"Our presence in the maxiscooter segment is still too timid since the introduction of the Skycruiser 250 in 2012. We look forward to the introduction of the Evolis 400 ABS"

MNC: In general, how does the second semester look? ?
C. V .:
Despite the context, we are tackling this second half with impatience and optimism. We are impatient, because the Flipper will come to strengthen our 125 range and we are convinced that this scooter with a nice look and a very accessible price (1999 €) should allow us to support the growth of our 125 cc market share. We are also optimistic, because our "One" line is timely, as is our new line of electric bikes. Motorized two-wheeled mobility continues to evolve and MBK is more than ever willing to be present in all segments of the local mobility market..

MNC: What are your tools to face this difficult period ?
C. V .:
Even though times are tough, we are trying to follow the direction we have set for ourselves without falling into the panic that such market downturns could cause. The market is undoubtedly changing and, even if the needs and practices of our customers change, it is imperative that we prepare and help restart the market. The resources currently put by our group in the development of new products to come are a strong and reassuring signal. !

Interview by Matthieu BRETILLE

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