Market reports – Neil Webster (MV Agusta): the Dragster is a real success – Occasions MV AGUSTA

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Neil Webster (MV Agusta): the Dragster is a real success

Market reports - Neil Webster (MV Agusta): the Dragster is a real success - Occasions MV AGUSTA

With 521 registrations, MV Agusta posted a drop of -27.2% on the French motorcycle market. Neil Webster, manager of MV Agusta France, establishes for Site the 2014 balance sheet of the Italian brand and reveals its objectives for 2015. Interview.

Site: What do you think of the general evolution of the French motorcycle market in 2014? ?
Neil Webster, manager of MV Agusta France: The market is finally stabilized but still complicated. Many manufacturers are trying to maintain their volumes with strong promotions more or less disguised. Truly high-end brands secure their performance.

MNC: What is your assessment of your brand? ?
N. W.: In France, 2014 was a year of transition for MV Agusta. In order to better serve our customers and our dealers, we have recently had a real subsidiary, a new competent team (read, NDLR), a reinforced range, on-site after-sales service and a new strong partner with AMG (read, NDLR).

MNC: Which models have performed particularly well this year ?
N. W.: The is a real success since its release. A motorcycle so typified by its design and its driving character has proven itself in an already saturated roadster market. We will continue on this path with the and .

MNC: Who are those who have stayed behind? Why ?
N. W.: Large-capacity sports motorcycles are on the decline. Medium displacement motorcycles are more affordable in terms of price and performance. But our and have become myths in the history of the motorcycle and some customers still seek exclusivity and thrills.

MNC: The French 100 horsepower law will end in 2016. Do you expect sales of powerful motorcycles to fall in 2015? ?
N. W.: This will depend on the measures taken in terms of retroactivity on the unlocking of motorcycles. If customers are informed as early as possible that their 2015 motorcycles will indeed be unlockable in 2016 without excessive additional costs, this will not slow down trade. Otherwise, it will be a problem for them and for professionals (valuation of opportunities).

"We are looking for partners in Lyon, Montpellier, Biarritz and in the west of Paris"

MNC: How has your dealer network evolved this year ?
N. W.: In 2014, we started a lot of work on the quality of our French network that we are continuing this year. We don’t want too many dealers, but quality dealers with a consistent network. For example, we are looking for partners in Lyon, Montpellier, Biarritz and in the west of Paris.

MNC: Did your new products for 2014 reach their commercial objectives? ?
N. W.: The Dragster even exceeded our expectations, which sometimes created delays in delivery for our customers. We are quite ambitious about our new products presented at the end of 2014:, and .

MNC: What was the pleasant surprise of your 2014? And the less good ?
N. W.: The interest of a large group like Mercedes-Benz / AMG for a relatively small company like MV Agusta. The spans are very different, but the product types and visions are very convergent! Another good news was at the Magny-Cours Superbike. What a race !

"MV Agusta’s second place in the Supersport World Championship for a first year is a great sign for us!"

MNC: In your opinion, what was the highlight of 2014 in the world of two-wheelers? ?
N. W.: At the sporting level, the is extraordinary, well done! And MV Agusta’s second place in for a first year is an excellent sign for us !

MNC: What are your good resolutions for the year 2015 ?
N. W.: We will continue our development plan started in 2014: ensure the establishment of our, support our dealers and partners, work on the satisfaction of our customers and place the brand in its natural position in France. !

MNC: What are your major events in 2015 ?
N. W.: In France, we want to be more present at major events in order to get closer to our customers. We will therefore be at the Sunday Ride Classic, at the Cafe Racer Festival, at Magny-Cours to support Jules Cluzel in October, etc..

MNC: To conclude, what MV Agusta ordered from Santa Claus this year ?
N. W.: In fact, it was Santa Claus who ordered an MV Agusta !

Interview by Matthieu BRETILLE

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