Market reports – Pierre Audoin (Indian, Victory): the current reputation of Indian is a good surprise – Occasions INDIAN VICTORY

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Pierre Audoin (Indian, Victory): the current notoriety of Indian is a good surprise

Market reports - Pierre Audoin (Indian, Victory): the current reputation of Indian is a good surprise - Occasions INDIAN VICTORY

With 277 registrations, Victory posted a decrease of -12.6% while the new (re) comer Indian sold 274 motorcycles. Pierre Audoin, France manager of the two US brands, establishes their 2014 reports for Site and reveals their 2015 objectives.

Site: What do you think of the general evolution of the French motorcycle market in 2014? ?
Pierre Audoin, Indian and Victory manager for France: The market remains very complicated, but the segment in which we operate is doing quite well…

"Victory still suffers from a lack of notoriety"

MNC: What is your assessment of your brand? ?
P. A .: Indian’s first year was really perfect, with goals well exceeded. Victory still suffers from a lack of notoriety, but its quality image is slowly increasing and customer satisfaction is close to 100%. It will be long, but the signals are encouraging.

MNC: Which models have performed particularly well this year ?
P. A .: At Indian, the Vintage was the bestseller, because it truly represents the very essence of the brand. For Victory, things are changing because Cross Country is finally finding its audience, the "Bagger" fashion is finally starting to cross the Atlantic and the Magnum will arrive at the right time..

MNC: Who are those who have stayed behind? Why ?
P. A .: The Indian Classic is a little behind in the range, but the dealers who took the trouble to make some simple preparations sold them very well … Regarding Victory, products like the Jackpot or the Boardwalk which are customs un little radicals are a little behind…

MNC: How has your dealer network evolved this year ?
P. A .: The network has concentrated a bit, because the priority is involvement and profitability. It is better to have a few profitable and quality dealers than a larger number but less involved. The goal is to have the entire network on both brands. Today we have 21 dealers.

MNC: Did your new products for 2014 reach their commercial objectives? ?
P. A .: Yes really, because the big novelty was the rebirth of Indian and it is a real success very encouraging for the future. With the contribution this year from and to, we should confirm the trend. The second big innovation for our brands was the 5-year manufacturer’s warranty. Customers appreciate it very much and we are still the only ones in the market to offer such an argument.

"Our segment is up 10% and is approaching 9000 motorcycles"

MNC: What was the pleasant surprise of your 2014? And the less good ?
P. A .: The good surprise is that the Indian brand still resonates despite a shutdown in 1953 and its current notoriety is a real good surprise … The less good is that the modernity of Victory still has a little trouble. ‘impose. Many indicators are nevertheless encouraging.

MNC: In your opinion, what was the highlight of 2014 in the world of two-wheelers? ?
P. A .: For our part, it is undoubtedly the good performance of our segment of American motorcycles. Because if we consider the three brands, HD, Victory and Indian, the segment is up 10% and approaching 9,000 motorcycles. Today is the only segment in the two-wheeler that can boast of such results..

MNC: What are your good resolutions for the year 2015 ?
P. A .: Regarding the objectives, with the contribution of the Scout and the Roadmaster at Indian, the Gunner and the Magnum at Victory, we expect a volume increase of around + 30%. Regarding the network, we are going to work on quality and not on the number: a total of 25 dealers would be in line with our objectives and above all would provide very good profitability for the dealers. As such, we are integrating a new high-quality employee in the person of Jean-Philippe Guinand (ex Piaggio Group), who will be in charge of network monitoring. As far as communication is concerned, we will continue to innovate, as we did at the 24 Hours of Le Mans Auto in 2014. We are also setting up a large-scale Road Show and of course a very significant presence at the end of the year. during the Paris Salon…

"The steamroller is on its way"

MNC: What are your major events in 2015 ?
P. A .: A large customer gathering at the Punta Bagna in Valloire (73) on June 13, 14 and 15, a large-scale Road Show at most of our dealers, a strong presence at the Paris show as well as many other things…

MNC: To conclude, what Indian and Victory ordered from Santa this year ?
P. A .: Enough Indian Scout and Victory Gunner, both guaranteed for 5 years and offered at € 12,990 to satisfy all customers. But we are confident, because the Polaris group sees motorcycles as its most important growth opportunity. Just like what we have achieved in the quad and SSV sector, the road roller is on its way…

Interview by Matthieu BRETILLE

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