Market reports – Antoine Coulon (Kawasaki): we ran out of Versys 650 and 1000 – Used KAWASAKI

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Antoine Coulon (Kawasaki): we ran out of Versys 650 and 1000

Market reports - Antoine Coulon (Kawasaki): we ran out of Versys 650 and 1000 - Used KAWASAKI

With 11,483 registrations, Kawasaki posted a drop of -1.9% on the French motorcycle market. Antoine Coulon, Kawasaki France marketing and press manager, draws up his 2015 report for Site and reveals his objectives for 2016. Interview.

Site: Do you consider that the announcement of the end of the law of 100 horses had a negative effect on the market in general and on your results in particular? ?
Antoine Coulon, Kawasaki France marketing and press manager: The announcement of the could have effectively made buyers wait-and-see. Ultimately, the effect will have been neutral for the market. With regard to our numbers in particular, we had forecast a light year in supplying ZX-10R. Indeed we are already in the process of delivering them (so in 210 hp configuration with Ram Air System).

MNC: On the contrary, will it boost activity in 2016? ?
A. C .: Yes, we believe that a positive effect will be visible on the 2016 figures, and very probably 2017. For more than 30 years, the French versions (all brands combined) were restricted. A large number of bikers are impatient to regain the approval of their engine in the original version..

MNC: Can the Paris Motor Show at the end of 2015 also stimulate the market at the start of the year? ?
A. C .: The is a wonderful showcase for builders. Our fans love to come and discover and touch the novelties. The or even the virtual animations (tour of the circuit of Portimao in ZX-10R) were very successful. However in terms of pure sales, the "post-show" years (and for example) are not traditionally stronger than the other years..

MNC: How do you interpret the current success of "neo-retro" motorcycles? ?
A. C .: Interest in these motorcycles has actually grown over the past few seasons. We were the first to take an interest in this subject with the in 1999. We worked on a concept of a complete "Vintage" range for the Japanese market with, TR 250, W400 and. Vintage is today a fundamental movement which also affects the automobile, fashion, watchmaking, music, interior architecture … A certain nostalgia, coupled with a very popular "hipster" movement, have greatly influenced R&D and designers.

MNC: What is your opinion on the ban on motorcycles before 2000 in Paris from this summer? ?
A. C .: This is particularly unfair to the bikers concerned. If these users go to work by car tomorrow, they will further increase the volume of traffic jams and rejections.

MNC: How do you feel about the overall evolution of the French motorcycle market in 2015? ?
A. C .: A positive development (even slight) is always appreciable. The surprising mildness of the month of undoubtedly contributed to this good end of the year.

MNC: What is your assessment of your brand? ?
A. C .: The year has been satisfactory from an overall point of view. All neighboring European markets regained growth in 2015. We hope that France will follow this trend with a little time lag..

MNC: Which models have performed particularly well this year?
A. C .: Our two bestsellers, and, continue to enjoy a very successful commercial career. Les and also have very good results in their respective segments.

MNC: Who are those who have stayed behind? Why ?
A. C .: The made less than 150 units. It is disappointing considering the intrinsic qualities of the bike. This is explained by the small size of the 600 Supersport market and by the anticipation of the. However the 636 was not unworthy and it finished ahead of its two main competitors. Plus she’s once again with Kenan Sofuoglu.

MNC: Did your new products for 2015 reach their commercial objectives? ?
A. C .: Yes, and some have even done better than that! We unfortunately ran out of and even more. We had tripled supplies but demand was even higher than that.

MNC: What was the pleasant surprise of your 2015? And the less good ?
A. C .: The good surprise was the one that first impressed the test journalists with his dynamism and his playful side. Under the guise of "Power Cruiser Light", it turned out to be as playful as a roadster of equivalent displacement. Sales were then very quickly satisfactory.

MNC: According to you, what was the highlight of 2015 in the world of two-wheelers? ?
A. C .: Two sporting events marked us. On the one hand, the incredible, and on the other hand the dream season of, who dominated the World SBK by head and shoulders. On the product side, the arrival of the has had a phenomenal impact. This machine is the most powerful production motorcycle in motorcycle history. It further strengthens our DNA: performance, sensations, design, exclusivity…

MNC: What are your good resolutions for 2016 ?
A. C .: In terms of figures, we are starting with sales volumes and market share ambitions identical to 2015. Our objectives are to continue to support our efforts to achieve even greater quality of service. Our customers are more and more demanding and we must constantly improve our services delivered.

MNC: What are your major events in 2016 ?
A. C .: We are leaving for a very good year of Road Show in all of France. We are organizing road trip days on June 5 in all the concessions in France, then in the Pyrenees (June 10, 11, 12) and the Alps (June 24, 25, 26). We also invite our fans to come to Le Mans (April 25) and Le Castellet (May 3).

MNC: To conclude, what Kawasaki ordered from Santa Claus this year ?
A. C .: Quickly applicable measures !

Interview by Matthieu BRETILLE

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