Market reports – First half of 2014: Kawasaki market report – Pre-owned KAWASAKI

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First half of 2014: Kawasaki’s market report

Market reports - First half of 2014: Kawasaki market report - Pre-owned KAWASAKI

Kawasaki has just completed the first half of 2014 with an increase of + 5.2% with 7,580 registrations. The marketing manager of the Japanese brand in France, Antoine Coulon, gives his impressions to Site readers. Review and interview.

Site: The French motorcycle market is on the rise again in … Is it thanks to good weather, new products, dealers, demo vehicle registrations, poor scores from previous years ?!
Antoine Coulon (Kawasaki France marketing and press relations manager) : Time is of course the paramount parameter. The sun makes you want to ride and why not change your mount. The had been especially rainy, while the was incredibly mild. The purchases were therefore made in advance. Then, and were less euphoric. We anticipate a total 2014 market fairly close to .

MNC: For you, what is the highlight of this first half of the year? ?
A. C. : A highlight was the enthusiasm of our new customers for ABS. Historically, sales of a model with ABS were around 20% of the total volume. This year, this proportion has increased sharply. Motorcycle schools themselves have ordered ABS vehicles and now speak differently. The initial additional cost (from 600 €) is found when the vehicle is resold in. In addition, these vehicles are rarer and sell faster. The safety gain is therefore very important for a very low financial effort at the end of the race..

MNC: Regarding Kawasaki, what is your assessment of your first six months of 2014? ?
A. C. : What marks us is of course the excellent start of new products. The was praised by all the press for its consistency and elegance. We have already registered more than 250 units since January alone. This is a good performance within a segment 250Z1000SX (second generation launched last December) remains the benchmark of the Sportivo-GT segment. It is very versatile and now has traction control and "modes" on the handlebars. Its new rack-less luggage is very popular with those who want a practical and beautiful motorcycle. Finally, its engine, which is both strong at the bottom and angry at the top, is a real treat. To finish with the new products, the goes even further in terms of style. She’s radical, she’s extreme and that’s why we love her! Since the beginning of the 2000s, Kawasaki has decided to recruit the best designers in order to surprise and seduce bikers in a different way. We have been imitated a lot, but we will keep our leadership in terms of style.

In addition, we are witnessing two very beautiful! First in the "small roadster" category, the took over the fundamentals of our: a vertical twin, light and playful. We remain very well placed, especially in the chassis with comfortable and efficient suspensions at the same time. In addition, the proven reliability of the "Kawette" for several years is also a huge strength for customers who choose us. Second in the "mid-size" category,. Here again we have a healthy and homogeneous chassis which is much appreciated. Finally, the modern yet sexy design of the Z800 is very popular with our younger customers. The line of a motorcycle is almost always the first reason for choosing a machine.

In conclusion, the competition is fierce but we are competitors and this is all very stimulating! To finish on a sporting touch, let us point out that during this first semester we won for the third consecutive time the. This series is in addition to the last four which have also been won by a Kawasaki. We are very happy to be able to demonstrate the quality of our motorcycles through all these events. Four brands are present and the level is very high. "Two clock towers" under full load, this is the best way to explain how our motorcycles are efficient and reliable !

MNC: How is your second semester going? ?
A. C. : Very well. We are already preparing for the autumn fairs Intermot-Cologne and Eicma-Milan. Stay tuned, because our engineers and designers have still worked very hard … You might be surprised !

MNC: Finally, lowering speed limits on the roads make you fear a decrease in the attraction of the French for motorcycles and scooters? ?
A. C. : Do not cry before it hurts. Nothing has been done to date. The motorcycle will always remain a formidable tool of freedom. The emotions felt on the handlebars are unique and inimitable. We always have the possibility of having fun on two-wheelers whatever the displacement and the road. We remain resolutely passionate and optimistic regardless of adversity !

Interview by Matthieu BRETILLE

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