Market reports – Jean-Luc L’Hermine (Kymco): a mixed report – KYMCO occasions

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Jean-Luc L’Hermine (Kymco): it’s a mixed record

Market reports - Jean-Luc L'Hermine (Kymco): a mixed report - KYMCO occasions

With 3,366 registrations, Kymco posted a decline of -16.8% on the French motorcycle market. Jean-Luc L’Hermine, commercial director of Kymco Lux, establishes for Site the 2012 balance sheet of the brand and reveals his objectives for 2013. Interview.

Site: What do you think of the general evolution of the French motorcycle market in 2012? ?
Jean-Luc L’Hermine, Kymco Lux sales director: First of all, before starting this interview, allow me, on behalf of the entire Kymco team, to wish you and your entire team, as well as the loyal Internet users, our best wishes in this news. year. Unfortunately, as everyone knows, the two-wheeler market is in decline and we cannot be happy about it. The 600 and 1000 roadster market has a considerable impact on the profession. The 125 market is also down (-16.8%), which is worrying. Although the offer is important, the customers are not there: impact of training 125 or economic crisis? Definitely both … Today we have to adapt and create demand.

MNC: What is your assessment of your year in 125 and large cubes? ?
J-L. L .: It is a mixed result when reading the registrations, but we are in the Top 10 of the reference brands (all displacements combined, 12th among the "125 cc and more", Editor’s note). It’s a great development for Kymco. In 50 cc, we show a decrease of -27% (8,141 registrations), placing us in fourth position in the ranking by make. It is important to note that in 2011, we made sales to La Poste (3,747 units), and in 2012 we only delivered 602 units (or 3,145 units less). If we remove these registrations, to have a real view of the market, the result is -1.19%, which is an acceptable performance given the current economic situation with a 50 cc market which shows a drop of -9, 73%. We can therefore observe satisfactory results and we warmly thank our network, which has been able to support us and give the maximum to maintain our market share. In 125cc (-16.8% for the global market), we show a decrease of -22.2%, which is unfortunately disappointing in this difficult market. However, we have maintained correct volumes with promotional actions in our network. We certainly missed a few new things, despite the arrival of G-Dink which did not find its customers. In "more than 125 cc", we are taking advantage of the only current dynamic segment to make an increase of + 14.29%, even if this represents small volumes. In addition, in quads, in a market down -13.7%, Kymco achieved a good performance with + 6% and a market share of nearly 19% thanks in particular to the arrival of the Green Line Series (combining quality, equipment and competitive price) meeting the needs of the current market. Thanks again to our network for their involvement and their actions in the field.

MNC: Are you fully satisfied with the results of your bestsellers: Dink Street 125 and 300, Dink 125 and Like ?
J-L. L .: The performance of the Like 125 is up to our expectations. On the other hand, we have noticed that Dink Street is running out of steam, in particular due to a highly competitive offer..

MNC: Which models have you been disappointed with in sales and why ?
J-L. L .: The G-Dink (replacing the Grand Dink) could not find its audience, although it is a very good scooter. You only have to read the many press articles that have appeared … It is indeed a disappointment.

MNC: Immates are not everything: how would you qualify your balance sheet? ?
J-L. L .: Kymco Lux has adapted its structure to the market, while continuing to invest in communication and marketing to highlight our complete range and our network.

MNC: How do you analyze the second-hand market? How important is it today within your network ?
J-L. L .: It is very important for our network, especially in the current economic context. The used vehicle remains, in our eyes, one of the main sources of profitability / Our network must continue to focus on it.

MNC: In your opinion, did your 2012 novelties pass their first year? ?
J-L. L .: The late arrival of the My Road 700 does not allow us today to draw a conclusion. The Quad MXU 550 i EX on the other hand, with its sales volumes, fully meets our expectations.

MNC: What was the good surprise 2012 ?
J-L. L .: Our arrival in the maxiscoot segment, which is promising, and thanks to which we are present in all motorized two-wheeler segments.

MNC: What was the worst ?
J-L. L .: The motorized two-wheeler market is declining, with brands no longer able to capture a young clientele, thus penalizing all segments.

MNC: In your opinion, what was the highlight of 2012 in the world of two-wheelers? ?
J-L. L .: The most striking fact is unfortunately the evolution of the two-wheeler market, heralding profound changes, but where we can observe a dazzling growth of the segment "scooter over 125 cc", which is one of the elements to be addressed. 2012 and which we can rejoice.

MNC: How were your new products for 2013 received by your network and by all bikers ?
J-L. L .: Our network is very impatient to receive the first novelty of the year: the K-XCT 125, end of February 2013.

MNC: What are your objectives for 2013 ?
J-L. L .: Our 2013 objective is to progress in 125 cc with the arrival of our new K-XCT scooter. One of our priorities is to work on the development of our network in terms of quality, image and profitability. It is an essential axis for our future as a brand. Kymco must be able to rely on a professional and quality network, it is the only one able to support our development in the region..

MNC: What are your major events for 2013 ?
J-L. L .: Successful launch of our new products, in February for the K-XCT 125 and a little later for another model … It is very important for us to support our network on a daily basis, the notion of partnership must be reinforced and a priority . Of course, we will be present at the Salon du deux-Roues in Paris at the end of the year..

MNC: In conclusion, which maxim would best illustrate your 2012 balance sheet? ?
J-L. L .: As our Taiwanese President Leon Wu would say, "Hello Kymco, Hello tomorrow!" It’s loaded with promises …. 2012 is ending, we are already focused on 2013.

Interview by Matthieu BRETILLE

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