Luc Jaguelin: we are only at the start of growth
In 2007, registrations of Sym and Derbi increased by + 111% and + 46%. Luc Jaguelin, director of Disalco Motors and Motana France (importers in France of these two brands), draws up the 2007 report for Site and reveals his 2008 objectives..
Site: What do you think of the general evolution of the two-wheeler market in 2007? ?
Luc Jaguelin, Managing Director of Disalco Motors and Motana France: As far as our brands are concerned, for the 125cc we have noticed a massive influx of motorists tired of traffic problems but also sensitive to the cost differential between 2 and 4 wheels. Oil prices and the current economic environment should further strengthen this trend.
M.-N.-C. : What is your assessment of your year? ?
L. J .: It’s hard not to be satisfied! Sym has become a brand that matters thanks to the richness of its range, but also the quality of the products and services that we provide. We are only at the start of growth. As for Derbi, the brand reacted very well and its new 125 cm3 range should be widely established on the market in 2008, in particular thanks to the Terra.
M.-N.-C. : What are the models whose sales have disappointed you and what was the cause ?
L. J .: Let’s say that each brand has its own legitimacy in some product families and not in others. This is the case for Derbi scooters which are struggling to find their place on the French market..
M.-N.-C. : In your opinion, have your new products for 2007 "fulfilled their contract" for their first year ?
L. J .: Totally, both for the Orbit 50 and 100 from Sym and the new 125 range from Derbi. We can only see a very strong start in sales.
M.-N.-C. : What was the good surprise 2007 ?
L. J .: Note that the Sym brand has become essential in the "scooter" landscape in France. There is always room for quality at the best price. Consumers quickly know how to see this and draw conclusions when shopping.
M.-N.-C. : What was the worst ?
L. J .: The lack of dynamism of the "big wheels" scooter. Obviously, only Italy and Spain are doing well with this type of scooter, while the use of large wheels in terms of comfort and handling is undeniable..
M.-N.-C. : In 2008, what will be your objectives in terms of sales, network, image and communication? ?
L. J .: 2008 will be for Sym the year of consolidation and growth. We have great ambitions on the French market thanks to a professional and structured network and also thanks to the quality of service that we provide.
M.-N.-C. : Has the Internet share of your business increased in 2007: official website, dealer websites, impact on sales of new and used vehicles, visibility, advertising ?
L. J .: Undoubtedly, in just a few years, the Internet showcase has taken a preponderant place in the capacity of instantaneous information to consumers. It is obviously a tool to which we now attach the greatest importance.
M.-N.-C. : What will be your major events in 2008: events, competitions, partnerships?
L. J .: For Derbi, the French GP at Le Mans where we are going to invite a certain number of customers. For Sym, we are going to increase the number of partnerships, in particular in the quad for the arrival of our new Quadraider 600.
M.-N.-C. : Why, unlike Vespa and Gilera, the Derbi brand is not directly managed by Piaggio in France ?
L. J .: We have been distributing Derbi for years in France with commercial success and a quality of service which are the basis of the brand’s success. Piaggio continues to trust us because the leaders of this large group are pragmatic people: they know very well that in this very specific niche of the 50 with box and the 125 "passion", we have very specific know-how. We have the best possible relations with Piaggio both in France and in Italy !
M.-N.-C. : In conclusion, which maxim would best illustrate your 2007 balance sheet ?
L. J .: 2007 was a great year for the Sym and Derbi brands. 2008 will be the year of confirmation and strengthening.
Interview by Matthieu BRETILLE
Related articles
-
Market reports – Luc Jaguelin: quality will always make the difference – Occasions DERBI SYM
Luc Jaguelin: quality will always make the difference In 2008, registrations of Sym and Derbi increased by + 10.1% and + 47.2%. Luc Jaguelin, director of…
-
Jean-Charles de Saint Pastou (Piaggio, Vespa, Gilera): this year we will celebrate ten years of MP3 With 6,450 registrations, Piaggio posted a decrease…
-
Market reports – Patrick Marchal: we didn’t expect to take 3rd place – KAWASAKI occasions
Patrick Marchal: we didn’t think we would take 3rd place With 18,822 registrations, Kawasaki posted an increase of 8.9% on the French motorcycle market….
-
Patrick Marchal: the hypersport market has suffered a lot in recent years Interviewed by Site, the sales director of Kawasaki Motors France (+ 21% and…
-
Jean-Charles Geneste: the counter-power of Internet users is a very good thing Interviewed by Site, Jean-Charles Geneste, Buell Brand Manager (+ 14.1% in…
-
Market reports – Piaggio: on an air of dolce vita – Occasions PIAGGIO
Piaggio: to an air of dolce vita Thanks to the success of the X8 and X9, which contributed to the 6.3% increase in sales, Piaggio took the lead in the…
-
Philippe Beziere: the part of the scooter is more and more preponderant With 5,830 registrations, MBK posted an increase of 0.2% on the French motorcycle…
-
Clement Villet (MBK): Evolis 125 and Tryptik have achieved their objectives With 2,662 registrations, MBK has made a jump of + 44% on the French…
-
Guillaume Chatillon: the 7-hour training acted as a barrier With 9,312 immates (excluding MP3 LT), Piaggio posted a drop of -14% on the French motorcycle…
-
Market reports – Neil Webster (MV Agusta): the Dragster RR surprised everyone – Occasions MV AGUSTA
Neil Webster (MV Agusta): the Dragster RR amazed everyone With 629 registrations, MV Agusta posted a jump of + 20.7% on the French motorcycle market….