Market reports – Patrick Lelabour (Sym): we are satisfied with our results in terms of market share – Occasions SYM

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Patrick Lelabour (Sym): we are satisfied with our results in terms of market share

Market reports - Patrick Lelabour (Sym): we are satisfied with our results in terms of market share - Occasions SYM

With 3,229 registrations, Sym posted a decline of -2.1% on the French motorcycle market. Patrick Lelabour, Managing Director Sym France, establishes for MNC the 2012 balance sheet of the Taiwanese brand and unveils its 2013 objectives. Interview.

Site: What do you think of the general evolution of the French motorcycle market in 2012? ?
Patrick Lelabour, Managing Director Sym France: 2012 was a difficult year, marked by an economic crisis. This has led to changes in the consumption mode of the end customer, who is more cautious about the purchase or renewal of a motorized two-wheeler..

MNC: What is your assessment of your year? ?
P. L .: Despite a difficult context, we increased our market share compared to 2011, all sectors combined. On the 50cc market, Sym maintains its position and significantly increases its market share compared to 2011. On the 125cc market, which has fallen by -18.3% in volume since January 2012, Sym only saw its volume decrease by 1%. Our satisfaction is all the greater as our market shares on the 125cc market have increased compared to 2011. Finally, on the + 125cc market, our maxi scooters have also performed well, with an increase in volume and growing market share. These results are linked to good listening to the market and our customers, but also to a solid network that we thank for their trust and professionalism..

MNC: Are you fully satisfied with the results of your best sales ?
P. L .: The category of GT scooters is indeed the one that shows the best results at Sym in 2012. The reasons for these successes can be multiple: the novelty aspect for the new generation of GTS, the quality / price ratio of our vehicles that more and more more consumers are seeing the excellent feedback from the press following the tests carried out, with the 3-year or 100,000 km warranty. Our GT class includes six models: GTS 125 Evo, GTS 125 Evo i, GTS 125 EFI 2012, GTS 300 Evo i, GTS 300 EFI 2012 and Maxsym 400 i / ABS.

MNC: Which models have you been disappointed with in sales and what was the cause ?
P. L .: The vehicle that did not meet the objectives is the Tonik. It is a more masculine version of the Mio and, in view of the success met by the latter, we were hoping for better results on the Tonik 50 and 125. Unfortunately, it did not meet the expected success due to its small size, not rewarding enough for a male clientele.

MNC: Immates are not everything: how would you qualify your balance sheet? ?
P. L .: …

MNC: How do you analyze the second-hand market? How important is it today within your network ?
P. L .: The second-hand market is a market which, in difficult economic times, is growing in importance and towards which many individuals are moving. There can indeed be very good deals on the second-hand market and this is a real source of savings for the end customer. For our network, this is also a good thing because the opportunity is no longer seen as a little extra at the end of the month but has a real place in the activity of our network. There is therefore a real complementarity between the new and used markets and this is beneficial to everyone..

MNC: In your opinion, did your 2012 novelties pass their first year? ?
P. L .: We are fully satisfied with the results of our new GTS EFI 125cc and 300cc, which do not replace but complement the existing GTS. Thus, the GTS range now consists of five vehicles: three GTS 125 and two GTS 300. Press feedback on the two new GTS EFIs is very satisfactory. The network for its part was impatiently awaiting these novelties and customer feedback is excellent. We therefore look forward to 2013 to see if the trend is confirmed..

MNC: What was the good surprise 2012 ?
P. L .: The Wolf 125. Indeed, in a market increasingly neglected in favor of the scooter, the Wolf 125 achieves a good performance with 238 units sold..

MNC: What was the worst ?
P. L .: The Euro / Dollar parity and the increase in raw material costs that forced us to increase the price of the new GTS.

MNC: In your opinion, what was the highlight of 2012 in the world of two-wheelers? ?
P. L .: …

MNC: How were your new products for 2013 received by your network and by all bikers ?
P. L .: We are waiting for the JPMS in Lyon in February to present one of our new products for 2013, the Wolf 250 SBi. Originally, the Wolf 250SBi was not intended for the French market, but we note that the latter could have its place in the big cities of France, many being those moving towards this type of displacement for urban use. . In addition, the new motorcycle license reforms open a door to mid-size motorcycles..

MNC: What are your objectives for 2013 ?
P. L .: The year 2013 is for us a year of perseverance. Our 2012 results in terms of market share have satisfied us and we will continue our efforts and our support with our network so that 2013 will be even better and that the Sym brand gains recognition with the end customer..

MNC: What are your major events for 2013 ?
P. L .: Our major meeting in this first quarter remains the JPMS. We are also in negotiations regarding our participation in the Paris Scooter Show, Porte de Sèvres, from April 5 to 7, 2013.

MNC: In conclusion, which maxim would best illustrate your 2012 balance sheet? ?
P. L .: Better to be optimistic and be wrong than pessimist and be right.

Interview by Matthieu BRETILLE

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