AMID 2022 Report
As we rapidly heads towards the end of the year, we have a relatively clear picture of what the market will look like in respect of 2022. Based on YTD September 2022 sales and considering that December is always a low sales month, a forecast of 30 000 new units is feasible. This will be a healthy increase of 14.7% on comparative 2021, which in turn was up 26% on 2020. However, not every segment is doing well.
Segment performance varies from between -30% to +49% with the higher priced leisure segments leading this negative trend. For the first time in four years the Leisure 250 to 500cc segment is showing growth, which is promising. It must however be said that numerous Brands experienced stock shortages throughout the year, and not all was micro-chip related. ATV and Side by Side sales are flat year on year. The commercial motorcycle segment continues to grow in a healthy manner. Anecdotal evidence suggests that if more commercial riders were available, growth could be even higher. As approximately 95% of commercial riders are estimated to have foreign passports, this most certainly presents a low-cost opportunity to employment of South African citizens.
Electric motorcycles and 3 wheelers form a statistically insignificant portion of the market. Nonetheless sales doubled during 2022 compared to 2021.Perhaps an indication of the ever-increasing interest in EV. Interestingly, electric bicycles are busy penetrating the “last mile” delivery space.
Used motorcycle sales are down 4% on 2021, but viewed over a 6-year period, annual used sales remain at a +/- 45 000 unit p.a. level, which makes 2022 more or less in line.
The industry remains cautiously optimistic to end 2022 off at a reasonable level. Manufacturers remain positive that the growth pattern will continue in 2023 and beyond.
Issued by Arnold Olivier, National Director, AMID
