UK Motorcycles Trade Groups Ask for Government’s Help

The decline of motorcycle sales in the UK have made advocacy and trade groups repeat their call for a motorcycle ‘Cash for Clunkers’ initiative. Registrations for October 2009 were 27 percent down on the same month in 2008, according to the latest figures issued by the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI), making it the 12th successive monthly fall.

Although some types of motorcycles, such as the naked and cruiser category weathered the economic slump better than others, sales appear to be impacted across the entire two-wheeled range.

The industry has therefore renewed its call for an incentive package in order to reverse this trend, just as it has happened in the automotive sector. According to the aforementioned groups, a properly-designed scheme would fuel the replacement of older, less fuel-efficient PTWs with lower-emitting vehicles carrying modern safety features.

“ The MCI remains optimistic that innovative and attractive new products, shortly to be showcased at the Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show," said Sheila Rainger, MCI spokesperson, "combined with the rising cost of alternatives - from the UK’s first £1000 rail fare, to the forecast rise in fuel prices over the winter - will in the long term encourage more people to switch to two wheels."

“However, the motorcycle industry also wants to see government, legislators, local authorities and transport planners viewing motorcycling as a serious and relevant alternative to the use of cars and public transport," Rainger notes, "PTWs are part of the solution to the problems of congestion and pollution and should not be ignored or treated as an afterthought. [Cash for Clunkers], is one scheme that could help to kickstart the market.”