“Motorcycles: European Market Briefs 2013-2014”. - Export.gov

U.S. Commercial Service Resource Guide for the European Motorcycle Industry
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IMPORT/EXPORT
France imports most of its motorcycles/scooters/mopeds from Italy and Japan for both
125 cc motorcycles. Japanese brands for 125 cc and > 125 cc units
represent approximately 50% of motorbike registrations. Other motorcycles are primarily
imported from other Western European countries, especially Germany and Austria.
Despite an 8% decrease in 2012 over 2011, Harley Davidson is registered as the 5th
foreign brand sold in France for >125 cc motorcycles with 8,066 units sold in 2012.
COMPETITION
Italy is by far the largest producer of motorcycles in Europe, followed by Germany and
Spain. Like Italy, Spain, and Germany, the production of motorcycles in France has
declined significantly in the past five years. The main motorcycle/moped manufacturers in
France are Peugeot and MBK.
The accessories and safety devices market in France is heavily reliant on imports,
primarily from European countries.
The motorbikes and bikers accessories market, through traditional distribution channels,
had estimated sales between 500 to 600 million euros in 2011, while the motorbikes and
bikers accessories sales via the Internet reached 31 billion euros. Some of the major
French distributors of motorcycle accessories include: Moto Expert, www.motoexpert.fr,
Speedway, www.speedway.fr, Dafy Moto, www.dafy-moto.com, and Tecno Globe,
www.tecnoglobe.com.
To be able to compete with European motorbikes and bikers accessories manufacturers,
U.S. manufacturers should consider building inventory in warehousing facilities based in
Europe. Most French distributors of this category of product typically make sales through
the Internet, requiring inventory availability in Europe to avoid international transportation
and customs costs.
BEST PROSPECTS
The French are particularly interested in scooters, and demand is higher than for its
European neighbors. Accordingly, there may be opportunity for U.S. scooter
manufacturers to partner with European entities, as there are few U.S. brands with a
strong presence in the market. Additionally, U.S. companies will find export opportunities
in the motorcycle/scooter accessories market for both the vehicle and rider.
TRADE EVENTS
*Salon de la Moto, Paris International Two-Wheel Show, December 3-8, 2013
http://www.lesalondelamoto.com/