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Category: Motorcycle Industry Association
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The Motorcycle Industry Association (MCI) has today announced its intention its launch the eMCI, a 'partner' Association of the MCI, which will proactively promote and develop a positive market and political environment for the UK's embryonic but highly significant alternative powered two wheeler (e-PTW) sector. The official launch will take place during May 2011.
The new grouping, called the e-MCIA (to be known as eMCI), is born from developing contacts with new players in the ePTW sector, coupled with increasing interest in alternative powered technologies from existing major manufacturers. A recently published MCI report on the potential of electric motorcycles as part of a UK low carbon transport strategy, revealed a need for industry to act in a positive way.
The report, titled 'Report on the Sector and Opportunities for Realising Government Objectives' was written in response to the omission of e-PTW's from the recent electric transport initiative called the 'Plug in Grant'. A key objective of the report is to brief Government on the potential for ePTW and to illustrate why is makes sense to include ePTW's in the 'Plugged in Car Grant' framework.
The report highlighted significant opportunities for the sector, such as the creation of 'ePTW city plans' and the MCI's aim of helping ensure that these opportunities are fully embraced and exploited as the industry continues to evolve as new alternative power technologies develop.
A recent Parliamentary Question (Zak Goldsmith 28th Feb) revealed that the ePTW sector currently comprises 43% of the entire fledgling electric vehicle sector. This dwarfs the e-cars sector which despite publicity and Government support comprises only 21% of the electric vehicle sector. These market figures reveal a clear potential for ePTW.
Steve Kenward, MCI CEO, said; "Despite the current low numbers of ePTWs being sold, the indications are that this sector will experience significant growth over the next few years. Socio/political pressure and environmental concerns are painting a clear road map to the future of transport and transport policy, so it is vital that the ePTW sector benefits from specific support from the established UK industry Association, in order to ensure that both new and existing ePTW players can maximise market and public policy opportunities as the motorcycle product offering evolves. This is why we are launching eMCI as a specific platform for the alternative powered sector."
Initial research has revealed that support for a new Association is significant and the eMCI project team will be contacting further key players in the ePTW sector over the coming weeks, inviting them to the first meeting of the group. It is anticipated that membership of the group will expand quickly as business engages the ePTW sector. Government departments and a number of MPs have also expressed interest in the new initiative.
The role of the group will be to help create a single voice for the ePTW sector in the UK, both in addressing the many technical challenges faced in developing a viable low carbon transport infrastructure, and also the perception and image of ePTW's as a genuine low impact urban transport option. It is envisaged that the eMCI will also draw membership and advice from key technology and infrastructure providers in addition to manufacturers, importers and related businesses.
The MCI believes that the creation of the eMCI will give the ePTW sector appropriate support, to enable it to evolve into a strong and influential player in the development of a UK wide low carbon transport strategy, with its own voice and identity within the wider industry.
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As British Summer Time starts, with the clock change at the weekend, so does the unofficial beginning of the riding season, as we all benefit from the longer, lighter days and warmer weather.
There are about 1.3 million licensed motorcycles in Great Britain, which according to the latest Government statistics were ridden over 5 billion kilometres at the last count.
As riders prepare for the warmer weather it is important that bikes and scooters that have been locked up over the Winter are also fully prepared for the roads.
Preparing for a season of riding requires riders to undertake a thorough inspection of their bike, and we would recommend that inspection be carried out by one of the country's network of dealers.
Kit should be checked as the spring opens up many more opportunities whether riding for purely pleasure or practical purposes.
Bike Preparation - This will depend on what you did prior to putting your bike in storage. However, over the winter months bad weather can cause some problems so it is important that you give your bike a number of checks, such as looking for corrosion, checking the oil and brake fluid and brake pads.
Get in touch with your nearest dealer as mentioned, get them to check out your bike as the season begins. Be ready to enjoy safe riding, always remembering that regular maintenance is essential and will also help to prolong the life of your motorcycle
Washing and applying a fresh coat of wax to your bike not only keeps it looking good, it can also prevent rust and corrosion.
Kit - In addition to your bike, you should give your motorbike gear and any specialist clothing some careful attention. If you've just pulled out a helmet you wore years ago or have been wearing the same one for a few years check that it's still safe enough and have a chat with your local supplier. If it has been stored in sunlight, the lining is compressed, the strap is stretched or frayed or the visor is scratched it's probably time to buy yourself a new one.
There are plenty of alternatives to leathers too. You can now get jeans reinforced with Kevlar and similar materials. Whether you go for leathers or textiles, look out for armour at vulnerable points like knees, hips, elbows and shoulders. It should be CE approved. Again try the Get On website at www.geton.co.uk/kit.
Get On - Anyone who is interested in enjoying all of the cost-saving benefits of a bike or scooter can dip their toe into the world of bikes with a free one-hour taster session with a local trainer
Steve Kenward CEO of the MCI said "Getting on a bike as the warmer weather approaches brings many benefits to the individual and other road users. It is a fun leisure activity that brings together people from all walks of life as well as providing a cost-effective commuting alternative.
Anyone who hasn't got a licence, but is interested in life on two wheels can now have the chance to have a FREE one-hour experience as part of the industry's Get On campaign"
For more information about life on two wheels and choosing your motorcycle kit go to the website www.geton.co.uk
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As the sun starts shining many of us dream about packing up and taking off on a travel experience. Although for most people it remains just that, a dream, a motorcycle trip brings out the adventurous side in bikers.
In a survey carried out for the Motor Cycle Industry Association almost half of bikers (45%) said their dream motorcycle adventure would be 'Coast to Coast in America. The second most popular trip was a 'Mediterranean tour" (26%) closely followed by the adventurous 20% who dream of travelling 'The Silk Road - London to Bejing'.
A British adventure with all it's breathtaking beauty and scenery came in last place with a 4% of riders considering 'Lands End to John O Groats ' . This was just beaten by a 'Sahara Desert' trip chosen by 5% of the riders.
Motorcycle travel experiences are becoming a growing hobby for British motorcyclists with motorcycle-related tourism expenditure in the UK at round £569 million, supporting approximately 13,250 tourism jobs. Overseas tourism accounts for around £17 million of tourism spend and around 23,000 international riders visit the UK compared to 100,000 riders who take tourism trips abroad each year.
UK based tours are typically focused on the more rural and scenic areas of the country, including Cornwall, the Lake District, Wales and particularly Scotland. Most overseas tours have traditionally focused on destinations in Europe and the US, although there has been significant recent growth in tours to Northern Africa, South America, Asia and Australasia.
Steve Kenward MCI's CEO commented, " There is a great opportunity for home businesses to tap into the UK market as well as benefiting from the 23,000 international riders that visit the UK annually".
" The average motorcyclist currently spends around £380 per annum taking into account food, drink accommodation and other services, but with the right promotion and tailor-made services there is plenty of room for growth to entice both UK and overseas travelers to get on their bikes and enjoy our open roads."
Anyone who is interested in getting onto two wheels can get started with the motorcycle industry's Get On campaign. It is easy to sign up for a one-hour free ride with a local trainer by going to the website www.geton.co.uk. You'll get an hour riding a scooter or geared motorbike on a safe area away from the road, with a qualified motorcycle instructor, as well as access to a helmet and other safety kit.
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Figures released by the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) show that motorcycle and scooters sales are increasing.
The total number of motorcycle, mopeds and scooter sales increased In February by 23% according to the year to date statistics, a real boost to the industry.
Motorcycles saw an even greater increase of 25.8% on the year to date figures with Mopeds increasing by 12.5% .
Many of the motorcycle styles have had a significant burst of growth and the top three styles are; Scooter (50.7%), Supersport (43.9%) and Naked ( 37.6%) which just topped sales of Sport/ Tourer ( 37.1%).
The manufacturers who are top of the table are Yamaha, Honda and Piaggio. The machine that sold in the highest number in February is the Honda scooter style motorcycle the WW 125 EX2.
Rising costs of car ownership, as fuel prices rise to their highest levels ever and increasing insurance premiums are a huge incentive for people to switch to two wheels, especially for commuters and younger people who are being hit hard by these costs.
Steve Kenward MCI's CEO commented " The motorcycle industry has been working hard over the last year to combat the decline in motorcycle sales and expand it's customer base by introducing people to bikes and scooters through the Get On campaign.
"The campaign which is attracting new riders by offering a free one-hour ride with a trainer to anyone over the age of 16years who wants to have a go is really starting to bear fruit".
"The styles of bikes and smaller capacity engine machines that are ideal for entry level riders confirm that those people who have had a go, are taking it onto the next level, by getting fully trained and purchasing their first bike."
Anyone who is interested in finding out more about the Get On campaign or who wants to book a free session can go to www.geton.co.uk.
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The Motorcycle Industry Association (MCI) has published a new report aimed at encouraging the Government to recognise the place of electric powered two wheelers (e-PTW's) as part of its low carbon transport strategy.
The report, titled 'Report on the Sector and Opportunities for Realising Government Objectives' was written in response to the omission of e-PTW's from the recent electric transport initiative called the 'Plug in Grant'. A key objective of the report is to brief Government on the potential for ePTW and to illustrate why is makes sense to include ePTWs in the 'Plugged in Car Grant' framework.
As the media spotlight has followed the Grant and focussed on electric cars, so the electric motorcycle sector has been left in a public awareness black hole. For a sector that has terrific growth potential and can offer a key component in strategies to reduce Co2, this is not good news and something that the MCI is keen to see change quickly.
The Report outlines how e-PTW's can be included in the phase two roll out of the Plug in Grant and also how through strategic support of the sector, the UK can position itself as a world leader in electric technology and development. Many of the e-PTW sectors leading voices and experts contributed to the writing of the report. This included existing major motorcycle brands, who are developing new technologies and also new market players and key individuals such as Victoria Atherton of Love2scoot, Alex Bamberg of Charge Point Services and Danny Tendler of E-City Wheels.
The MCI recognises that with the appropriate support, the UK e-PTW sector can become a strong and influential player in the development of a UK wide low carbon transport strategy, and that it is important that the sector develops its own voice and identity within the wider industry. To this end the MCI has created a specialist group for the e-PTW sector within the MCI to give manufactures and importers, both from new and already well known existing companies, plus other stake holders a clear voice in developing a clean transport future.
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