BMW Motorrad has notched up record global sales of motorcycles and scooters in June despite the Coronavirus pandemic, which has hammered sales around much of the world.
Sales across the world in June were up 9.8% when compared to June 2019 with a series of new motorcycles, as well as the continued strong sales of the R1200GS and GS Adventure models, keeping BMW sales high.
The total number of BMW motorcycles sold was 20,021 in June which compared well to sales that dropped significantly because of Coronavirus between March and May.
It’s not been all good news, however, as total 2020 sales across the entire world to the end of June were 76,707 which represents a drop of 17.7% for 2020 so far when compared to 2019.
Dr. Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad said: "After a great start to the new year, we were still up by the end of February, with an increase of almost 12% on the previous year. Then the development of the Corona pandemic also began to have a negative impact on the demand for motorcycles. But we do see clear light at the end of the tunnel again.”
What was behind the increase in sales?
A bounce back in European sales was largely responsible for the increase in sales with 13,937 of the 20,021 sold in Europe. That was an increase of 2684 when compared to June 2019 across the same area.
BMW has seen a raft of new motorcycles made available this year including the F900R, F900XR and the new S1000XR. The biggest sellers were, as has been the case for many years, the combined sales of the R1200GS and GS Adventure models. Sales of the S1000RR superbike were also strong.
Timo Resch, Head of Sales and Marketing at BMW Motorrad said: "In the short term, of course, the operational focus is still on tackling the Coronavirus crisis. We are also doing everything we can to be able to react as best as possible to the wishes and needs of our customers in the second half of 2020 with the clear goal of successfully closing 2020 in a difficult market environment.
“Our entry into the cruiser segment with the BMW R18 will also play an important role here."
UK bounces back too
BMW’s strong June sales were replicated in the UK, where monthly sales of motorcycles and scooters were up 14.8% on June 2019.
After being decimated in April and May, English dealerships reopened to an expectant customer base, not only collecting delayed orders but also looking for new ways to avoid public transport and commute in a socially distanced manner.
In total, 12,520 powered two-wheelers were sold in June, with traffic busting small capacity scooters performing particularly well. Honda’s perennially popular PCX125 scooter was back as the best seller again, with 445 sold, and the scooter sector was up a massive 43.1% on the same month a year ago.
While annual sales are still down 25% on the same time 12 months ago, the strong June will bring hope to an industry which expected to be hit badly by the Covid-19 pandemic. A number of manufacturers are introducing sales incentives to stimulate sales, while the universal reopening of dealerships in Scotland and Wales should hopefully continue the upward trend in July.
