Sources: AMD, IDN, FT, Reuters, PSB, MPN, BDN, MCN, AP, Bloomberg, MSNW, Electrek, electricmotorcycles. news, RideApart. com, Motor1. com, Cycle World, motorbikewriter. com
NEWS
BRIEFS
ACEM, the Brussels based lead motorcycle industry trade association for Europe, show sales in Europe continuing to rise in 2024. Registrations in Europe ' s five biggest markets- France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK- increased by 10.1 % in 2024( 1,155,640 units), a sizeable increase from 2023. Europe ' s ' Big Five ' account for some 80 % of all European new motorcycle and scooter registrations. The 2024 results were Germany: 248,618 units(+ 16.3 %); Spain: 229,685 units(+ 14.2 %); Italy: 352,294 units(+ 10 %); France: 214,049 units(+ 3.5 %) and the UK: 110,994 units(+ 2.7 %). However, a rush to preregister unsold 2024 spec machines before new regulations came into force at the start of January, means that a substantial number of early ' 25 sales are showing up in late ' 24 registration data. This happens every five years or so in Europe as updated noise and emissions standards come into force; www. acem. eu
Daytona tourism officials have reported a significant dip in attendance dip for Bike Week 2025. PSB reports a local news outlet stating that attendance was down by as much as 24 % vs. 2024. On Main Street, where the biggest crowds gather, the cell phone data suggested that there were 178,600 visitors at this year ' s Bike Week, with 289,300 repeat visitor stops. However, in 2024, there were 233,500 visitors and 382,400 repeat visits.
Polaris Inc.( NYSE: PII) has declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $ 0.67 per share, payable on June 16, 2025, for shareholders of record at the close of business on June 2, 2025.
Vendors recognized in this year ' s annual Powersports Business ' Nifty 50 ' awards included Ciro, CruzTOOLS, DP Brakes, INNOVV, Klock Werks, Memphis Shades, Motion Pro, Regina Chain, TEXA and TwinPower.
Polaris Q1 Revenues Slide; " The Only US Headquartered Powersports Company Stands to be Hit Hardest "
Indian Motorcycle owner Polaris industries have reported first quarter sales " in line with expectations " at $ 1,536m, down 12 % compared to last year. Primary factors said to be affecting first quarter sales were lower volume due to planned shipment reductions and lower net pricing- " driven by higher promotional spend partially offset by positive mix." The company says that overall powersports retail sales for the quarter were down 7 % versus last year, and that it saw first quarter market share gains in motorcycles and marine- with a " modest " loss of share in its off-road vehicles( ORV) operations. On Road segment sales were primarily driven to the negative by lower volumes. North America unit retail sales for Indian Motorcycle were down low-teens percent; PG & A sales decreased by 5 %. Gross profit margin performance was driven by negative product mix and higher promotional activity, partially offset by operational efficiencies. Unit retail sales for the comparable motorcycle industry were down mid-twenties percent, meaning that Indian Motorcycle saw an increase in market share in a down market with its new PowerPlus heavy weight line up being well received by dealers and riders. North American Off Road segment sales were down 11 % with PG & A up by 1 %. The company saw lower volumes in snow and offroad vehicles. Estimated North America industry ORV unit retail sales were down low-single digits percent. Marine segment sales volumes were down. Polaris CEO Mike Speetzen is quoted as saying that " results from this recent quarter were in line with our expectations, as we continued to prioritize supporting our dealer network and managing a prolonged industry downturn. " While consumer uncertainty and a dynamic tariff environment are nearterm hurdles, we are thoughtfully navigating these challenges. Our team continues to make progress on the strategic efforts within our control, from innovation and quality advancements in our lineup to our operational efficiency and working capital efforts. " We expect this unrelenting focus on long-term growth and profitability will enable us to emerge stronger from this downturn and reinforce our position as the industry leader." In his Q & A remarks to investment analysts, Speetzen said that: " The only US headquartered powersports company stands to be hit hardest. We had already reduced the China made content of our vehicles by some 15 % as a result of decisions taken in 2028. Our objective is to reduce the Chinese made component level by 30 percent in total by the end of 2025." Speetzen also remarked that " part of consumer caution on big expenditures is triggered by interest rates and people now suspect that they are not now going to come down significantly further this year." Within the 12 % reduction in worldwide sales of $ 1,536m versus the first quarter of 2024, North America sales of $ 1,290m represented 84 % of total Company sales, decreasing by 11 % from $ 1,444m in 2024. International sales of $ 246m represented 16 % of total Company sales and decreased 16 % versus the first quarter of 2024. First quarter operating cash flow was $ 83m.
Sales( in millions)
Gross Profit Margin
Q1 2025 Q1 2024 Change Q1 2025 Q1 2024 Change Off Road $ 1,198.6 $ 1,335.7( 10) % 16.0 % 17.4 %-147 bps On Road $ 221.8 $ 277.2( 20) % 16.1 % 21.8 %-570 bps Marine $ 115.4 $ 123.5( 7) % 12.4 % 15.5 %-312 bps