This is the time we reflect on the past year and look ahead and make plans for the next 12 months.
While we’re still living in strange times, and still feeling the effects of Covid and the global financial crisis, 2022 was much better than we expected with supplies of stock improving later in the year.
We hit our new bike sales targets for each of our three brands – Kawasaki, KTM and Suzuki – and won a KTM award for the UK dealer with the best market share.
Dave Willis said: “Looking back at 2022, it turned out to be a pretty good year.
“On the supply side, more manufacturers came through with the goods, both new bikes and decent stock levels.
“KTM did a great job getting all the stock we wanted.
“Suzuki fulfilled its promises of new models, which we’re looking forward to seeing in 2023.
“And Kawasaki’s supply issues improved towards the end of the year so we now have decent stock levels of new motorbikes.”
Better supplies also mean we’ve been able to get ordered motorbikes to their new owners.
The upside of having more new motorbikes is that we’ve taken in more trade-ins so have had more used stock too which gives customers more choice.
Now we’re setting our goals for 2023.
“I’d like to make some more inroads into the off-road market,” said Dave.
We’d also like to continue seeing supply problems tailing off so we can get new bike orders to customers quicker.
Suzuki should also deliver this year with five new models on the way. As well as three new 125 scooters – Address, Avenis and Burgman Street 125EX – there are the naked GSX-8S middleweight and V-Strom 800DE adventure tourer for the new season.
“I think the new scooters will be great additions to the Suzuki market – a little twist-and-go scooter is an easy way to get to work.”
These scooters could encourage people to take to two wheels for the first time.
“Many of our team now come into work on scooters as they make good runaround bikes that are cheap to buy, insure and run.”
Attractive personal contract purchase (PCP) deals mean they can cost less on finance per month than a bus pass!
Another highlight for 2023 is seeing the new colour schemes for the KTM range and the return of the 790 Adventure.
“And, despite the rise in interest rates, we hope to be able to offer some decent finance deals.
“I’m optimistic about supplies and everything starting to get back to normal this year.”