MCI calls for bike scrappage
Added on Monday, January 18th, 2010 by Carole Nash Editor | One Comment
MCI calls for bike scrappage
The MCIA ( Motorcycle Industry Association ) is to press the government to offer a scrappage scheme on smaller motorcycles and scooters, plus incentives on electric bikes, reports Alastair Walker.
The car scrappage scheme has been a success, revitalising the UK new car market in 2009 and boosting the sale of smaller, more fuel efficient cars in particular. On the downside many classic car enthusiasts have been angry that well preserved, and useful, cars from the 80s and 90s have been crushed.
The MCIA are taking a set of ideas to the government, but their core message is fairness, as the MCI’s Craig Carey-Clinch explained to insidebikes;
“The government’s policy is that motorcycles and scooters form part of mainstream transport, but they haven’t even been considered for scrappage schemes, or serious incentives to get consumers to switch from petrol powered two-wheelers, to electric bikes and scooters. The subsidies and benefits available for electric car owners are wide-ranging, but nothing is been done to encourage motorcycle and scooter riders to adopt this new technology.”
Carey-Clinch sees much of the government’s future legislation – irrespective of who wins the election – as being aimed at reducing carbon consumption in the future, and therefore taxing petrol vehicle use much more.
” Oil isn’t running out, but it will become more expensive in future. All we want is the same consideration as the car driver who chooses a higher mpg/less CO2 emitting car. Those who switch to a better mpg, cleaner running motorcycle or scooter, should also receive some incentive. A large section of the two-wheeled market choose bikes simply to commute on – they are not enthusiasts. There needs to be a chance for owners of older scooters and small capacity motorbikes to trade-in their 10-20 year old commuter in for a newer, less CO2 emissions model.”
As yet, the MCI haven’t decided on specific cash amounts which would be available for bike or scooter owners under any scrappage scheme. But Carey-Clinch sees the 500 euro incentives offered in Italy as being `pretty realistic.’ That would equate to around £450 in the UK, but would it be enough to persuade a cash-strapped commuter to buy a new scooter for say £2000, or an electric scooter for up to £4000?
THE DEALER VIEW
Russ Clay from DK Motorcycles thinks that any incentive would be good news;
“The market is tough and shows no sign of revival at present,” says Russ, who is Sales Manager at DK, one of the biggest players in the UK new and used bike market, ” I think many riders buy a bike, new or used, for fun really, but if there’s a detailed plan to get commuters onto smaller machines then we would support it of course.”
” My own feeling is that the government introduced car scrappage to preserve jobs in UK based car factories. But part from Triumph, we have no bike jobs to preserve. So I can’t see the MCI winning the argument on that score with the government.” Added Russ.
Meanwhile Grant Hacking, from Doug Hacking Motorcycles in Lancashire wants to see a scheme aimed at getting rid of the cheaper Chinese-made scooters on the roads;
“Some Chinese made bikes are OK, but I would support any scheme to scrap some of the internet-sold bikes and scooters out there. The build quality isn’t what it should be. But generally, I can’t see many bikers scrapping a decent 500cc-1300cc machine. We have 10-15 year old Hondas and Kawasakis in stock, which are perfectly good machines and we put a warranty on them because they are reliable and there’s lots of life left in them. Even older British bikes from 30 or 40 years ago are valuable and useful.”
Simon Whitelock from Red Dog Superbikes near London thinks modern machines just aren’t economical enough;
“I have a 1923 Triumph 550cc machine which can do over 80mpg. There’s no depreciation on it and any home mechanic can fix it, the thing could last a lifetime – how is that less `green’ than buying a new electric scooter every 10 years? I don’t see why new bikes are so bad on fuel, much more could be done to make bikes cheaper to run. I reckon 125cc-250cc commuters should be capable of over 120mpg. Then people would buy them.”
Do you think a bike scrappage scheme would revive new bike sales? Post your comments here.
Loading ...
One Comment
The Judge
January 27th, 2010I’ve got a 1994 Honda CB250. It is in immaculate condition with 6000 miles & does around 60MPG. BUT…. its just not fast enough! I want to trade up to say a 650cc super-moto or similar, but I don’t think £450 is enough. I would probably get more than this for trade-in anyway.