According to road bike sales and registration data just released for the first half of 2005, Triumph has sold 1022 road bikes, compared to 704 units for the same period last year, an increase of 45 per cent. This places them ahead of other European brands such as BMW (624 units), Ducati (452 units) and Aprillia (117 Units).
Vespa has topped the over 50cc category for scooter registrations in the first half of 20005.
According to the distributor, this is quite an achievement because the ET series (available in 50cc, 125cc and 150cc versions) has been in run-out mode for the past six months as dealers awaited the arrival of the new LX series. This has meant a shortage of colours and models as the previous model ET began to sell out. The ET series was instrumental in turning around parent company Piaggio's flagging results nine years ago and is widely regarded as the company's saviour. Vespa says that, in Australia, the ET series and Vespa generally has been credited with the increasing popularity of scooters as an alternative transport solution.
"Commuters and enthusiasts have been snapping up the remaining ETs clearly in anticipation of their collectable status. The new LX went on sale on July 1 and will no doubt be a huge shot in the arm for our dealers during the second half of this year," said Vespa's Simon Gloyne.
Published : Friday, 5 August 2005