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WHO IS FEATHERS? LIFE LONG BIKING ENTHUSIAST JOHN FEATHERSTONE (known as Feathers to his many friends in the trade) joined Suzuki GB in 1972 as a sales representative in the North then joining Vespa in the eighties and later Aprilia. Although “retired”, John retains a keen interest in the industry and keeps his ears close to the ground to compile this quarterly sampling of what the UK’s dealers are really thinking. You can contact him on 07541 998290 or john.featherstone1@hotmail.com
12 The trade has seen a roller coaster ride over the last eight months as never experienced before. Trade veteran John Featherstone asks dealers how they have been meeting the challenges of lockdown. 2
In what are extreme and uniquely difficult times its been encouraging to hear reports of growing retained profit on new and used sales to date. And – surprise, surprise – a reduction in advertised discounting. Dealers with initiative and opportunity, and a rider community thinking ahead, took their own decisions from day one of lockdown. Others who were unable to capitalise fully from March caught up later on sales. Fifteen dealers from around the UK have plenty to say, voicing concerns for Euro 5 and ongoing supply in coming months.
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John Featherstone
Wales and Ireland In South Wales, JT MOTORCYCLES of Swansea is a Suzuki and Yamaha dealer, where director Ken Greenhouse sums up the current sales situation: “We are enjoying a euphoric wave of enthusiasm in the main, with two very distinct attitudes coming through from customers. The first is from those who want to live and enjoy everything that two wheels can give. The other more restrained response is from those, perhaps with an uncertain job future, who need personal transport.
Kyla Britz (left) and Ken Greenhouse
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JT Motorcycles Swansea, Wales
“Of course sales have been good for us on new and used. But we’re finding now
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that new stock availability is low. And more important we need to know the situation with Euro 5 supply, to plan ahead. We are more than happy with the help given by both Yamaha and Suzuki in all aspects of supply and promotion. They have both been as good as gold. Jonathan Martin, especially, is a credit to Suzuki and the sales effort it makes. PHILLIP MCCALLEN MOTORCYCLES is a Kawasaki, Triumph and KTM dealership based at Lisburn in Northern Ireland and the multiple TT-winning proprietor needs
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