DECEMBER AWP IN REVIEW

Like much of the country experienced in December, the powersports wholesale market froze over in many product categories. Average Wholesale Pricing (AWP) for Domestic Cruisers fell 8.9% from the prior 3-month average, with Sport Bikes down 7%. Since their peak in April 2022, Domestic prices have fallen nearly 30%, far more than their typical ~15% peak-to-trough decline. All product categories fell ~5-10% or more from their prior-year averages.

Another measure of the temperature of the wholesale market is auction conversion, i.e. the number of units sold vs. the total number offered. December saw one of the lowest average conversion rates since the financial crisis, signaling even softer demand than the AWP declines suggest. The mix of product types at auction remained stable. Vehicles tended to be younger and rougher than in prior months.

Many dealers are holding inventory they bought or took on trade when prices were higher in hopes of breaking out of them in the Spring. Dealers, in general, have more inventory on hand than at any time in the last several years, both new and used. Plus, wholesale prices are still ~10% or more over their pre-pandemic equivalents. So while prices may go up this Spring from current levels, they are likely to be softer than usual, especially with the winds of recession in the air.

AWP for both RV and Marine products fell in December after some improvement in November. Part of the reason is an increase in lower-MSRP units coming through the auction. Price declines also reflect dealer uncertainty over the upcoming retail season.

The pandemic price premium has clearly come to an end. The good news is that consumers still have jobs, credit availability is stable, and the Fed is working hard to tame the ugly effects of inflation. A recession is likely later in 2023, but people will still be buying and enjoying powersports vehicles, especially now that the OEM supply chains are returning to normal and prices are becoming more rational. Smart dealers will take advantage of today’s lower pricing to stock up at a lower cost basis, turn their inventory as quickly as possible this Spring, and enter next Summer with much leaner inventory levels.

*All data provided by National Powersport Auctions includes live and online transactions from all NPA locations. Closed OEM auction data is excluded. For more info visit NPAUCTIONS.COM.

With the e-bike market estimated to grow from $49.7 billion in 2022 to $80.6 billion by 2027, AIMExpo has expanded its eBike Pavilion and demo area for the 2023 show. To help dealers get the holeshot on this electrifying market segment, dozens of demo bikes and product presentations are scheduled from emerging segment leaders ranging from Bakcou (Booth #7089) and Bianchi USA (Booth #3127) to Recon Power Bikes (Booth #6047) and UBCO (Booth #1084).

“With nearly 2,000 dealers from around the country in one place, this is the perfect opportunity for e-bike manufacturers to showcase their products and make the right connections,” said Andre Albert, director, marketing and events at AIMExpo. “And dealers considering adding e-bikes to your sales floor, this is where you want to be to try the products, ask the questions and get the information you need to charge up your business.” most popular hunting and all-terrain electric bike on the market.” By targeting the hunting niche specifically, the Ranger tackles rough terrain, large cargo loads, and tough jobs confidently with 1000w of power and a fastswap integrated high-capacity battery:

E-bikes are at the nexus of commuting, recreation, transportation and mobility. According to market research platform MarketsandMarkets, E-bikes are unique in that they appeal to two customer bases and bring consumers from traditional motorcycle and scooter markets together with traditional bicycle consumers. That is why the research firm sees the total e-bike market exceeding $89 Billion by 2027.

• Integrated battery and motor system: Improved battery offers up to 48 miles on a single charge in ideal conditions. Extend the adventure farther and add an additional battery with up to 17.5AH.

• Powerful hub-drive motor: A 750w or 1000w motor provides direct power to the rear wheel, independent of the chain; giving you consistent power in all gears with almost no maintenance required. Break a chain? Our innovative hub-drive technology will still get you home with a push of the throttle.

• Integrated cargo rack: A heavy-duty built-in rear cargo rack with 100 lbs. of carrying capacity.

Never heard them coming? QuietKat was founded in 2012 by twin brothers Jake & Justin Roach in Eagle, Colorado, with a mission to design a better way to access the backcountry for hunters and anglers while replacing traditional ATVs and combustion-powered vehicles that were prohibited, too noisy, or simply didn’t fit on narrow trails. A decade later and QuietKat is proud to have joined the Vista Outdoor family including Bell, Camelbak, Giro and Fox Racing!

QuietKat (Booth #2082) bills their Ranger as “the

One time trade editor and later Editor in Chief for Bonnier , Aaron Frank suddenly finds himself a freelancer once again. “Friends and Colleagues: After four fun-filled years as Global Brand Director at Serial 1, Powered by Harley-Davidson, guiding that project from “what if” to one of most successful electric mobility start-up stories in recent memory, I’m moving along to my next career opportunity.,” he posted on social media, “I have significant experience in all aspects of brand and marketing leadership, communications, and content development. My special expertise is in the transportation space — specifically electric vehicles and micromobility — and I’m especially seeking opportunities for consulting or contract work, in addition to full-time positions with global brands. “With a unique combination of leadership experience at start-ups, creative agencies, and large multinational companies, I’m truly ready for anything. Let’s connect!”

The Rawrr (Booth #2084) Mantis is ready to prey on open points in the U.S. market. “Rawrr’s first electric All-Terrain bike — Mantis — was a game-changer,” says CEO Vincent Chen. “It features a sleek, futuristic design that turns heads wherever it goes, and its powerful electric motor delivered smooth, instant torque and a top speed of over 50mph.” He adds Mantis’s long-range battery allows riders to go for hours without needing to recharge, making it the perfect option for commuters and adventurers alike.

But this is just the beginning, notes Chen. “We continue to innovate and improve our designs… Over time, we will introduce a whole line of electric bikes, including both onroad and off-road bikes. Each one is designed to be the perfect blend of style, performance and sustainability.”

In the meantime Rawrr is recruiting talent and will be establishing exclusive dealer territories at AIMExpo. Want a sneak peek before the show? Chen suggests checking out what an unfair advantage Rawrr offers here: riderawrr.com

GasGas (Booth #3011) is rolling out a full range of eBikes at AIMExpo. The robust lineup of 2023 eMTB bicycles includes 11 pedal-assist mountain bikes. As the third bicycle brand to launch under the Pierer New Mobility North America, Inc. umbrella, GasGas Bicycles is on a mission to introduce a new dimension of off-road fun to all through our energetic and vibrant, daring – yet welcoming – brand approach.

Riding on the action-led success and philosophy of GasGas in the off-road motorcycle racing and trial competition segments, GasGas Bicycles challenges riders and enthusiasts to experience off-road trails like they have never done before – via powerful E-Bicycles inspired and engineered to thrill and excite.

Along with KTM ICE motorcycles, the GasGas eMTBs will be rolled out at 9 a.m. Wednesday, February 15 on the New Product Central main stage. In addition to the GasGas eBikes, the Pierer Mobility Group also includes Husqvarna eBikes and Felt Bicycles.

Welcome to the January 2023 newsletter from the NPDA! There is strength in our growing numbers, and we’re on the move in furthering our mission: “To advance our industry by elevating Dealers to be well prepared, sustainably profitable and exceed the expectations of a growing Powersports customer base.”