We are just past the halfway mark of 2022, and remarkably, sales results for the first half of the year remain strong despite inflation concerns, some predictions of a recession, and ongoing supply chain challenges. Not only that, there are some intriguing findings when we dig deeper, including a new record.

MIC members, through the association's latest retail sales report, are now getting a detailed look at sales performance for the industry at the end of second quarter. But let's take a step back and look at some data over the years.

When you compare this year's sales performance to the same period in 2019, the last year before the pandemic, sales are up in every category:

Scooter: 18 Percent Increase
On-Highway: 3.8 Percent Increase
Dual: 63.7 Percent Increase
Off-Highway: 40.7 Percent Increase

Here's where it gets really interesting. Dual-purpose sales have continuous YOY growth since 2016 and impressively, the Q2 2022 sales volume is the highest quarter in the history of the MIC Retail Sales Reporting System for this segment. The off-highway category is also on a sales tear; YTD 2022 sales are the third highest since 2008 (with only 2020 and 2021 outperforming).

Fuel prices are expected to remain high, though they have eased slightly since the historic highs we experienced in May and June. During previous spikes in fuel prices, our industry saw an influx of new and returning riders seeking an efficient commuting alternative. With two years of increased sales, can we leverage this spike in fuel prices to attract even more new riders, while keeping the tens of thousands of new riders who purchased during the pandemic riding? Will increased fuel prices incentivize riders to take their bikes out of the garage more often and encourage newer riders to keep riding, helping to build more lifelong riders?

Our team is committed to innovating and developing ways to support our membership and the entire industry, with a strong focus on inspiring new riders and keeping the riders we do have riding and engaged. This includes spearheading initiatives for our industry to accomplish together. While there are several examples, I'd like to share updates on two programs.

In light of the growing popularity of the dual-purpose category, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation created the AdventureBike RiderCourse. This course will help new owners get the most out of their bikes by teaching them fundamental dirt-riding skills so they can gain the confidence to take their bikes off-road. You can read more about what this course entails in this Men's Journal story.

The other program is our market expansion initiative, Ride With Us. This year we have diversified the locations and events where we bring RWU Moto Intro experiences. In May, we helped reporters and content creators attending the Motor Press Guild event in Malibu experience their first ride, and later this summer, attendees of the California Capital Airshow in Sacramento will have the opportunity to experience Moto Intros.

Additionally, this fall we are launching a national campaign and a new comprehensive website at RideWithUs.com. In enhancing and growing Ride With Us, we are working to meet potential and new riders where they are, in order to help inspire, encourage exploration, engage their interest, and integrate them into our community. Ride With Us continues to demonstrate that we have the right program at the right time, and we encourage the entire industry to get more involved as the campaign's initiatives expand.



Erik Pritchard
MIC President and CEO
 

JOIN THE TEAM

Members Called on to Confront the PFAS Problem for Powersports

The MIC wants more members for its new working group built to examine PFAS legislation and proposals, and develop a comprehensive approach to federal and state regulations that could forever change manufacturing across the industry.
 

"We're calling on MIC members with expertise and vested interests to contact us about joining our new PFAS working group," said Eric Barnes, MIC technical programs vice president. "PFAS presents a major powersports industry challenge, and whether you're an OE, aftermarket, or riding gear manufacturer, you must learn about government PFAS proposals and start looking for ways to replace PFAS in products you sell."
 

In powersports, PFAS chemicals can be found in or used to produce a wide range of products such as riding gear, vehicle components resistant to heat, fuel, and chemicals, as well as semiconductors and chrome plating. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a class of synthetic chemicals used for decades in many consumer products. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, these are "long lasting chemicals, components of which break down very slowly over time" and "are found in the blood of people and animals all over the world and are present at low levels in a variety of food products and in the environment."

Both federal and state governments have examined the health impacts of PFAS in recent years and many bills have been introduced to ban its use. Some states are setting up registries to list any vehicles, components, parts, and clothing that contain PFAS. And news reports are now regularly covering the PFAS story.
 

Powersports businesses of all kinds are invited to support the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council Annual Conference in Knoxville, Tennessee, August 18-20. NOHVCC is seeking sponsors and exhibitors who will benefit in many ways while directly engaging key OHV leaders from across the country.