Salon talk 2010: Husqvarna
In Salonpraat we take the pulse of Belgian off-road every day with an importer. Today the questions are answered by Dries Waeyaert, the Be-Lux sales manager of Husqvarna Moto Mondo.
Is off-road an important segment for you as an importer or is it rather a necessary evil because off-road motorcycles are simply part of the range?
Dries Waeyaert: “As a Husqvarna importer, off-road is of course not an afterthought for us.”
Which was your best-selling off-road motorcycle in 2009?
Dries Waeyaert: “Without a doubt the TE 310, which offers the handling of a 250cc engine but already leans towards the 450 in terms of power. Moreover, this class between 250 cc and 450 cc is relatively new. A European manufacturer, Husqvarna, can of course respond more quickly to such a niche. While the Japanese are mainly concerned with production volume. That is why they first wait and see what happens for a while, something from which we reap the benefits.”
What is your most important off-road novelty for 2010?
Dries Waeyaert: “The 250cc four-strokes have been thoroughly overhauled in both cross-country and enduro. It was mainly Antoine Meo who helped develop these engines. The TC 250 still has a carburetor for the time being, while the TE 250 has injection from this model year. In the Supermoto segment we have a completely new street homologated engine: the SM 630. Here too, injection was chosen.”
What do you expect from the off-road market in 2010?
Dries Waeyaert: “After two poor years, we now notice that the market is slowly picking up again. The Lutgen decree has certainly not done any good to sales of Enduro motorcycles. But now people seem to want to drive back. We also hope to grow again in cross-country thanks to the TC 250.”
How do you see the off-road market evolving over the next decade? Will electric motorcycles become the norm?
Dries Waeyaert: “I see enduro riding evolving more into a kind of winter sports tourism. People will spend a few weekends or weeks a year riding intensively abroad with friends. And I am mainly thinking of countries in Eastern Europe such as Poland and Romania where enduro riders are welcomed with open arms. Furthermore, I see the sector becoming further specialized. Brands may well concentrate on one particular off-road branch in the future. When it comes to electric motorcycles, I notice that there is still a lot of reluctance. There is interest in seeing, but not in buying.
How important are sporting successes for sales in the segment?
Dries Waeyaert:
“It is very negative not to be present somewhere. But at the same time, an attendance policy in sports offers no guarantee of commercial success. Thierry Klutz dominated last season, just like in 2008, at the Inters E2 in the Belgian Championship. But a Belgian title is not immediately a reason for customers to flock to the dealers and purchase a TE 450.”
Are you, as an importer, involved in off-road sports in Belgium?
Dries Waeyaert:"After two consecutive titles in the BK Enduro, we naturally continue to support Thierry Klutz. This year he exchanges the E2 for the E1 class, the intention is of course to win the title again and thus underline the qualities of the new TE 250. Let me explain that as far as motocross is concerned, Husqvarna is preparing a return to both the MX1 and MX2 World Championships. That return is planned for 2011, because we do not want to rush into it. With the arrival of BMW as an acquirer, the financial options have also increased.”
Photos credit: Husqvarna
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