| Author | Message | ||
     Barker |
http://195.224.59.217/news/archives_2000/news_deta ils.asp?id=5660 BUELL GROW UK SALES 37% 18 January 2008 The word from Buell UK; An independent report has confirmed the rise in popularity of niche motorcycle brands in the UK, with Buell® displaying the fastest growth in 2007. The innovative American manufacturer – whose founder Erik Buell is still heavily involved in the development of new motorcycles – grew by 36.96 per cent in the UK market. Two other niche motorcycle brands also appeared in the top four percentage growth figures, while some of the major manufacturers showed signs of slowing sales. However, the overall picture for motorcycle sales growth looks positive for the industry as a whole, despite increasing legislative threat and the introduction of more difficult testing and training procedures later this year. The Buell® brand’s growth is expected to accelerate further in 2008 as a result of the introduction of the unique 1125R. The liquid-cooled machine – in authorised Buell UK dealerships from March with an on the road price of £8,495 – represents a new direction for the brand and complements the existing air-cooled range. The 1125R replaces the popular XB12R Firebolt in the 2008 model line-up. It also has an increase in horsepower of 46bhp over its predecessor, making it Buell’s most powerful production motorcycle to date. However, the focus on performance and handling (as opposed to top speed) has been retained in the motorcycle’s design along with the Trilogy of Technology concept. Buell® was the first manufacturer to use a fuel-in-frame design to achieve the optimal centre of gravity, which helps to make quick direction changes seem effortless. The other two key design components are chassis rigidity for improved cornering and low unsprung weight for increased stability. “These sales growth figures are extremely positive,” says Buell® UK Managing Director Paul Stroud. “2007 was a strong year for Buell® and we aim to build on that to make the brand’s 25th anniversary in 2008 one to remember. “We’re entering an exciting new area with the 1125R and hope that this will provide an added dimension. In addition, the air-cooled XB family is stronger than ever with improvements to existing models including small engine updates, heated grip plug-ins and limited edition anniversary graphics.” For further information about the full 2008 range of Buell® motorcycles or to find your nearest dealer please visit www.buell.co.uk. | ||
| Court |
This oughta be a dandy thread . . . . I have it on good authority . . . right off the internet . . . that Buells were waning in the UK. Just who is this "Independent Authority"? . . what are their motivations? . . and, perhaps more importantly, what are their precise measurements? How dare they contravene the internet! CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLKS AT BUELL FOR TAKING THE UK BY STORM! Court | ||
| Reepicheep |
Boy! Somebody is either paying a lot in taxes / customs / shipping for getting Buells across the pond, or somebody is pocketing a LOT of profit. On the other hand, it probably goes both ways. How much cheaper is a BMW in Munich compared to New York? Oh, and CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE HARD WORKING ELVES FOR GREAT GROWTH AS A RESULT OF MAKING GREAT BIKES! | ||
| Court |
The 1125R is an excellent motorcycle. I was pleased to see a former pal who was head of Buell UK make the "leap to lightspeed" in the ranks of HD's executive suites. | ||
| Davegess |
It would be cool to see actual numbers. Percent growth is often a big number because the starting number is small. It is good news regardless, especially after hearing how badly Buell is missing the mark in the UK. Bill there is a ton of tax in the UK, something like 17% VAT and unlike the US I think VAT has to be included in the stated price. We might pay as much as 8-9% sales tax as well as other vehicle taxes in many places in the US but the manufacturer doesn't have to advertise that price. | ||
| Reepicheep |
Thats gotta be depressing... so the EU gets a larger profit on every bike sold then the company that built it probably does... | ||
| Davegess |
Bill, I don't find selling prices. How bad do they get hit? | ||
| Reepicheep |
I was just looking at Barkers quote above, which indicated the 1125r retailed for £8,495. Lets see, thats currently 16,609.71 $USD. In the US, one costs what, $11,995, for a $4,164 $USD difference. A tidy 27%... though that still has to pay for shipping across an ocean.... but I doubt thats more then $500 to $1000. I can see a new slogan now...
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| Davegess |
Bill, over $2000 of that would be the VAT I think. If I am correct the difference is $2500. BUT there other other factors like which way you think the exchange rate will go. You can't easily raise the price mid year if you guess wrong so they add for that. There might be some import taxes plus there are likely other expenses built into the price so it is not too far out of line. It is slotted in right were other bikes are in price and that has something to do with it. | ||
| Reepicheep |
God bless the USA then! Home of smoking cheap domestically produced state of the art exotic sporting twins. ;) | ||
| Buell2001b |
that is a great post, i would be interested in the US Figures, I am sure is lower but it defenetly has to be higher the previous years. I see more buells on the road and the guys that liek speed do not have an excuse anymore. | ||
| Classicbuells |
For the UK I believe it's 8% Import Duty plus 17.5% VAT on the imported price INCLUDING the duty. So, there's 17.5% VAT on the 8% duty too. | ||
| Court |
Interesting that one of the classic Buell legal battles involved Buells going to the UK. | ||
| Blake |
Another similar report from http://www.clutchandchrome.com/News/0801/News08010 63.htm The British biker loves the lesser known, underdog motorcycles it seems. |
