First quarter motorcycle sales figures down on last year
Official figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) provide some cause for optimism that motorcycle sales are at a turning point.
In particular ATV and Scooter sales have grown, however the industry remains concerned that Off-road and Road bike sales are still below last year’s figures.
The figures show that over 22,900 units were sold in the first quarter of 2011. This is slightly down on the same period last year (1.2 per cent).
Sales to the agricultural sector of ATVs have increased by over 34 percent representing some 4,509 units. In addition, sales of Scooters have increased, growing by 6.4 percent (2,969 units) compared to March 2010.
“These latest sales figures provide clear evidence of an emerging recovery in sales of new motorcycles,” FCAI chief executive Andrew McKellar said.
“Manufacturers are continuing to tempt buyers with very competitive offers, and as new models come on to the market, opportunities to take advantage of positive retail conditions abound.
“As always it is best to stick with those brands that have a proven long-term commitment to service, quality and the local industry,” he continued.
“Industry remains concerned about the continuing impact of low quality imitation and unsupported ‘grey’ imports which are available in the marketplace, but which are not captured in the official figures.
“Consumers are advised to ensure that the product they are purchasing is a genuine and legitimately imported product supported by the local manufacturer.”
In a turnaround compared with recent results, the road bike sector was most popular with 8,699 units sold compared to the off-road sectors’ 6,854 units.
During the first quarter of 2011, Yamaha has staked a claim for the highest sales with over 4,600 units sold, followed by Honda with 3,821 and Suzuki with just over 3,100 units.
The number one selling Off Road bike was the Yamaha YZ450F at 269 units sold year to date, edging out the Suzuki DR-Z400E at 262 and the YZ250F at 253.
Yamaha’s WR450F was the top competition-based Enduro behind the ever popular DR-Z, ranking eighth outright.
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