FCAI press release:

Figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) show 26,241 motorcycles, scooters and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) were sold to the end of March – a 15.5 per cent decline compared to the same period in 2008.

“There are signs that the motorcycle market has softened in the past three months, however it has to be remembered that it is being compared to the record sales result of 2008,” FCAI Chief Executive Andrew McKellar said.

“There are obvious financial benefits of motorcycle ownership and in these economic times people should look seriously at their transport needs,” he said.

Road-bikes were the most popular segment in the marketplace recording 10,794 sales (6.8 per cent decrease) compared to the off-road segment’s 8,644 sales (19.6 per cent decrease).

There were 3,807 ATVs sold during the first three months of the year (13.2 per cent decrease) and 2,996 new scooter sales (31.1 per cent decrease).

“Scooters remain a fashionable, convenient and economical mode of transport but it is clear that the tightening economy has affected sales of this previously rapid growing segment,” Mr McKellar said.

Yamaha was the number one selling brand in the marketplace with 5,197 first quarter sales, followed by Honda with 4,917 and then Suzuki with 3,763.

Looking at the segments in more detail, cruisers retained leadership of the road-bike sub-segments ahead of 250cc and sports.

Harley-Davidson led the road bike segment with 1,902 sales, followed by Suzuki (1,834 sales) and Honda (1,775 sales).

In the off-road market, Yamaha was the clear leader (2,552 sales) from Honda (1,996) and Suzuki (1,311).

In a declining market, SYM was the leading scooter brand with 517 sales ahead of Piaggio (385) and Vespa (376).

ATV sales were led by Yamaha with 1,085 sales, then Honda (843) and Polaris (633).

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