Posted: Wednesday, 9th April, 2008 : 11:31 PM - - 16,018 Reads

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Figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) reveal that 30,460 motorcycles, scooters and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) were sold to the end of March - a 4.9 per cent increase on the same period in 2007.

"The motorcycle market has continued to grow so far this year despite the recent interest rate rises and signs of softer retail spending," said FCAI chief executive, Andrew McKellar.

Motorcycle sales hit an all-time high of 129,966 last year and over the last five years the market has grown by around 70 per cent.

"The increase of almost five per cent in the March quarter indicates that underlying demand for new motorcycles and ATVs remains strong."

"We are cautiously optimistic that sales will remain buoyant, despite the current uncertainties in the broader economic outlook."

The road bike market edged ahead of the off-road market in the first quarter, the first time this has occurred in several years.

The road bike segment recorded 11,580 sales to March, compared with the off-road segment's 10,687.

Cruisers continued its leadership of the motorcycle sub-segments with sales of 3334 ahead of Enduro (3114), 250cc road bikes (2571), Motocross (2512) and Sports road bikes (1869).

Honda just retained its number one spot in the total motorcycle market to March with 22.6 per cent share from Yamaha (22.3%), Suzuki (12.1%) and Kawasaki (8.2%).

Yamaha increased its lead in the off-road market with 34.2 per cent share ahead of Honda with 27.4 per cent.

Suzuki claimed third with 10.7 per cent and Kawasaki fourth with 9.6 per cent.

Honda dominated the road bike market with 21.1 per cent share from Harley-Davidson with 15.7 per cent and Suzuki in third with 15.2 per cent.

Yamaha was fourth with 12.0 per cent followed by Kawasaki (10.2%), Triumph (7.4%), BMW (4.0%) and Ducati (3.3%).

The scooter market declined by 3.4 per cent, and is now led by Piaggio with 15.1 per cent market share from Vespa (13.0%), Yamaha (12.0%) and Honda (7.7%).

Sales of ATVs rose by 15.2 per cent – the fastest-growing segment in the market – to 4386 units for the March quarter in response to easing of drought conditions in some parts of the country.

“The effects of small climatic changes in some parts of Australia has certainly boosted sales of our agricultural model ATV’s,” said Honda’s General Manager, Motorcycles Tony Hinton.

“It is also very rewarding to see the CBR125 do so well in its debut year, and to see that our CRF450X is on par with the top seller in the enduro category in terms of number of units sold.”

Honda is represented in the top ten of every FCAI category with models including the VT750C Shadow, CBR1000RR Fireblade (#1 – Supersport), new CB600F Hornet, CTX200 farm bike and Today50 scooter.

“The on-road market continues to grow, and is a strong category overall for Honda in particular,” Hinton said.

“The emerging commuter market is really starting to develop in Australia as customers realise the economic and environmental benefit of commuting to work on two wheels.”

“Honda are looking forward to releasing a number of exciting new models in 2008 that will continue to boost our performance and give customers further options in this regard.”

Comparison top 10 report.

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