AAP

Australian Scooter Sales Surge

Australian motorcycle and scooter sales surge to record levels

AAP | Tuesday, 08 April 2008

Motorcycle and scooter sales surged to record levels in the first quarter this year, with industry chiefs predicting the strong market to continue.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) said today 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. "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." Last year motorcycle sales hit an all-time high of 129,966, with the market growing by about 70 per cent over the past five years Road bikes were the biggest sellers in the first quarter this year with 11,580 retailed, compared to 10,687 in the off-road segment. Honda was the top selling brand to the end of March with 22.6 per cent of the market ahead of Yamaha on 22.3 per cent, Suzuki 12.1 per cent and Kawasaki 8.2 per cent.

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