Husqvarna bucks the trend

January 2010 has a been a strong month for one motorcycle importer in Australia, kicking off the new year on a high. The Paul Feeney Group, which imports Husqvarna motorbikes, has reported not just strong sales in the first month of 2010, but an all-time record.

Compared to January 2009, Husqvarna sales were up more than 80 percent (80.6 to be precise).

The reason for this sales spike? Sales in 2009 were fairly low for the brand and with a number of new models hitting the scene the company has attracted new customers to the fold, and rejigged pricing hasn't hurt either.

"Another key factor is Husqvarna's all-new super compact 250cc four-stroke powerplant fitted to the TE 250 enduro and TC 250 Mmtocross models. With both bikes receiving high profile coverage in the Australian and global motorcycle press these models are set to capture a larger share of the 250cc market than ever before for the Husqvarna brand," explained the Paul Feeney Group in a press statement.

"The upward trend looks set to continue for the Husqvarna brand with a new No Hassle No Haggle advertising campaign commencing in February 2010 highlighting the advantages of the Husqvarna product."

Most motorcycle importers will want to put 2009 behind them, as the global financial crisis wrought havoc on new bike sales, but as it stands the Australian motorcycle market is still not firing on all cylinders.

While Husqvarna recorded an impressive rise in sales, overall the Australian market is languishing, with an average 28.3 percent decline in sales for the month of January in 2010.

It will certainly be interesting to see how February shapes up, and whether or not the market as a whole bounces back