Japanese production still hurting
The official figures for April are out, with production still tracking well below the corresponding levels in 2010Japanese motorcycle production still continues to feel the squeeze in 2011, with just 43,741 units assembled last month, a 20.2 percent decrease (or 11.081 units) on the same period in 2010.
Only Suzuki managed to produce more units, with its output of 13,794 a 0.8 percent increase on 2010. The other three members of Japan Inc all dropped significantly, with Yamaha’s fall particularly savage – 37.8 percent down on 2010, followed by Honda (21.1) and Kawasaki (18.3). Honda still produced the most units -- 14,589.
The fall in production has been mirrored in the export sector, which was down 31.4 percent in April. Only 1000 motorcycles were exported to Oceania in April, representing a massive 73.1 percent decrease on 2011. At the other end of the scale, the Middle East, North America and Latin America all recorded upswings.
The North American news is particularly heartening, as increased demand in such a massive market can only spell good news for the rest of the world, including Oceania.
Tags
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
