Motorcycle and OHV (Off Highway Vehicle) rose 5.7% in the first half of this year compared with the same period in 2020, according to official figures released today by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).
They report that sales were 55,840 compared with 3001 for the first six months of 2020.
It sounds good, but sales were down in the first half of 2020 by 2.5% thanks to Covid lockdowns and 5.7% is a long way short of the 51% increase in the first quarter.
So are sales really all that good?
Certainly dealers have reported to me that they sales in both used and new bikes are strong, but they do like to be optimistic.
As for the figures from the FCAI, the supposed “peak body for the automotive industry in Australia” these days represents a dwindling number of importers who pay to be members.
While several manufacturers who are not members may be minor players, CFMoto is not included and it is most likely in the top 10 sellers in Australia.
The FCAI figures still show the breakdown of road bikes (13.7% to 17331), off-road (6.4% to 22,231), OHVs (5.3% to 13,779) and scooters (up 15,4% to 2499).
However, the figures no longer include a breakdown of manufacturer results nor sales per sector (such as cruisers, tourers, sports bike).
In the case of scooters, we suspect that most importers are small brands from Asia who are not members. So the FCAI scooter sales figures are possibly substantially out whack with reality.
So what does all this mean for the consumer?
Previously riders could see how their brand, model and category was performing which was a good indicator of resale value.
The figures also gave a good indication of which manufacturers might be desperate for sales and offer discounts.
FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber says the reported sales increase shows that more people are turning to two wheels.
“As cities and communities continue on the path of returning to the workplace, we are seeing signs that motorbikes are an ideal choice for reducing congestion on our roads,” he says in the official press statement
Let’s hope he’s right.
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com