Sources : AMD , IDN , FT , Reuters , PSB , MPN , BDN , MCN , AP , Bloomberg , MSNW , Electrek , electricmotorcycles . news , RideApart . com , Motor1 . com , Cycle World , motorbikewriter . com

MIC full year 2023 Retail Sales Data put total powersports vehicle sales at 737,443 units for 2023 (+ 0.5 %). Offhighway motorcycles were at 156,919 units (+ 8.1 %); on-highway units were 295,908 (+ 0.2 %); ADV (' Dual Sport ') at 78,922 units (+ 6.1 %) and Scooter at 19,593 ( -11.7 %) for a motorcycle total of 551,342 units (+ 2.6 %). ATV sales were at 186,101 units for 2023 ( -5.2 %).

Edel O ' Sullivan Coyne ( Edel O ' Sullivan ) has stepped down as Chief Commercial Officer ( CCO ) of H-D Motor Company to " pursue another opportunity outside ." Ms . O ' Sullivan had served as the CCO since February 2021 . Luke Mansfield , VP of Motorcycle Management , has taken over as Chief Commercial Officer . He joined Harley in 2018 and has held various leadership roles , including VP Chief Strategy Officer , before taking up the Motorcycle Management gig in 2020 . He joined H-D after previously holding senior leadership positions at Samsung and PepsiCo .

For the second time in four years , Monster Energy Honda racer Ricky Brabec has won the Dakar Rally , staged again this year in Saudi Arabia . In 2020 , the Californian became the first American to win the Motorcycle class . This year ' s success marks the eighth win for Honda - and the first for the next-generation CRF450 RALLY , on its debut .

China Motorcycle Chamber of Commerce ( CCCM ) data show total 2023 Chinese two-wheeled motorcycle production and sales of 17.0227 million and 16.6001 million units , down 10.46 % and 13.23 % year-on-year . Production and sales of large displacement recreational motorcycles ( over 250 cc ) were 511,800 and 525,400 units , down 7.13 % and 5.06 % year-on-year respectively . The production and sales of three-wheeled units were 2.3936 million and 2.3905 million units , a year-on-year increase of 4.93 % and 4.46 %.

Polaris has released its Q4 and full year 2023 results with increased sales for the full year , but reduced sales ( compared to Q4 2022 ) for the final quarter of 2024 . Full year 2023 sales were $ 8,934m , up 4 % compared to 2022 ; but fourth quarter sales were $ 2,289m , down 5 % compared to the year-ago . The primary factors said to be affecting Q4 sales were lower volume , net pricing driven by higher promotional spend and higher finance interest . Polaris reports Q4 share gains in Off Road with Powersports retail sales for the quarter up 7 % percent versus 2022 - " driven by growth in snow and utility ORV , more than offsetting softness in On Road and Marine ." Polaris is forecasting full year 2024 sales and adjusted earnings guidance with full year sales expected to be down 5 to 7 % and full year adjusted earnings per share expected to be down 10 to 15 % ( both compared to 2023 ). On Road segment results were primarily driven by lower sales volumes , PG & A sales decreasing 4 % and gross profit margin performance driven by increased warranty costs . North America unit retail sales for Indian Motorcycle were down highteens percent . Estimated North America unit retail sales for the comparable motorcycle industry were down low-double digits percent . Off Road segment results were primarily driven by increased sales volume in snow , utility side-by-sides , and commercial partially offsetting continued weakness in recreation . PG & A sales increased 16 %.

Diluted Net income per share : $ 1.81 $ 3.34 $ 8.71 $ 7.44

Gross profit margin performance was driven by lower net pricing - driven by higher promotional activity , higher finance interest and unfavorable product mix . Polaris North America ORV unit retail sales were up 7 %. Estimated North America industry ORV unit retail sales were up mid-single digits percent . Marine segment results were primarily driven by lower sales volumes . Gross profit margin performance was impacted by the decrease in sales volumes and lower net pricing resulting in decreased leverage of manufacturing costs . Polaris CEO Mike Speetzen is quoted as saying :" We came into 2023 confident in our industry-defining innovation and compelling product portfolios , enabling us to win the share battle across our segments within a complicated environment . " Earnings per share performance came in below our expectations due to unexpected operational challenges , however , the team has identified and has already begun making meaningful progress on our efficiency and margin initiatives for 2024 and beyond . " As reflected in our outlook , segments of our industry are expected to remain challenged in 2024 , but we believe we will continue to capture market share with our robust lineup and new products coming later this year . The Polaris team ’ s relentless efforts remain focused on delivering the most innovative products in the industry , unmatched customer experiences and stronger operating fundamentals ." Performance Summary - For the fourth quarter , the company reported worldwide sales of $ 2,289m , down 5 % versus the fourth quarter of 2022 . North America sales of $ 1,995m represented 87 % of total

Continues on page 10 >>>

64 AFTERMARKET MOTO DESIGN - MARCH 2024 www . AMDmag . com