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Suzuki Q1 sales down
Suzuki has reported results for the first quarter of its 2016 – 2017 financial year( to 30 June 2016) that show global net sales from motorcycles of 50,684m yen, which is down from the 60,885m yen reported for the yearago quarter, but a Q1 2015 – 2016 loss on that higher revenue for- 2,649m yen has been improved to a loss of 561m yen. In unit terms Suzuki reports 242,000m units sold worldwide in their first quarter, down from 254,000 units in the comparable year-ago quarter. Some 14,000 of those sold in Europe( compared to 16,000 in 2015) and 6,000 in the United States( down from 8,000 units). Total corporate consolidated net sales( automotive, motorcycle, marine and power products) were 754,031m yen, down by 18,822m yen(-2.4 percent) from the 772,853m yen recorded for the year-ago quarter.
www. globalsuzuki. com
RSD Ducati XDiavel at Sturgis
Ducati braved the righteous indignation of America’ s hardcore Harley-Davidson brotherhood in August when they unveiled a new Roland Sands designed Ducati XDiavel special at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
“ This was Ducati ' s first official participation at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally”, the company says,“ and we brought the entire XDiavel world along with us”. Presented in 2016, the Ducati XDiavel“ brings two worlds together: the American cruiser world of high-torque at low rpm, foot-forward controls for long road trips, and the Ducati world of Italian style, refined engineering, unparalleled performance and adrenalinefueled sports riding.“ The unmistakable look of the XDiavel, the recent winner of the Red Dot Design Award in 2016, now has an American design influence by Californian customizer Roland Sands. At Sturgis he presented- together with Ducati- his own interpretation of the Bolognabuilt cruiser.“ The response to our presence at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally was exceptionally welcoming. The passion for two wheels, twin-cylinder engines, and beautiful roads is shared by everyone at this gathering of the motorcycle community”, said Jason Chinnock, CEO of Ducati North America.
Kawasaki Q1 unit sales + 26 % in Europe
Kawasaki Heavy Industries has released its 2016 – 2017 financial year first quarter results- the three months to June 30th 2016. In total Kawasaki sold 118,000 units worldwide( motorcycles, ATVs, PWCs and Utility Vehicles), worth 58.5 billion yen – that compares to 103,000 units worth 58.2 billion yen in 2015. Unit sales in Europe were up at 19,000 units(+ 26.67 percent, from 15,000 for Q1 15 / 16) with recorded revenue for that increase in unit numbers up to 15 billion yen this year, compared to 13.6 billion yen for the year-ago quarter – reflecting the currency deprecation issues that are affecting all Japanese exporters at this time. In North America unit sales were some 22,000 in the quarter( of which some 10,000 are reported as being motorcycle sales), up from the 18,000 total units sold there in the same quarter last year, but with 11,000 of those reported as being motorcycles, Kawasaki’ s Q1 16 / 17 motorcycle sales in North America are actually down, on increased revenue. Domestic Japanese unit sales were also down this year( at 3,900 for the quarter against 4,200 last year); emerging market unit sales are also down at 20,800 units from 21,500 in 2015. www. khi. co. jp
Honda motorcycle unit sales + 6 % for Q1
Honda has announced that its group unit motorcycle sales for the first quarter of its 2016 / 2017 financial year, the period ended June 30th 2016, were up by + 6.02 percent at 4.352m units compared to the year ago quarter. Despite group sales revenue being down for the quarter( by 233m yen,- 6.3 %) at 3,417m yen, consolidated operating profit for the fiscal first quarter amounted to 266.8 billion yen, an increase of 11.5 % compared to the same period last year. This is described as being due to cost reduction efforts, an increase in profit related to changes in sales volume and model mix, and a decrease in selling, general and administrative( SG & A) expenses( including qualityrelated expenses). This was despite unfavourable currency effects and the impact of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake. Consolidated profit before income taxes for the fiscal first quarter amounted to 288.4 billion yen, an increase of 2.2 % compared to the same period last year. Due mainly to an increase in income tax expense, profit for the fiscal first quarter attributable to owners of the parent amounted to 174.6 billion yen, a decrease of 6.1 % compared to the same period last year. Consolidated financial forecasts for the current fiscal year ending March 31, 2017 remain unchanged from the forecasts announced previously. The quarterly dividend for the fiscal first quarter will be 22 yen per share, and total cash dividends to be paid for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2017 are expected to be 88 yen per share.
16 INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS- OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2016