TRAVERSE Issue 19 - August 2020 | Page 148

FEDERAL CHAMBER OF AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRIES Australia’s Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries has released the first half (2020) results for sales of motorcycles, ATVs, and Side by Sides. The results are surprising and positive. Despite the Covid-19 pandemic slashing economies Australian sales sky-rocketed compared to the same period last year, up 24%, more than 10,000 new vehicle sales. “It is wonderful to see some strong sales from our member motorcycle brands,” said Tony Weber, chief executive of the FCAI. “A year-on-year increase of 24.5 per cent is significant, and signals improving conditions for both members and dealers.” The ATV and Side by Side segment saw the greatest growth, followed by off-road motorcycles. Combined the two categories claim more the 60% of the overall market. “People can’t go for overseas holidays, and for quite some time,” said Mr Weber. “They couldn’t even go for holidays within Australia. So, we believe that, instead of spending up big on expensive family vacations, people are treating themselves in different ways – and this could mean they are taking up new sports like trail bike riding.” Road bikes were down almost 3% on the same time last year, while scooters were down around 13%. It’s clear that due to lockdown restrictions people aren’t riding, whether travel, leisure or commute, as much as previous times. Of the manufacturers, Honda claims almost a quarter of the market share with Yamaha just a few hundred bikes behind. Of the top five market share holders (including Kawasaki and KTM) Suzuki sees the smallest with 6.8% of the market. The best-selling bikes, January through June 2020 are: • Kawasaki Ninja 400 – Road Bikes • Yamaha XTZ690 – Adventure Touring • Harley Davidson XG500 – Cruiser • Yamaha MT07L – Naked • Yamaha YZF-R3A – Sport Touring • Kawasaki Ninja 400 – Super Sport • Harley Davidson FLHXS – Touring • Kawasaki KLX110 – Off Road • Honda XR190 – Farm • Kawasaki KLX110 – Fun • Honda CRF230F – Trail • Yamaha WR450F – Enduro • Yamaha YZ250F – Moto Cross • Honda NSC110 – Scooter • Yamaha WR450F – LAMS Approved TRAVERSE 148