More quads than bikes sold in August
I found this interesting article on
motoring.co.za.
I wonder wat this years figures would look like.
Quads sales made up 55.4 percent of the South African motorcycle market during
August 2004, according to the latest figures released by Association of
Motorcycle Importers and Distributors (Amid) director Arnold Olivier.
It would appear that the weekend warriors are gearing up for the summer ahead,
with total retail sales for the month of 2382 units, 56 percent better than
August 2003's 1526.
The overall market for the year to date now stands at 17 815, up 60 percent on
the first eight months of last year (11 134 units).
This growth, given the continued stability of economic indicators like
inflation, interest rates and exchange rates, put the industry on track for the
best sales year since 1985 - when a record total of 24 509 bikes were sold in
South Africa.
Yamaha's 200cc Blaster has finally been dethroned from the top of the sales
charts, with the Suzuki LTZ250 having sold 653 units in the year to date
compared to the Blaster's 649. The venerable Honda CGL125 is once again the
only two-wheeler in the top ten, with 349 sales so far this year.
Top 10 sales – all classes:
Motorcycles
The two-wheeled segment of the market is up 33 percent on 2003, with total sales since January of 8942 units, compared to 6 698 in 2003
Off-road bikes (motocross and enduro machines) lead the way with a retail growth of 90.7 percent.
superbike sales have improved 43.4 percent,
cruisers 38.5 percent and
dual-purpose bikes 25.5 percent
which illustrates the perception that most motorcycles are bought as leisure
toys.
Top 10 sales – motorcycles above 500cc:
Although 125cc, scooter, commercial and agribike sales have grown by only 12.5 percent, small bikes are making a comeback in the second half of the year, especially entry-level scooter and traditional 125cc schoolboy models.
This seems to be due to competitive pricing, and continued high fuel prices.
Top 10 sales – motorcycles below 500cc:
Quads:
Quad sales for January to August are double what they were in the same period last year – 8873 units compared to 4436 in 2003.
However the growth curve is finally beginning to flatten out as the sales for this year begin to compete against the strong figures recorded in the second half of last year.
Olivier predicts that the final figures for 2004 will reflect a growth of about 58 percent over sales during 2003.
Top five quads - recreational:
Top five quads - utility:
Top five quads - speciality: