Mar. 9, 2009 – Yamaha reports reduced demand in all segments

Yamaha Motor Corp. suffered new unit sales losses in both its North American motorcycle and quad segments in 2008 compared to the prior year, the company reported.
Yamaha’s North American motorcycle sales of 167,000 units was a 15 percent drop from the prior year.
Its power products division, which includes ATVs, side-by-sides, snowmobiles and other products, reported a 25 percent decline in 2008 in North America. Its total sales amounted to more than 141,000 units.
Overall, Yamaha’s year-end sales dropped nearly 9 percent to $17.2 billion as demand for products in all of its business segments decreased, the company reported.
Besides North America, Yamaha saw reduced motorcycle sales in Europe (by nearly 11 percent) compared to a year ago. Overall motorcycle unit sales increased 17 percent over 2007 but segment revenue fell 2.6 percent. Yamaha said it saw strong sales in Indonesia, Thailand and China but demand fell in Vietnam and Brazil beginning last November.
Revenue for power products fell by nearly 20 percent as Yamaha cited reduced demand for sport ATVs and side-by-sides.
The company’s marine division revenue fell 17.6 percent due to sale declines in medium and large outboard motors and PWC.
Looking forward, Yamaha believes business conditions will “remain extremely harsh” and is forecasting a 22 percent decline in sales for 2009 compared to the previous year. psb