Big Four exports remained flat in May, JAMA reports
According to a report by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) overall motorcycle production decreased, while motorcycle export increased. The report includes data from Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha.
Motorcycle production in May 2015 was recorded as 31,958 units. In comparison to the 40, 913 units recorded at the same time last year, OEMs saw a decrease of 8,955 units, or 21.9 percent. For the past seven consecutive months production has decreased compared to the same month of the previous year.
The only motorcycle class that had any production increase was the 51-125cc class, up 75.1 percent with 1,447 units. The motorcycle class that experienced the greatest decrease was the 126-250cc class, down 54.1 percent or 4,701 units.
Motorcycle exports in May 2015 were recorded as 24,913 units. In comparison to the 24,776 units recorded in the same month in the last year, OEMs experienced an increase of 0.6 percent, or 137 units. After five months of consistent downturn, May is the first month were export has increased over the same period in the previous year.
The motorcycle classes that experienced export increase were limited to the two smallest classes (125cc and under), while the two largest classes (126cc and above) saw decreased export. The 50cc & under class was up 43.1 percent with 217 units and the 51-125cc class increased by 1,156 units, or 54.6 percent. Down by 100 units, the 126-250cc class had 2.8 percent less export than in the previous year. Finally, the over 250cc class also saw lower export figures, down 1,136 units, or 6.1 percent.
