Japan’s January Cycle Production Drops 6.4%
Japan’s four main motorcycle manufacturers produced a total of 149,437 units in January 2006, down 10,257 units or 6.4 percent compared to the production of 159,694 units in January 2005, said the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA).
According to JAMA figures, Honda produced 43,992 units in January 2006, down from 48,134 units produced in January 2005; Kawasaki produced 20,813 units, down from 22,092; Suzuki produced 43,181 units, up from 41,525 units; and Yamaha produced 41,421 units, down from 47,909 total units in January 2005.
EXPORTS
The four manufacturers exported a total of 116,460 units in January 2006, down 12,522 units or 9.7 percent compared to the 128,982 units exported in January 2005, said JAMA.
Honda exported 23,858 units in January 2006, down from 29,435 in January 2005; Kawasaki exported 22,167 units, down from 22,497; Suzuki exported 35,685, up from 33,942; and Yamaha exported 34,750, down from 43,108 units.
Of the 116,460 units exported in January 2006, 2,793 units were 50cc and under; 8,874 units were 51cc-125cc; 12,393 units were 126cc-250cc; and 113,667 units were over 250cc in engine size.
Total value of motorcycles exported for January 2006 was $736.61 million – including $620.49 million for vehicles and $116.12 million for parts – an increase of $1.3 million or 0.2% as compared with $735.31 million recorded for the same month of the previous year.
JAMA said 40,992 units were shipped to the U.S. in January 2006, down from 46,930 units shipped in January 2005.
