Motorcycle sales continue to surge in Australia
Official retail sales figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) show that 38,331 motorcycles, scooters and ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) were sold for the first four months to April 30 — an increase of 20.5 percent over the same period in 2006.
Most of the growth was in the road bike market, which was up 36.6 percent compared to last year.
“These results are a continuation of the growth of the last few years and reflect an increasing trend toward the fuel-efficiency and convenience of motorcycles and scooters,” FCAI chief executive Peter Sturrock said.
The combined motorcycle, scooter and ATV market grew for the fourth year in a row in 2006, hitting a record of 119,210 — an increase of 16.6 percent on the previous record set in 2005.
Total off-road motorcycle sales of 14,209 was enough to make it the largest market segment in the first quarter.
Sales of ATVs rose by 1.4 percent to 5,130 units, and the off-road motorcycle market grew by 15.2 percent.