Metric OEMs’ North American exports decline significantly

Metric manufacturers’ exports to North America in October reflected a much slower retail market.

Metric manufacturers shipped 5,362 motorcycles to the United States in October, an 87 percent decline from the year-ago month, according to data provided by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA).

Exports were down by a similar percentage in Canada. Metric manufacturers, including Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki, exported 758 motorcycles to Canada, an 81 percent decrease from a year ago.

Overall, metric manufacturers manufactured more than 51,000 units in October, a decrease of 57.5 percent from October 2008. This is the 26th consecutive month for motorcycle production declines.

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