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Big 4 motorcycle exports dip again

Peak summertime conditions have done little to stem the ongoing year-over-year decreases in motorcycle exports from Japan’s Big Four in Europe, Latin America and Oceania, according to the latest data from the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA).

The Big Four — Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha — exported 26,852 units in May, compared with 29,351 units recorded for the same month of the previous year. This is a decrease of 2,499 units, or 8.5 percent, and export decrease on the same month of the previous year for eight consecutive months. In last month’s report, the Big Four had shipped 34,046 units.

Regionally, sales in Asia rose 8.9 percent year-over-year, while the Middle East was up 4.5 percent. North America and Africa were both up, 13.5 and 27.1 percent respectively.

By manufacturer, Honda and Kawasaki decreased exports significantly (51.9 percent and 66.4 percent of last year’s figures for each), while Suzuki (up 36.1 percent) and Yamaha (7.6 percent) were up.

In terms of classes, all displacements were down, aside from the 126-250cc class, which was up 971 units, or 24.5 percent.

Production figures were largely similar, with Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha down, while Suzuki increased its output by 18.1 percent. All displacement categories were down, aside from the over 250cc class, which was up 34.5 percent.

All told, the Big Four produced 36,025 units in May 2013, which is down from 40,018 reported for April 2013.

More information is available at www.jama-english.jp.

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