Japanese motorcycle production, exports up in February
Three of the four Japanese motorcycle manufacturers increased production year-over-year in February, leading to an overall increase of 9.6 percent for the Big Four, according to the latest data from the JAMA.
Kawasaki reported the largest percentage increase in production, up 59.2 percent to 8,652 units. Yamaha’s production grew 28.7 percent to 19,900 bikes, and Honda’s production was nearly flat, as the OEM experienced only a 0.2 percent increase to 14,045 units. In contrast, Suzuki’s production dropped 16.1 percent to 13,751 units.
Though production of bikes in all engine categories over 51cc were up, the 126-250cc group saw the largest percentage increase over February 2013, with a 32.1 percent hike to 7,706 units. The 51-125cc group was up 26.1 percent to 2,153 bikes, and over 250cc bike production rose 9.7 percent to 40,791. Production of units 50cc and under decreased 14.7 percent to 5,698 bikes. In total, the Japanese OEMs produced 56,348 motorcycles in the month.
Worldwide exports for the Big Four Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association members rose 21.1 percent to 52,903 bikes in February. Each OEM grew its exports from the year-ago month. Kawasaki again led the pack with a 47.0 percent increase to 8,019 exports. Yamaha reported a 21.9 percent jump to 17,105 bikes, while Suzuki’s exports grew 13.9 percent to 13,350 units, and Honda’s exports increased 15.6 percent to 14,429 motorcycles.
Asia saw the largest percentage growth of Japanese exports, with a 112 percent jump to 2,527 motorcycles. North American reported a 14 percent increase to 23,639 bikes, while the U.S. accounted for a 15 percent increase to 19,434 exported motorcycles.
