Big 4 halt downturn trends in first half of fiscal year

Motorcycle exports by Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha increased by 11.7 percent during September, compared to September 2013, according to the latest data released by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association. Motorcycle exports totaled 37,281 units during September, an increase of 3,917 units compared to the year-ago month. The Over 250cc class had the largest export increase, up 3,683 units, or 15.8 percent, to 26,972 units.

Motorcycle production, meanwhile, decreased 1.7 percent, or 868 units, during September compared to September 2013.

Motorcycle production for the first half of fiscal year 2014 (April-Sept.) was 264,756 units. Compared with the 248,426 units total recorded for the year-ago period, this is an increase of 16,330 units or 6.6 percent, and a production increase after three year’s downturn.

Motorcycle exports for the first half of fiscal year 2014 was 196,550 units. Compared with the 179,627 units total recorded for the year-ago period, this is an increase of 16,923 units, or 9.4 percent, and an export increase after four year’s downturn.