Honda's Q4 and full year 22/23 financial results (the 12 months to March 31, 2023) put motorcycle segment revenue at +33.00%. Worldwide PTW unit shipments of Honda badged machines from its wholly owned and JV/subsidiary factory network were up over +10% at over 18m. Sales in Asian markets were up by 10.4% (16.1m units), Indonesia was +15.7% (approx. 4.5m units); India was +16% (some 2.4m units). European sales were +9.5% (347,000 units) and North America was +5% (459,000 units). Sales in Japan were essentially flat year-on-year at some 246,000 units. Operating profit from Honda's motorcycle business segment was up by +56.9%, with operating margin of some 16.8% (14.3% in 21/22). For 23/24 Honda is forecasting growth of around 25% for European unit sales to over 430,000.
Kawasaki's Q4 and full year 22/23 financial results (the 12 months to March 31, 2023) put motorcycle segment revenue at +32%, with worldwide unit shipments +13% (555,000 unts) within which 'developed market' shipments were +13.9% (237,000 units). The United States saw a 38.4% increase in unit shipments at around 119,000 units, but Europe was down by -5.5% at 67,000 units. Sales in Japan and Australia were also down. Units in 'emerging markets' were up by 12.4% (318,000). The Philippines were up (+29.8%/209,000 units), Indonesia was down (-4.4%/43,000 units); China was down (-18.9%/ 30,000). Powersports segment operating profit was +90.7%. ATV/UTV and PWC unit shipments were +7.4% (87,000 units). For its 23/24 year Kawasaki forecasts 7% less inventory for its 'developed markets'.
The AMA has announced Nick Harris as its new Government Relations Director, as it "restructures and evolves its Government Relations Department to better serve members across the nation." As part of the evolution of its lobby efforts, the AMA will additionally bring on board an experienced Washington Representative to monitor and influence policies and programs at the federal level. www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com
For its Q4 and full year 22/23 financial results (the 12 months to March 31, 2023), Suzuki is reporting global sales of 1.859m units, which is +13.4% (+220,000 YoY). Sales in Europe were 31,000 units (+9.1%/+3,000 units YoY); North America was +11.5% (+3,000 units YoY at 32,000); Japan down by -14.6% (-8,000 units YoY at 46,000), with Asia +15.4% (+204,000 units YoY at 1.528m). India is its largest Asian market by far, at 740,000 units (+21.4%), followed by China at 430,000 units (+6.8%) and Philippines at 197,000 units (22.5%). Latin America was worth 198,000 units for Suzuki in 22/23 (+17.5%). Total Suzuki production (domestic and all international facilities, including JVs and 3PP) was 1.914m units (+7.3%/130,000 units). Total sales revenue from consolidated net sales (all factories) was 333.3bn yen, which was +31.4% YoY, with Europe +33.1% at 39.2bn yen.
For Q1 of its 2023 financial year (January to December) - Yamaha is the only one of the Japanese manufacturers to run an annual calendar financial year - Yamaha states that "demand for motorcycles is strong" with unit sales in all major markets increasing - despite continuing shortage of inventory in the Premium Scooters segment - one where Yamaha is particularly strong. Total global unit sales for Q1 were +112% at 1.274m units for 347.9bn yen. Sales in Europe were +107% for Q1 YoY at 55,000 units and 52.7bn yen (+130%). Sales in North America were +191% (26,000) units; Japan was +90% (21,000 units); Asia was +114% (1.028bn units). Total 'developed market' unit sales (Europe, USA and Japan) were +113% for Q1, with overall inventory as at March 31st described as being lower than optimum levels to meet demand.
Central Powersports Distribution of Watertown, SD has completed the latest stage of its transfer of operations, moving all Rieju and GasGas Legacy parts to its new office and warehouse location in Marshall, TX. CPD specializes in importing motorcycles from Europe. In addition to Rieju and Torrot in Spain, CPD imports SWM select models from Italy and the Portuguese AJP line.
Ducati has introduced its first carbon-frame electric mountain bike (e-MTB), the 2024 Powerstage RR Limited Edition. Based on a Shimano EP801 drive unit, premium features include Öhlins front and rear suspension.
GM and Samsung are to JV a $3bn EV battery cell plant investment - likely in Indiana. This follows a January announcement that GM had decided not to move ahead with a fourth such facility in Indiana in partnership with LG. The facility is scheduled to begin operations in 2026, creating 1,700 manufacturing jobs.
The MIC says that space at the 2024 AIMExpo (Las Vegas, February 6-8) is selling at a "record pace". As at late June it reports that the "tremendous momentum from this year's AIMExpo has given us a boost in planning for 2024," with "more than a dozen OEs (including 10-year exhibitor Suzuki), three distributors including Tucker Powersports and Parts Unlimited, and over 175 companies already committed. This far out from the show, we've sold more floor space than we ever have during the past decade."
Sources: AMD, IDN, FT, Reuters, PSB, MPN, BDN, MCN, AP, Bloomberg, MSNW, Electrek, electricmotorcycles.news, RideApart.com, Motor1.com, Cycle World, motorbikewriter.com