source: Dealer News

The four major motorcycle manufacturers in Japan have decreased production during the past 19 consecutive months and exports during the past 18 consecutive months, according to figures compiled by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA).

Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha together produced 60,369 units in March, down 50 percent compared to 120,831 units produced in March 2008.

Honda produced 16,559 units last month, down compared to 29,882 units in March 2008; Kawasaki produced 8,278 units, down compared to 19,015 units; Suzuki produced 13,437 units, down compared to 42,518 units; and Yamaha produced 22,093 units, down compared to 29,411 units.

The Big Four exported 60,331 units in March, down 37.8 percent compared to 97,051 units exported in March 2008.

Honda exported 12,656 units last month, down compared to 16,132 units in March 2008; Kawasaki exported 9,785 units, down compared to 18,389 units; Suzuki shipped 21,991 units, down compared to 30,572 units; and Yamaha exported 15,899 units, down compared to 31,958 units.

Exports to the U.S.

The four manufacturers shipped 24,234 units to the United States in March, down 9.1 percent compared to 26,669 units shipped stateside in March 2008.

• 50cc and Under: 1,936 units (2009), 298 (2008)
• 51-125cc: zero units (2009), 1,231 (2008)
• 126-250cc: 4,101 units (2009), 2,704 (2008)
• Over 250cc: 18,197 units (2009), 22,436 (2008)

FIRST QUARTER PRODUCTION, EXPORTS

For the three months ended March 31, the Big Four produced 220,755 units in Japan, down 39 percent compared to 362,090 units during the same three-month period in 2008.

Honda produced 63,318 units during the recently ended three-month period, down compared 90,544 units during the same three months last year; Kawasaki produced 38,570 units, down compared to 59,487 units; Suzuki produced 52,118 units, down compared to 123,192 units; and Yamaha produced 66,740 units, down compared to 88,844 units.

Exports for the recently ended three-month period totaled 216,858 units, down 33.5 percent compared to 325,882 units during the same three-month period in 2008.

Honda exported 49,470 units during the recently ended three-month period, down compared to 50,645 units during the same three months last year; Kawasaki exported 42,095 units, down compared to 59,388 units; Suzuki shipped 65,073 units, down compared to 122,463 units; and Yamaha exported 60,220 units, down compared to 93,386 units.

Exports to the U.S.

The four manufacturers shipped 86,339 units to the U.S. during the first three months of the year, down 17.8 percent compared to 105,136 units shipped stateside during the same three-month period in 2008.

• 50cc and Under: 6,406 units (2009), 1,440 (2008)
• 51-125cc: 448 units (2009), 6,626 (2008)
• 126-250cc: 11,244 units (2009); 11,274 (2008)
• Over 250cc: 68,241 units (2009), 85,796 (2008)