Local motorcycle sales in May continued growing for the fourth consecutive month, driven by a seasonal sales period for the industry and higher farm product prices, according to AP Honda Co, the official compiler of the figures. Sales in May increased 1.65% year-on-year to 150,126 units, and grew significantly by 15% from 130,795 units in April. The industry did not have a good start in January as sales decreased to 143,208 units from 150,685 units in January last year.

''Afterwards, the market was expected to be driven by the hike of fuel prices that will force consumers to switch to motorcycles from cars because they use less gas,'' said Thiraphat Jivapong, executive sales director of AP Honda.

The sales increase in May was due partly to school opening as parents in remote areas need to transport their children. Key customers such as farmers have also been enjoying higher incomes from price gains in key products.

Based on motorcycle registrations in May from the Land Transport Department, 76,778 family bikes were registered accounting for 51% of the market. A total of 67,293 units were automatic transmission models or 45% of the market; 4,424 units were semi-sports models for a 3% share; 1,038 units were sports models for a 1% share and 593 units were other types.

Cumulative sales in the first five months were 709,143 units, up 2% from 695,464 in the same period last year.

Honda remained the market leader, selling 486,091 units for a 70% share but its sales dropped by 0.4%. Rival Yamaha saw its sales rise 13.6% to 181,824 units for a 23% share on the continued popularity of the Yamaha Fino model.

Suzuki sold 29,612 motorcycles while Kawasaki was fourth with 3,804. JRD, the Malaysian brand, sold only 1,511 units and Platinum, the Chinese brand sold 1,282 units. Tiger, the Thai brand sold 452 units. The remaining 4,567 units were other brands.

Bangkok Post, 18.06.2008

Home :: Back :: Next