Motorcycle sales in Australia saw an increase of 22.1 per cent in 2020, according to a report by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), indicating positive signs for the local industry.
Specifically, a total of 108,926 units found new homes last year, compared to 89,199 sales in 2019.
The FCAI includes off-highway vehicles (OHVs) in its assessment of the motorcycle industry, tallying ATV and side-by-side vehicles among dirt- and road-bike models.
OHVs saw the most significant increase, with 24,856 units sold, for a 38.8 per cent increase year-on-year.
Meanwhile, off-road motorcycles recorded a 30.3 per cent increase compared to 2019, with a total of 44,697 bikes sold.
In the road-bike category, the FCAI reports a 9.2 per cent increase in 2020, following a total sales run of 34,912.
While the 2020 motorcycle sales report shows a strong increase compared to 2019, overall scooter sales dropped by 11 per cent, with just 4461 units sold in the 2020 period.
In a press release issued today, FCAI chief executive officer Tony Weber said that the 2020 motorcycle sales report is “reassuring”.
“Given the difficult market conditions resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, it is reassuring to see segments of the market continuing to perform well,” he said.
“The rise in popularity of personal transport in this segment demonstrates that OHVs, off-road motorcycles and road bikes were a preferred option for many recreational and commuting activities during the year.”
As INFO MOTO has previously reported, the growth in motorcycles sales can be attributed in part to changing buyer habits during the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to a large increase in dirt bike sales.
In an earlier statement, the FCAI suggested that many Australians were buying off-road motorcycles rather than other luxury items during the pandemic.
“Achieving such a strong sales performance in the current market conditions is simply remarkable,” Mr Weber said in October regarding Q3 sales results.
“And it is due, for the most part, to the rising popularity of off-road bikes and strong demand for OHVs.
“Off-road bikes have grown in popularity as people turn to close-to-home recreational pursuits during the pandemic restrictions.
“And OHVs – which include both ATVs and SSVs – are in strong demand due to the implementation of controversial Government legislation which will see the quality ATV brands exit the Australian market.”
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
Pretty good news all round I reckon.