Introduction

Motorcycles maintained strong growth in 2008, reaching a new record sales figure. 134,112 motorcycles, scooters and ATVs were sold in 2008 which was an increase of 3.2 per cent over the previous record set in 2007.

Sales in almost all categories increased throughout the year despite the wider economic downturn and uncertainty caused by the global financial crisis.

Some highlights of the 2008 results:

  • Road bikes were the key driver of growth in the marketplace during 2008 with 49,347 sales – an 8.5 per cent increase over the previous year. Cruisers retained leadership of the road-bike sub-segment with 13,156 sales, ahead of 250cc (11,053 sales) and super sports (8,630).
  • Scooters remained extremely popular with 15,364 units sold during 2008 – a 7.6 per cent increase compared to 2007.
  • Sales of ATVs increased by 1.2 per cent during the year to 19,990 units while sales of off-road motorcycles fell two per cent to 49,411 units.
  • The agricultural segment was the most popular amongst ATV sales, accounting for 73 per cent of that market (14,587 sales).
  • The off-road market was very competitive in 2008 with Moto Cross the most popular segment (14,410 sales) ahead of Mini bikes (14,129) and Enduro (14,124).
  • Honda maintained its market leadership in 2008 with 32,651 sales, followed by Yamaha with 28,004 and Suzuki with 18,314 sales.

Motorcycle and Scooter Safety Summit

In April 2008, the FCAI jointly funded a Motorcycle and Scooter Safety Summit with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. The ACT Department of Territory and Municipal Services also contributed to this first ever national Summit on motorcycle and scooter safety.

The key objective of the Summit was to develop a set of recommended actions for consideration by Federal, State and Territory Transport Ministers for inclusion in a new ten-year National Road Safety Strategy.

Held over two days in Canberra, the Summit was attended by more than one hundred delegates, representing a broad range of government, industry, research and rider organisations.

There were presentations from international and Australian speakers, as well as workshop discussions to explore key motorcycle and scooter safety issues including existing measures and new initiatives.

Leading the keynote speakers was Dr Nick Rogers, Secretary General of the International Motorcycle Manufacturers Association, (IMMA). As a member of IMMA, the FCAI was able to secure the services of Dr Rogers for this significant event. The FCAI motorcycle manager gave a presentation on the need for a national approach to motorcycle and scooter training and licensing issues. A report on the outcomes and recommendations of the Summit is expected to be presented to the National Road Safety Strategy Panel in early 2009.