Motorcycle sales soar

The 2021 first quarter sales results for motorcycles and OHVs (Off Highway Vehicles) have continued the exceptional growth trends of 2020, according to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).

Total sales for the period from January to March 2021 were 27,256 units, an increase of 9,279 motorcycles, scooters and off highway vehicles. This represents a 51.6 per cent increase on the same period in 2020 when 17,977 sales were recorded.

Road bikes exhibited an increase in sales, with 8,684 units sold during the first quarter of 2021. This represents an increase of 20.9 per cent, or 1,502 units, on the first quarter 2020 result, when 7,182 units were sold.

Off-Road motorcycles also recorded strong growth, with 11,642 units sold during the first quarter – an 88.9 per cent increase on the 2020 first quarter figure.

OHVs continued their significant sales growth during the past year, accounting for sales of 5,455 units this quarter. This is an increase of 1,984 units, or 57.2 per cent, over the same period in 2020 when 3,471 units were sold.

Scooter sales were up 26.9 per cent to 1,475 units, or 313 units more than in the first quarter of 2020, when 1,162 units were sold.

“The results are clearly reinforcing the view that motorbikes, scooters and OHVs are continuing to be a favoured mobility choice across the country,” according to FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber. “It also reflects a growing confidence in the economy as people use their disposable income to either upgrade or by a motorcycle for the first time.

“The big increase in off road motorcycles also suggests that the changed social environment brought about by COVID 19 has encouraged many people to look to this area as a positive form of recreation,” he said.