JAMA continues production, export decline
Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) members cut motorcycle production in May, but bike exports to the United States are gaining ground compared to the previous couple months.
Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha recently released May data.
Motorcycle production dropped 44.1 percent for the month compared to May 2007. JAMA members turned out 69,626 units for the month this year, a 55,015 decrease from last year. May marked the ninth month in a row the OEMs posted a production decrease on the same month of the previous year.
Export rates were slightly better than those in production, due in large part to a substantial export increase at Suzuki. JAMA members shipped 62,048 units overseas in May, a 14.1 percent drop from May 2007. JAMA has decreased exports over the same month of the previous year for eight consecutive months.
JAMA exports to the United States increased in May. They were up 19.4 percent to 21,829 units for the month. It was a 3,545-unit increase over May 2007.
