Japanese OEMs increase July production
Though overall production for the Big Four OEMs out of Japan increased 9.2 percent in July, only two of the four reported a rise in production.
Yamaha reported the largest percentage jump in production, up 33.8 percent over July 2013 to 20,550 bikes. Kawasaki was the other OEM to report an increase, up 1.9 percent to 4,926 units. Honda’s production dropped 0.8 percent to 11,758 motorcycles, while Suzuki’s decreased 6.2 percent to 12,598 units. In total, the Big Four produced 49,832 motorcycles in July, according to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc.
Production in three of the four motorcycle classes increased. The over 250cc class saw the largest percentage hike, up 19.1 percent to 29,252 units. Production in the 51-125cc class grew 18.5 percent to 4,422 bikes, and the 50cc or under group was up 6.7 percent to 7,119 units. The 126-250cc class reported a 15.4 percent decrease to 9,039 units.
Exports overall were up 19.8 percent to 36,605 motorcycles. Yamaha, again, reported the largest percentage increase, up 42.7 percent to 17,161 units exported. Kawasaki’s exports increased 27.8 percent to 4,492 units for July, and Honda’s exports were up 17.1 percent to 7,819 motorcycles. Suzuki exported 7,133 bikes, down 14.5 percent from the year-ago month.
