Japanese OEMs decrease January production
Out of the four major OEMs based in Japan, only one managed to increase its production and exports in January, leaving the rest in double-digit losses according to data from the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA).
Yamaha was the only OEM to increase its exports, up by 38.5 percent with 17,819 exported units. Honda decreased exports by 15.2 percent with 8,080 units. Suzuki was also down by 24.3 percent with 9,853 bikes exported, and Kawasaki had the greatest export decrease, down 37.9 percent with 4,216 units.
All four companies exported a total of 39,968 units, with 12,655 exported to North America (10,114 of which were exported to the U.S.).
Production mirrored export values with Yamaha once again being the only OEM to increase its production out of the four. Yamaha was up 11.4 percent to 19,194 units. Honda had the smallest decrease in production by 14.4 percent with 13,107 units. Suzuki, with 11,122 bikes, decreased its production by 24 percent. Finally, Kawasaki was down 36.8 percent to 6,264 units produced.
Motorcycle production in each class was also down. The 50cc & under class was down 29 percent to 4,708 units. The 51-125cc class was down 12.6 percent to 1,874 units, and the 126-250cc class was down 14.8 percent with 5,630 bikes produced. Lastly, the over 250cc class was down 10.4 percent to 37,463 units.
