Big Four Production Down in April
Big Four production down in April
The Big Four Japanese motorcycle manufacturers, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha, combined to produce 75,972 motorcycles in April 2008, down from 136,186 for the same month in 2007, marking the eighth consecutive month in which production has decreased when compared with the preceding year.
Honda had the largest decrease in April, producing 17,184 motorcycles, a decrease of 19,271 from the same period in 2008. Kawasaki produced the fewest motorcycles of the Big Four, with 10,132 in April, but had the largest drop by percentage with a decrease of 60.3%. Suzuki was the largest producer with 26,442 motorcycles made but still had a 38.5% drop in production. Yamaha had the smallest drop, producing 22,214 units, a decrease of 28.8%.
Exports were also down in April, as the Big Four shipped 74,856 units compared to 123,260 units in April 2007, a decrease of 39.2%. Exports to North America were down 45.9%, falling to 22,753 motorcycles from the same period in 2007.
The total value of motorcycle exports in April was US$610.49 million, including both vehicles and parts. This was a decrease of 20.3% from the $766.39 million recorded in April 2007.
| April 2007 | April 2008 | % decrease | |
| Honda | 36,455 | 17,184 | 53.9% |
| Kawasaski | 25,528 | 10,132 | 60.3% |
| Suzuki | 43,007 | 26,442 | 38.5% |
| Yamaha | 31,196 | 22,214 | 28.8% |
| Total | 136,186 | 75,972 | 44.2% |
| April 2007 | April 2008 | % decrease | |
| Honda | 18,570 | 7,944 | 57.8% |
| Kawasaski | 26,139 | 11,112 | 58.5% |
| Suzuki | 45,692 | 32,721 | 28.4% |
| Yamaha | 32,859 | 23,079 | 29.8% |
| Total | 123,260 | 74,856 | 39.2% |
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