U.S. Motorcycle Retail Sales Improve Dramatically
April 19, 2012 - (Various Sources, Edited by webBikeWorld) - ADP Lightspeed, a dealer retail information network, is reporting dramatic improvements in Q1 2012 retail sales at the dealer level in the U.S.A.
The study, based on a survey of nearly 1,700 U.S. powersports dealers, indicate sales are up an average of 21% over the first quarter of 2011, with increases in all U.S. regions, including +41% in the Midwest. The improvements are said to be related to the unusually warm winter weather experienced in much of the U.S.A.The sales increases were nearly identical in both V-Twin and "Metric" dealers. As an example, Polaris is reporting overall sales up 17% in the first quarter, compared to 2011. Victory motorcycle sales are up 44%, although it must be remembered that 2011 was a down year due to the worldwide economic slump.
Polaris is reporting that their purchase of the Indian, GEM and Goupil brands contributed nearly 50% of their motorcycle sales in the first quarter of 2012, while traditional cruiser sales improved around 15%. Victory motorcycle sales in the U.S, Canada and Mexico were up by nearly 40%, while off-road utility vehicle sales are reported up 30%. The off-road only utility vehicle market has been booming in the U.S. in the last couple of years.
Meanwhile, Ducati also reported improved sales in Q1 of 2012, claiming its 7th consecutive quarter of sales growth with a 10.2% improvement in Q1 2012 retail sales. The company is reporting a 98% increase in Ducati-branded clothing and other gear compared to Q1 of 2011.
Reference:http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-news/statistics/motorcycle-sales-statistics.htm