motorcycle sales

Australian motorcycle sales growing again, create a new annual record in 2007. Figures released today by the Federal Chamber Automotive Industries show that 129,966 motorcycles were sold last year - up from 10,760 or 9.0 percent from the previous all time record in 2006.

This is the tenth consecutive year sales have grown, and means motorcycle sales now running at a speed that even exceeds the bike boom the early 1970s. "Sales of motorcycles driven by many of the same factors that encourage car sales hit a record last year, including the strength of domestic demand, revenue growth and improving vehicle affordability," said FCAI chief executive Andrew McKellar.

"It is likely that motorcycle sales are also driven by rising fuel prices, which led to a new generation of passengers drive to learn," he said.

Mr McKellar said there was evidence of this trend in the rapid growth of entry-level under-250cc motorcycle segment, which almost doubled in two years. Under-250cc sales increased 25.8 percent in 1961 or 2007. Scooters are still very popular. Sales last year to pave 14,271 (down 1.0 percent) after a three-fold increase in volume over the last three years.