Australia – Motorcycle sales stable in the third quarter of 2023

In the Australian market, the motorcycle industry is showing a positive response in the fourth quarter of 2023. In total, from January to September 2023, 68,572 units were sold. This number includes motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (such as off-road motorcycles). According to a report from the Australian publication MCNews.Au, this represents a slight decline of 2.3% compared to the same period last year, but it represents a slight halt in the decline of sales numbers that saw a 5.9% drop in the first half of 2023. The good news is that there seems to be a resurgence in sales across all market segments, from road motorcycles to all-terrain and even scooters. Although the numbers mainly show declines compared to the same period in 2022, it is important to highlight that the increase in the cost of living and interest rates has affected the purchasing power of many Australians this year.

Looking at the situations by category, road motorcycles accounted for 37.7% of all sales, with 25,952 units sold. This figure marked a slight decrease of 1.1% compared to the same period in 2022. Meanwhile, off-road motorcycles represented the largest volume with 39.6% or 27,212 units sold. However, the market contracted by 5.9% in 2023. Scooters contributed 6.4% to total sales, with 4,413 units sold. Interestingly, however, scooters saw an impressive sales growth of 9% compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, off-road vehicles remained stable at 16.2% of the market, with 11,175 units sold.

It is interesting to note that scooters have been gaining strength in the Australian market. These compact two-wheeled models are popular in Europe and Asia due to their functionality, efficiency, and affordable price – aspects that Australians are taking into account. According to the Chief Executive of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), Tony Weber, scooters are seen as attractive options for urban mobility. “Although scooters are a small part of the overall market, it was important to note the significant increase in sales compared to 2022,” he told MCNews.Au.