The FCAI, the peak body for Australia’s automotive industry, has today released sales figures for motorcycles and off highway vehicles (OHV) for 2021.
A total of 123,530 motorcycles and OHVs were sold throughout 2021. This represents an increase of 13.4 per cent on 2020 figures.
Off road motorcycles recorded 43 per cent of overall sales with 53,118 units sold in 2021. This is an increase of 18.8 per cent on 2020 figures.
Road motorcycles were the next most popular segment, recording 37,270 units sold. This represents an increase of 6.8 per cent on 2020 figures and accounts for 30.17 per cent of all units sold in 2021.
The OHV segment of the market had growth of 13.9 per cent on 2020 figures. This amounts to a total of 28,321 units sold representing 22.92 per cent of the overall market.
Scooters make up the smallest portion of the market with 4,821 new units sold. This represents 3.90 per cent of the overall market and is an increase of 8.1 per cent on sales in 2020.
FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said that in the context of pandemic restrictions limiting access to showrooms, the new motorcycle, scooter and OHV market in Australia remains positive.
“The pandemic has meant less access to showrooms for consumers. Despite this, all sectors of the motorcycle and OHV market recorded growth throughout 2021. This demonstrates the quality of product that manufacturers are sending to Australia,” Mr Weber said.
The FCAI is urging Governments to take note of the large off road motorcycle sector which is a widely used form of recreation.
“More and more Australians are using off road motorcycles to increase their physical fitness, as a form of mental wellbeing and as a way of experiencing the Australian bush.”
“It is important for politicians at all levels to be cognisant of this and to set aside appropriate land for it,” Mr Weber said.
With congestion a perennial problem for all of Australia’s capital cities and major centres, road motorcycles and scooters should be seen as tools to help ease the load on Australia’s transport systems.
“Traffic is a major issue across Australia. Getting more commuters onto motorcycles and scooters will help to reduce congestion and increase traffic flow.”
“We are encouraging Governments to consider how they can motivate commuters to use motorcycles and scooters as safe, practical and efficient ways of getting around our cities and urban centres,” Mr Weber said.
