The FCAI, Australia’s automotive industry peak body, has released the sales data for motorcycles and off-highway vehicles (OHV) for the year 2023.
In 2023, a total of 95,980 motorcycles and OHVs found new owners, marking a 3.1 per cent decrease from the previous year.
Off-road motorcycles totalled 40,138 units, experiencing a 3.7 per cent decrease and road motorcycles recorded a 3 per cent decline (35,122 units) on 2022 figures.
Bucking the trend, scooters experienced a strong increase in sales (6,135 units) up 15.4 per cent on the previous year.
OHV segment sold 14,585 units, a decrease of 7.8 per cent compared with 2022 figures.
Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries Chief Executive Tony Weber said rising interest rates and cost of living pressures contributed to the decline in overall sales for 2023.
“As Australians manage tighter finances, recreational products are often the first to be affected.
“Recreational products, including motorcycles, often bear the brunt of financial constraints during challenging periods. The decrease in motorcycle sales underscores the impact of economic pressures on discretionary spending.
“An increase in scooter sales points to changes in consumer preferences in the Australian market with new riders venturing onto our roads, taking advantage of easier parking and quicker commute times.”
In 2024, Australians can look forward to advancements in technology, increased connectivity, safety features, the rise of battery electric power, and a diverse range of product choices for consumers.
