Sales of motorcycles and ATVs are witnessing a massive boom so far in 2020, with an increase of 24.5 per cent being recorded through the first six months of the year.

While new car sales continue to struggle as a result of the impacts of COVID-19 enforced shutdowns, no such problems exist for motorcycle dealers, with 52,839 vehicles leaving dealerships between January and June.

The increase in sales has been led by the popular ATV and off-road dirt-bike segments, with consumers looking to get in quick after Honda, Yamaha and Polaris all announced their intentions to exit the Australian market due to the new safety compliance standards introduced by the Federal Government.

ATVs account for 14,545 sales, a 50.9 per cent increase from 2019, while off-road vehicles total 20,885, 42.4 per cent more than the year prior.

Road bike sales, meanwhile, have kept relatively stable in 2020, dropping by just 2.7 per cent to 15,243 vehicles.

The scooter segment has experienced the largest decline, with 2,166 vehicles sold, representing a decline of 12.8 per cent.

With the COVID-19 pandemic causing many consumers to re-think their spending habits as holidays are put on hold, Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries chief executive Tony Weber said many buyers are compounding in taking up new hobbies like off-road riding.

“We believe that, instead of spending up big on expensive family vacations, people are treating themselves in different ways – and this could mean they are taking up new sports like trail bike riding,” said Weber.

“ATVs and SSVs are also popular, and we understand this is due to the government’s instant asset write-off program which makes the purchase of farm machinery and equipment very attractive at the present time.”

Source: Carsguide | 2020 motorcycle and ATV sales surge as pandemic quells new car interest

9 July 2020