GOOD NEWS FOR TEAM GREEN

In nine-monthly results to 31 December 2013, the motorcycle and engine division of Kawasaki Heavy Industries has firmly shrugged off losses over the same period in its previous financial year to maintain unit sales, revenue and profit improvement .
 
Overall sales volume — encompassing powered two-wheelers, quadbikes, side-by-side ATVs and personal watercraft — grew by 8.9 per cent to 403,000 units. This was attributed to sales increases in North America and emerging markets, mainly Thailand and Indonesia. The US and Canadian market was up by 9.6 per cent to 80,000 units while the latter put on 9.7 per cent at 282,000 units. However, the division’s European sales fell by ten per cent to 27,000 units.   
 
Accumulated net revenue has now risen by 34.1 per cent to £1.27bn. Operating profit stands at £24m, against an operating loss of £12m during the equivalent nine months in 2012.
 
With a seasonal wholesale shipments surge in its final quarter to 31 March 2014, Kawasaki is forecasting annual sales volume up by 10.8 per cent to 603,000 units. Associated full-year divisional revenue is predicted to grow by 23.1 per cent to £1.85bn. And operating profit should make an enormous 465.2 per cent recovery to £78m.