Now safely back into profit, Suzuki Motor Corporation’s bike division improved on most key parameters during the first quarter of its new fiscal year running through to 31 March 2020. BDN financial editor Roger Willis reports.
Total revenue from motorcycles, scooters and ATVs grew by 2% to £509m. Related operating profit was 9.5% up to £18m. Global sales volume rose by 6.6% to 454,000 machines.
A strong performance in Asia was responsible, with overall bike numbers climbing by 10.1% to 370,000. Most notably, India contributed a 26.1% rise to 174,000, bucking the negative Q1 trend experienced there by other brands. The Philippines also got an honourable mention, improving by 15.6% to 52,000. But China was 12.1% down to 87,000 and Indonesia fell by 5.3% to 18,000.
However, developed markets were disappointing. European sales declined by 6.2% to 15,000 and Japan was 26.3% lower at 14.000. North America was flat on 12,000.
Suzuki’s full-year sales forecast is for a 4.7% increase to 1.825 million bikes worldwide. Within that, it predicts a 7.6% recovery in Europe to 47,000. Â
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