In nine-monthly results to 31 December 2013, Suzuki Motor Corporation’s motorcycle business continued to lose money — albeit at a much slower rate than in the previous financial year.
Revenue from bikes actually increased by 17.8 per cent to £1.16bn during the period. However, this was largely due to favourable foreign exchange translation. A resultant operating loss of £28m compared to a loss of £61m in the same nine months of 2012. “Decrease in sales of large-displacement motorcycles” was cited as the cause of this ongoing negativity, although a strong fourth quarter as new-season stock reaches dealers could push the brand back towards break-even or better.
In terms of volume, Suzuki’s total global bike sales were down by 3.5 per cent to 980,000 units. But Europe was up by 6.9 per cent at 31,000 units, yielding a 36.9 per cent revenue improvement to £173.4m. Again, positive forex translation played a major role in that.