Suzuki 2003 Annual Report Download - page 8

The Japanese Market
The number of motorcycles put out by the four Japanese
makers in the domestic market during fiscal year 2002 (April
2002 to March 2003) amounted to 776,000 units (105% of the
previous year) in total volume, thus reversing the trend of
recent years of a continued decline. A breakdown of the
figure by displacement classes shows volume for the 125cc-
and-under class of 637,000 units (106% of the previous year)
and for the 126cc-and-over class of 139,000 units (104% of
the previous year), thus marking growth for both classes.
Growth in the 125cc-and-under class can be attributed to
the introduction, by various makers, of low-priced 50cc
scooters (420,000 units, 109% of the previous year) that
succeeded in stimulating demand.
Meanwhile, strong sales of 126cc-and-over scooters
(47,000 units, 143% of the previous year), introduced from
various makers, helped growth in the larger 126cc-and-over
class.
Total volume for Suzuki in fiscal year 2002 grew to 123,000
units (112% of the previous year). A breakdown of the figure
by displacement classes shows volume for the 125cc-and-
under class of 96,000 units (114% of the previous year) and
for the 126cc-and-over class of 28,000 units (106% of the
previous year), showing growth in both classes.
Growth in the 125cc-and-under class can be attributed to
the introduction of low-priced 50cc scooters (72,000 units,
128% of the previous year) such as the Let's II Standard and
Choinori. Growth in the 126cc-and-over class can be
attributed to two factors in the scooter category (13,000 units,
134% of the previous year): The continued popularity of the
SKYWAVE 250 and 400, and the introduction of the
SKYWAVE 650.
MOTORCYCLES
SV1000S
SKYWAVE 650
(Export name:Burgman 650)
SKYWAVE 250
(Export name:Burgman 250)
Toyokawa Plant
Motorcycles and outboard motors assembling plant
CHOINORI
The low price of the Let's II Standard was achieved through
extensive cost reduction and came without a reduction in
features or performance in comparison to similarly
domestically produced scooters. The Choinori, which is also
domestically produced, went on the market at a low price
around just below 60,000 yen -- about half that of similarly
domestically produced scooters -- received preorders for as
many as 20,000 units before it went on sale. The SKYWAVE
250 and 400 underwent a model change - a fuel injection
system was added to the new models improving both fuel
efficiency and running performance and the bodywork was
thoroughly modified to improve storage function. The
SKYWAVE 650 is the world's largest-displacement scooter; it
features a manual-mode-equipped CVT, and can manage
high-speed, long-range cruising rides with ease.
SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
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