Honda Quits US Motorcycle Operations
By Jonny Langston
TOKYO (Nikkei)–Honda Motor Co. wrapped up its US motorcycle production early this month due to declining demand in that market, ending a practice that it had continued for 30 years, The Nikkei reported in its Wednesday morning edition.
http://www.motosportsbusiness.com/nullThe company was a forerunner among Japanese firms in making motorcycles in North America, having launched U.S. production in 1979. Its plant in Ohio had an annual output capacity of about 70,000 units. This facility produced the Gold Wing, a large 1,800cc-class touring bike.
But the American motorcycle market shrank to 1.32 million units in 2008, down almost 30% from a recent peak of 1.79 million units in 2005. Honda concluded that the advantages of local production have faded and decided to export products from Japan to the U.S. market instead.
Honda’s worldwide motorcycle business remains solid, with the firm boosting production in regions where demand is growing, mainly in Asia.
By Jonny Langston
TOKYO (Nikkei)–Honda Motor Co. wrapped up its US motorcycle production early this month due to declining demand in that market, ending a practice that it had continued for 30 years, The Nikkei reported in its Wednesday morning edition.
http://www.motosportsbusiness.com/nullThe company was a forerunner among Japanese firms in making motorcycles in North America, having launched U.S. production in 1979. Its plant in Ohio had an annual output capacity of about 70,000 units. This facility produced the Gold Wing, a large 1,800cc-class touring bike.
But the American motorcycle market shrank to 1.32 million units in 2008, down almost 30% from a recent peak of 1.79 million units in 2005. Honda concluded that the advantages of local production have faded and decided to export products from Japan to the U.S. market instead.
Honda’s worldwide motorcycle business remains solid, with the firm boosting production in regions where demand is growing, mainly in Asia.
