Thursday, October 15, 2009

YAMAHA SEES ITS MARKET SHARE RISE

Motorcycle-maker Yamaha is gearing up to fight back against rivals like Honda and Suzuki, which have launched new models to compete against Yamaha's popuplar Fino.

Thai Yamaha Motor vice president Praphan Polthanavisit said from January to September, Thailand's motorcycle market was hit by the slowing economy, and sales fell 14.4 percent year on year to 1,132,639 units.

However, Yamaha, supported by strong sales of its Fino models, sold a total of 318,360 units, down only 4.8 percent year on year. Yamaha's market share moved up by 2.8 percent, to 28.1 percent, he said.

"Yamaha has a large number of models that respond to customers' demands, be they manual or automatic models," he said, adding that the Fino, in particular, was a best-seller because of its unique retro styling.

Praphan said there were signs of recovery in the global economy in the fourth quarter, while the government had introduced stimulus measures, and consumer confidence was rising.

"Yamaha is confident the overall motorcycle market will finish the year at 1.5 million units, down 12 percent from 2008," he said. "Yamaha plans to sell 430,000 motorcycles this year, down 2 percent from last year, for a 28.7 percent market share."

Meanwhile, Yamaha is joining dealers in offering 600,000 Fino owners around the country free check ups and engine-oil changes. The promotion lasts until the end of the month.

"In November, we're planning to offer more special privileges for Fino customers," he said, adding the details would be announced later.

source: The Nation

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