Production of motorcycles fell 9.3% in 2014, says Abraciclo

The production of motorcycles fell 9.3% in 2014 before 2013, unveiled on Monday, the Brazilian Association of manufacturers of motorcycles, Scooters, mopeds, bicycles and similar (Abraciclo). Throughout the last year, 1,517,662 motorcycles were produced, compared with 1,673,477 in 2013. Only in December, were manufactured 84,820 units, down 30.3 percent compared to November, but high of 4.2% compared to December 2013, since the sale of motorcycles in retail fell 5.7% in 2014 in relation to 2013, to add 1,429,692 units. In the last month of the year, were licensed 127,711 motorcycles, 14.1 percent more than in November and fall of 9.2% compared to the same period in the previous year. Wholesale sales (for dealers) fell 10.2% in 2014 before 2013, to add up to 1,430,393 units. In December, however, those sales rose 5% compared with November and 4.3% compared to December 2013.
Exports of motorcycles, in turn, fell 16.8% in 2014 compared to 2013. In total, 88,056 units were exported during the 12 months of last year, nearly 20 thousand more than the 105,819 sold in 2013. Only in December 2014, external sales of motorcycles totaled 6,053 units, which represents high of 80.4 percent compared to November, but retracting 22.6% compared to the same month in 2013. Perspectives
After a difficult year for the sector, automakers related to Abraciclo predict "caution" and "stability" to the automotive market in 2015, when they believe to be "pretty much in line" with last year. According to estimates disclosed in early December, production and retail sales should rise only 2% and 2.1%, respectively. As for exports, the entity estimates falling 55.6%, as a result of the crisis in Argentina.