December 14, 2006	Thursday	Ziqa'ad 22, 1427

KARACHI, Dec 13: The motorcycles’ sale witnessed a 12.3 per cent decline between July and November 2006 as 188,025 units were sold during the period as compared to 214,521 units in the same period in 2005.

Out of total sales, the sale of Honda plunged to 135,505 units during July-November 2006 from 142,871 units in the same period of last year, followed by a decline in the sale of Yamaha to 22,863 units from 32,555 units.

However, sales of Suzuki bikes improved to 9,180 units from 7,497 units, according to figures released by the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA).

On Chinese side, Fateh Hero sales dipped to 12,099 units in July-November 2006 from 15,422 units while Qingqi sales fell to 4,106 units from 8,216 units. Sohrab also nosedived to 3,434 units from 7,095 units.

The complete picture of sales of Chinese assemblers could not be known as the PAMA has registered only three Chinese bike makers, out of total 47 assemblers.

Motorcycle sales remained depressed during July-September due to rains all over the country, coupled with holidays and Ramazan. Besides, the bike sale also depends on better harvesting of crop. Sales had started improving from November due to start of cane-crushing.