Honda South Africa is aiming to become the number one motorcycle company in 2004 by reaching sales of 5 000 units a year.
Honda South Africa is aiming to become the number one motorcycle company in 2004 by reaching sales of 5 000 units a year.
The company said it was already the global top seller with sales of eight million units worldwide in 2002 and nine million expected in 2003, and 11 million in 2004. “There is no reason why we shouldn’t follow this pattern in South Africa, especially as we increased our market share in every category in which we competed in 2002,” said Masahiro Matsushita, managing director of Honda SA.
Honda sold 3 000 units last year and was looking at selling 4 000 bikes this year.
“With the launch of the CBR600RR, Honda SA now has a full range of motorcycles for all levels of rider from beginner to expert, including our scooter and quad bike range,” Matsushita said.
“This full range means we are able to compete on an equal footing in all categories and with our motor racing successes and the excellent image which Honda enjoys, the buying public are increasingly turning to Honda products as the motorcycle of choice.
“I am convinced that Honda will achieve its target of becoming the number one seller of superbikes as a first step towards overall market leadership in South Africa,” he said.
In order to gain a bigger market share, Honda is increasing its dealer network from 16 to 39. “This will be achieved by the end of September 2003 and will go hand-in-hand with improving overall sales and service customer satisfaction,” he said.
