Australia’s new vehicle market In 2016, the Australian new vehicle market reached 1.178 million, up 2 per cent on the industry’s previous record year of 2015. The 2016 record year also marked a continued shift in buyer preference and market dynamics with a light commercial vehicle, the Toyota Hilux, topping the national vehicle sales charts over a 12-month period for the first time in Australian automotive history. SUV sales accounted for 37.4 per cent of the total market, up from 35.4 per cent in 2015. To see the full report, go to the 2016 new car market page. For the latest sales figures, see the media release section. For VFACTS Motor Vehicle Classifications and Definitions, see the Segmentation criteria page. For monthly production volumes, see the Australian Automotive Industry - Monthly Production Volumes page. If you would like more detailed information about vehicle sales including breakdowns by model, state, fuel-type or buyer type please see the order and enquiry forms on the Need more detailed information page.  

Australia’s new motorcycle market Australia’s motorcycle, ATV and scooter sales reached a total of 114,783 in 2016 — an increase of 7,073 units over 2015 and posting the fifth highest sales result in the industry’s history. Honda was the largest selling brand again, holding 22.9 per cent (26,276 units) of the total market. Close behind in second place was Yamaha with 21.7 per cent of the total market (24,899). Kawasaki was third with 9.2 per cent (10,592 sales), Harley-Davidson fourth with 9 per cent (10,282 sales) and Suzuki fifth with 8.6 per cent (9,924 sales). Road bike sales were again healthy across the industry, increasing 5.3 per cent over the 2015 result and accounting for 41.6 per cent of the total market. Australians rode home with a total of 47,753 new road bikes in 2016. Off-road motorcycle purchases accounted for almost 35 per cent of total market with 39,710 sales. The popularity of this segment grew at a slightly higher rate than that of road bikes in 2016, with the 39,710 off-road sales for 2016 representing a 6.3 per cent increase on 2015 figures.

The ATV market grew by a solid 14.4 per cent over 2015, with a total of 22,834 ATVs sold nationally in 2016. ATV sales represented 19.9 per cent of the total motorcycle market. Scooters continued their decline in popularity with total sales in this segment of 4,486, down 11.0 per cent on 2015. For more information on the 2016 full year sales results, see the 2016 new motorcycle market page. For the latest sales results, see the Quarterly motorcycle sales report page.Harley-Davidson forged the next-generation, liquid-cooled V-Rod Muscle to appeal to a younger audience. Eager to rev up sales, the company has made supermodel Marisa Miller the, ahem, face of Harley’s new muscle bike. But it’ll take more than sex to sell the V-Rod. Harley, which reported a 37 percent decline in third quarter earnings and has been slapped hard by the credit crunch, developed the V-Rod Muscle to broaden its appeal among younger buyers. But the V-Rod hasn’t exactly gone over well with the base — Harley’s average customer is 47 years old — and the kids aren’t flocking to it.

Sluggish sales prompted Harley to launch a marketing campaign that looks to us like nothing more than lots of photos and a video of Miller draped over the bike. unrestored vintage motorcycle for saleHarley says the V-Rod’s "sculpted body and commanding physique complement Miller, who not only represents classic American beauty, but also strength and athleticism."where to buy used chp motorcycles Sex sells, but can it sell a hog? motorcycle stores in petaluma caEspecially one many purists don’t consider a hog?red wing boots moses lake

The V-Rod made its debut in 2002 as the first Harley to use overhead cams and fuel injection. Despite reviews that praised the bike’s power and civility, many people complained, "It’s not a real Harley." motorcycle repair milton wiThe 1130-cc 60-degree liquid-cooled V-twin engine was designed by – gasp! motorcycle helmet gundam– Porsche, prompting critics to label it "un-American." Other said the styling is just too far out. Harley’s refined the V-Rod over the years with variants like the Night Rod, and the V-Rod Muscle continues the bloodline. Porsche’s still got a hand in the engine, which is now 1250cc, and the bike’s futuristic styling remains. Stylistic flourishes include screened air scoops that jut from the faux fuel tank (the tank actually is under the seat), dual-side exhaust pipes with turned out tips and a 240mm-wide rear racing tire tucked tight under tail.

The bars are lower than the original V-Rod’s Schwinn Stingray-like bars and the foot controls are closer to the seat making for a less extended riding position. We haven’t ridden it, but our friends at Hell For Leather call it "functional, fast and and sexy" and say it’s "one of two Harley’s we’d actually ride." (The other being the XR1200.) Miller has no problem stretching out on the ’09 V-Rod. She is best known for her work in Victoria’s Secret but has graced the cover of many magazines. "To represent such an iconic American brand is incredible," she said in a Harley press release. "I have grown up watching my dad and uncle ride Harleys. It’s amazing to circle back at this point in my career, and work with a brand I have so much respect for." There is no denying that the V-Rod Muscle’s curves complement Miller and vice-versa. But is an emphasis on curves and a super model’s seal of approval what Harley buyers want? The V-Rod was, and remains, a new direction for Harley Davidson.