Harley-Davidson has reported that their first quarter 2015 worldwide retail sales of new motorcycles decreased -1.3 percent compared to last year's first quarter. Dealers worldwide are reported to have sold 56,661 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles in first quarter of 2015, compared to 57,415 motorcycles in the year-ago quarter; with shipments down to 79,589 motorcycles worldwide from 80,682 in the year-ago quarter.
As a result the company is lowering its estimated growth rate for full-year motorcycle shipments in order to "manage supply in line with demand and protect the premium nature of our brand".
The company says it now expects motorcycle shipments to grow approximately 2 percent to 4 percent in 2015 (276,000 to 281,000 motorcycles), down from the previous 4 percent to 6 percent shipment growth forecast (282,000 to 287,000).
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In international markets, dealers sold 21,173 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles during the quarter compared to 21,685 motorcycles in the year-ago period, with unit sales down 1.1 percent in the Asia Pacific region and 5.6 percent in the EMEA region and up 0.3 percent in the Latin America region and 5.7 percent in Canada.
Revenue from sales of motorcycles to dealers and distributors was $1.26 billion, compared to revenue of $1.31 billion in the year-ago period. Revenue from motorcycle parts and accessories was $183.9 million during the quarter compared to $198.1 million in the year-ago period. Revenue from general merchandise, which includes MotorClothes apparel and accessories, was $66.4 million compared to $64.1 million in the year-ago period.
