Suzuki has announced that at a corporate level, for the April to December 2020 period, total consolidated net sales decreased by 450.6bn yen (-17.2%) to 2,175.5bn yen, with operating income down by 31.6bn yen (-18.6%) to 138.8bn yen year-on-year.
In its motorcycle business, net sales decreased by 36.8bn yen (-20.2%) to 145.4bn yen year-on-year, and an operating loss of 1.4bn was recorded owing to the decrease in large motorcycle unit sales during the April-June period, and the impact of a decrease in sales of small motorcycles in markets such as India and the ASEAN economic zone (Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia etc).
In unit terms, total worldwide motorcycle and ATV sales for the nine month period were down by -16.9% at 1,117,000 units (of which ATVs were 18,000 units, up by +31.0%).
Domestic sales were up +4.3% at 39,000 units, but sales in Europe were down -4.7% at 31,000 units, but up in North America at +35.1% (37,000 units) boosted by demand for ATVs.
Total unit sales in Asia were down by -21.1% (877,000 units), India
(-29.8%/377,000 units) and Philippines (-37.7%/96,000 units) hardest hit. Sales in China were up at +16.1% (288,000 units).
In new model terms, Suzuki announced a return to production of its famous Hayabusa brand - first seen in 1999, the 'Busa is widely credited as creating what became known as the Hyperbike sector.
Loaded with "over 550 new parts" since the pre-Euro 4 iteration went off sale in Europe - it continued to be available in the United States due to the theoretically less stringent emissions regulations there at that stage - this new Euro 5 compliant 'Global' GSX1300R will be available in dealerships from mid-March 2021.
The upgrades include an "iconic and uniquely individual Hayabusa aerodynamic silhouette and styling, but with redesigned wind-cheating bodywork that remains faithful to the Hayabusa’s unmistakable shape while adding sharper lines and classy details".
A heavily redesigned engine – including new pistons, conrods, crankshaft and camshaft – specifically aimed at producing enhanced performance in the lower to mid rev ranges, make it the fastest-launching Hayabusa yet. "The engine development from Gen2 to Gen3, despite keeping capacity the same, is actually greater than the changes from Gen1 (1,298 cc) to Gen2 (1,340 cc)," engine designer Naoki Mizoguchi said.
"A comprehensive suite of electronics includes IMU-governed ABS and traction control, cruise control, launch control, bi-directional quick shifter, engine brake control, three power modes, plus three pre-set rider modes and three user-defined modes".
Oh, and let's not forget the little matter of "a revised chassis, with a new subframe, new brakes and new suspension settings".
In other news, Suzuki has launched a new website - "one that embraces several forward-facing technologies that will make it very different to those presently operated by its competitors".
Called the Suzuki Motorcycle Global Salon, the company is describing it as a "next-generation communications platform that fans of Suzuki motorcycles can use on their laptop or smartphone.
"The Global Salon allows users to view motorcycles ‘on display’ in a virtual environment from the comfort of their own home, as though visiting an authorised dealership or motorcycle show, and also to enjoy the unveiling of brand-new models".
