Bob Ramsay, President of The Motorcycle and Moped Industry (MMIC) and The Canadian All-Terrain Vehicle Distributors Council (CATV), announced that the industry achieved record setting sales of motorcycles and ATV's across Canada in the year 2006.


Total combined sales of motorcycles and ATV's in 2006 were 171,028 units. The last time recorded sales were at an all time high was in 1985 when the industry's total combined sales were169, 874 units.


"This is great news for the industry," stated Ramsay. "Not only are sales up but the milder than usual weather has allowed riders of ATV's and motorcycles to enjoy a much longer riding season." "The industry has seen a definite shift in its customer base," commented Ramsay. "With more women from a wide spectrum of backgrounds and experiences riding motorcycles and the increasingly popular recreational activities accessible through ATVing, families, friends and tourists are taking advantage of the opportunity to get out and enjoy the beauty of Canada's countryside."


From a provincial perspective pertaining to sales of motorcycles, Alberta saw an increase of 25.22% in sales, while Newfoundland saw an increase of 24.14% and Manitoba was next with sales increases of 13.79%. On the off-highway vehicle side Saskatchewan takes the lead at 25.37%, followed by Alberta at 20.30% and Newfoundland showing an increase in sales of 12.77%.


The Motorcycle & Moped Industry Council (MMIC), a non-profit trade association, has been the voice representing the responsible interests of the Canadian motorcycle industry since 1971, while the CATV a non-profit trade association was established in 1984. Both associations continue to work with member companies, government agencies, clubs and individuals around issues of vital importance to the industry.