Honda and Suzuki join ATV exodus
Both brands to cease sales of quad bikes in Australia after October 2021Honda and Suzuki have announced their withdrawal from the Australian ATV market as a result of the
finalised in October 2019.They are the latest organisations announcing their exit after Polaris made known its intentions earlier this year. However, unlike Polaris which will be pulling its ATV products from the Australian market from October 2020, both Honda and Suzuki will continue offering quad bikes in the country until October 2021.
The Consumer Goods (Quad Bikes) Safety Standard 2019 has two key timelines. By October 2020, all quad bikes are required to have a rollover-warning label fixed, as well as meet US and European standards in regards to performance of components such as brakes, throttle and clutch.
By October 2021, all new ATVs sold in Australia must be fitted with an operator protection device (OPD) or roll bar.
While Honda and Suzuki are confident their products can comply with the regulations in the first phase of the safety standard, both parties are flatly against the fitting of an operator protection device on their ATVs.
"The new Standard is extremely disappointing for farm safety and the countless farmers who rely on quad bikes every day,” said Honda Australia Motorcycle and Power Equipment Managing Director, Robert Toscano.
“The safety of our customers is paramount, we will never compromise on this. Now that the rules have changed, it means we have to say goodbye to our ATV line up down under.
“Safety standards must be evidence-based, in both criteria and testing methods, to internationally accepted standards. Honda has provided research to show the negative outcomes of the governments’ proposal but unfortunately it was not considered and we are here in this position today.”
Suzuki Australia has also said it is opposed to the fitting of roll bars on their products and remained firm in the view that helmets, proper rider training and sensible practices are the best ways to protect riders.
Honda’s ATV plan to 2021 and beyond:
- Customers have until October 10, 2021 to purchase ATVs from Honda dealerships.
- Dealerships will be depleting their stock in the lead up to this date with some models to be discontinued as of October 10, 2020.
- Honda will continue to support parts and servicing until at least 2030.
- Honda will continue to support customers within this market segment with its range of side-by-side models and ag bikes.
Suzuki’s ATV plan to 2021 and beyond:
- Suzuki Australia will cease sales of its farm ATVs in Australia from October 2021 but will continue to offer its QuadSport fun ATVs as the fitment of operator protection devices is not required.
- Suzuki Australia will continue to offer existing 3 Year Factory Warranty on all new Farm ATVs sold until 11 October 2021 and will also ensure customers are supported with spare parts availability during their warranty period and beyond for a ‘reasonable time’ in accordance with Australian Consumer Law.
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