Scooter sales slow down

After a reported 20% increase in U.S. scooter sales in the first half of 2006 (compared to the first half of 2005), the Motorcycle Industry Council now reports a 1.5% decline in sales in the first three quarters of 2006 (compared to the same period in 2005). September 2006 scooter sales (vs. September 2005) fell an astounding 60.1%, although last September was unusually sucessful and the drop was somewhat expected. Market saturation, EPA/DOT regulation, and decreasing gas prices have destroyed the cyclical U.S. scooter market several times in the past, hopefully the current players have a good long-term plan.