Chinese Motorcycles Achieve Record Exports, Advance in High-End Tech

Chinese motorcycle exports achieved a record volume in the first half of the year. Domestic manufacturers, equipped with technological advancements, focused on higher end market segments previously dominated by established foreign brands such as Honda, Yamaha, and BMW. Exports totalled 26.2 million units, valued at US$11.28 billion, an increase of 23.2 per cent in volume and 26.3 per cent in value year on year.

Credits: Cloudinary

According to the South China Morning Post, shipments to the United States increased by 40 per cent, reaching over 3.9 million motorcycles with a total value of US$1.13 billion. While Chinese electric vehicles face significant import restrictions from Washington, motorcycles continue to be accessible to American consumers, albeit subject to existing tariffs. Shipments to Asean nations also demonstrated considerable growth. Volume rose by 43.2 per cent and value increased by 55.1 per cent, amounting to US$980 million.

Chinese manufacturers are moving into advanced technological areas and pursuing higher end market positions. This development involves closing the gap with Western competitors in fields such as vehicle design and engine construction. CFMoto, an organisation located in China's eastern Zhejiang province, reported that its pre production sportbike prototype achieved a top speed of 315 kilometres per hour during a test conducted in Jun. This performance established a new Chinese record. The engine, incorporating 40 patents, was built in house. And Chen Zhiyong, the Group vice president, stated that this accomplishment signifies China's evolution from a technology recipient to a formidable contender within the motorcycle sector.

Sportbikes have also gained public interest within China following Zhang Xue's ZXMOTO team's victory in the WorldSSP class of the Superbike World Championship. French rider Valentin Debise secured two wins in Mar. He rode Zhang's ZXMOTO 820RR RS model. The victories made Zhang a notable figure on Chinese social media platforms. This also brought increased visibility to the sport of motorcycle racing within China.

ZXMOTO has now accumulated six WorldSSP race victories. The team holds third position on the manufacturers' standings, trailing Yamaha and Ducati. Debise currently ranks second in the riders' championship.

But Chinese brands currently maintain a primary focus on the more economical segments of the market.

Within the European Union, Chinese motorcycles command the highest per unit export prices among major destinations. Average shipments in the first half of the year were valued at US$509 per unit. This contrasts with US$291 per unit in the United States. These figures remain significantly below the retail prices of Yamaha and BMW models, which range from several thousand to tens of thousands of USD. Motorcycles Data reported the five top selling brands in Europe, including scooters, were Honda, Yamaha, Piaggio, BMW, and Kawasaki. Voge, originating from China's southwestern Chongqing municipality, ranked sixth. Its sales increased by 55.4 per cent year on year.

• Chinese motorcycle exports recorded a total of 26.2 million units, valued at US$11.28 billion, in the first half of the year.

• Shipments to the United States rose by 40 per cent, while demand from Asean states saw volumes increase by 43.2 per cent.

• Domestic manufacturers, including CFMoto and ZXMOTO, have demonstrated technological advances and racing successes in higher end segments.

• Despite progress, Chinese motorcycle brands generally remain concentrated in the cheaper end of the market, particularly within the European Union.

Source: SCMP