In Asian countries, motorcycles are the dominant mode of transportation and are widely used for personal mobility and delivery services. This is especially true in countries like India, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

In the Philippines, motorcycle sales have experienced a significant uptick in the first half of 2023. According to a report by the Members of the Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association Inc. (MDPPA), which includes major Japanese motorcycle manufacturers Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha, a total of 932,220 motorcycles from these brands were sold from January to July 2023. This represents a notable increase compared to the same period in the previous year, where 890,720 motorcycles were sold.

This translates to a significant 4.7% increase in sales from January to July 2023, compared to the same period in 2022. The MDPPA has set a goal to achieve a steady 5% growth rate for the remainder of 2023. It is forecasted that the motorcycle sales from these major manufacturers will reach a total of 1.6 million for 2023, surpassing the impressive 1.5 million motorcycles sold in 2022.

It’s worth noting that while the majority of motorcycle sales in the Philippines come from the MDPPA member companies, there are also other large manufacturers making their presence felt in the country. CFMoto, for example, has gained a massive following in the premium segment, particularly with its affordable models like the 450NK, which have made the big bike market more accessible. Other premium brands such as KTM, BMW, and Ducati also hold a significant market share in the premium segment.

In addition to the growth in motorcycle sales, the Philippines is also experiencing an increase in local production. While the big four manufacturers already have local manufacturing facilities in the country, several newcomers have also established their presence in recent years. KTM, for example, produces its 200, 250, 390, and 790 series motorcycles in the Philippines and sells and exports them to nearby markets. Data from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Automotive Federation shows that motorcycle and scooter production in the country grew by 57.4% in the first half of 2023.