JAPAN REPORT
Domestic motorcycle shipments increased for the first time in two years to 376,720 units in 2023, up 4% from the previous year. Class 2 mopeds, which have relatively low maintenance costs, performed well, increasing 47% year-on-year. The shortage of semiconductors and the easing of logistics disruptions also contributed to the increase in shipments.
Class 1 mopeds (50cc and below) fell by 29% to 92,824 units. Class 2 mopeds (over 50cc and under 125cc) were up 47% to 149,655 units, light motorcycles (over 125cc and under 250cc) were up 16% to 66,630 units and small motorcycles (over 250cc) were down 6% to 67,611 units.
Source: The Nikkei
PSR Analysis: Since the outbreak of COVID-19, motorcycles have been re-evaluated as a form of mobility that allows people to avoid crowds, and the renewed awareness of their convenience has contributed to this increase in shipments. Although not mentioned in this article, sales of fun-to-ride large motorcycles have also been relatively strong. Some new vehicles are still taking a long time to be delivered, so shortening lead times for shipments will be an issue in the future. PSR
Akihiro Komuro is Research Analyst, Far East and Southeast Asia, for Power Systems Research
