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GST Reform Is Big Opportunity for OEMs
Aditya Kondejkar India is preparing for one of its biggest tax reforms in recent years, targeting the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure. If approved, the proposal will slash GST on small cars and two-wheelers from 28% to 18% and reduce GST on insurance premiums to between 5% and zero. The change, expected around Diwali, has the potential to reshape production planning and sales strategies for automobile manufacturers.
Source: Reuters. Read The Article
Impact on Small Cars and Two-Wheelers. Small cars and two-wheelers have traditionally been the backbone of India’s automobile industry, serving middle-class buyers who are highly price sensitive. However, in recent years, growth in these categories has slowed as buyers shifted toward SUVs, which now account for nearly half of passenger vehicle sales. By lowering taxes, the government aims to make small cars and two-wheelers more affordable, correcting the imbalance in demand and giving OEMs in these categories a much-needed boost.
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Vietnam Shifts To EV Motorcycles
Akihiro Komuro Vietnam, a country known for its large number of motorcycles, is experiencing controversy over its electric vehicle policy. The policy bans gasoline-powered motorcycles in certain areas of Hanoi, the capital, and has caused a stir. Honda, which holds an 80% share of the local motorcycle market, must rethink its strategy because most of its models run on gasoline. This sudden policy change could also disrupt daily life for residents.
In July, the Vietnamese government outlined bold measures to regulate gasoline-powered motorcycles in “Prime Ministerial Directive No. 20.” Starting in July 2026, operating gasoline-powered motorcycles within the Inner Ring Road in Hanoi will be banned. The Inner Ring Road spans over seven kilometers and includes the city center, home to government offices, the Japanese embassy, and the historic Old Quarter, a popular tourist destination.
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Honda To Launch Electric Motorcycles in Vietnam
Akihiro Komuro Honda plans to launch an electric motorcycle in Vietnam this month. The suggested retail price is less than 29 million VND (about $1183) without battery. The company is targeting the younger generation, who often use motorcycles to commute to school.
The name of the motorcycle to be sold is “ICON e:”. It will be manufactured at the company’s Binh Phuoc plant in northern Vietnam and will initially be sold through authorized dealers in seven provinces and cities. The maximum speed is 48 km/h, and it takes about 8 hours to charge the battery from zero to full. The maximum distance that can be traveled on a full charge is 71 kilometers. Because it does not require a driver’s license, which can be obtained at age 18, it is expected to be used by high school students on their way to school.
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Record Motorcycle Production in Brazil
Motorcycle production and sales in Brazil reached record levels in January 2025,. Factories in Brazil produced 166,100 units, a 17.6% increase compared to January 2024 and 34% higher than December 2024. This was the best January performance since 2014, driven by expanded production capacity to meet growing demand. It is estimated that 1.88 million motorcycles will be produced in 2025, representing 7.5% growth compared to 2024.
Strong market demand and increased production capacity continue to drive industry growth in 2025.
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BMW To Produce Six New Motorcycles in Brazil
Fabio Ferraresi BMW Motorrad has unveiled plans for seven new motorcycle launches in 2025, including six models to be manufactured in Brazil. The R 1300 GS Adventure will lead these releases. Recently initiated at BMW’s Berlin plant, its production will begin at the Manaus (AM) facility in early 2025. The model features a new two-cylinder boxer engine delivering 145 hp at 7,750 rpm and 14 kgfm of torque at 6,500 rpm. Its market debut is scheduled for Q1 2025.
In addition to the R 1300 GS Adventure, BMW will produce six other new motorcycles in 2025 at the Manaus plant, bringing its Brazilian portfolio to 13 models. To support this expansion, the facility’s production capacity will increase by 10% in 2025. This follows a 2023 investment of US$ 10 million, which boosted assembly line capacity by 13%. The goal is to increase output by 33%, reaching 20,000 units / year.
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The Financial Challenges Facing KTM
Emiliano Marzoli In late November 2024, KTM, one of the world’s leading motorcycle manufacturers, declared bankruptcy due to mounting debts totaling nearly US$3.09 billion (€3 billion). The company has since entered self-administration under Austria’s insolvency laws, granting it a 90-day protection period from creditors1. This move is part of a broader effort to restructure and stabilize the company’s finances.
The financial troubles have led to a temporary halt in production at KTM’s Mattighofen factory until the end of February 2025. This pause aims to clear the backlog of unsold bikes, with approximately 130,000 units in stock, many of which do not meet the new Euro 5+ emissions standards. The halt in production is a significant step as KTM works to manage its inventory and reduce costs.
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2024 Motorcycle Production
DATAPOINT REPORT
On-Road Motorcycles or Street Bikes are motorized two-wheeled vehicles that are street legal for sport and leisure activities. They include features such as headlights, brake lights and turn signals.
This product information comes from industry interviews and from two proprietary databases maintained…
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2024 Global Motorcycle Market Estimated at $144 Billion
Michael Aistrup The global motorcycles market size is estimated to be valued at $144.1 billion in 2024 and is estimated to rise at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1% from 2024 to 2033 and to be valued at $288.46 billion in 2033, according to research by Power Systems Research (PSR).
The unit sales of Motorcycles market are expected to reach 61.62 million by 2029 according to PSR. In the United States, the trend in the motorcycle market is shifting towards electric bikes, as consumers become more environmentally conscious.
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