Motorcycles are the preferred mode of transportation in many Asian countries, including India, Indonesia, and the Philippines. They are widely used for personal mobility as well as for delivering goods and services, making them crucial for the economy.

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

This translates to a 4.7% increase in sales from January to July 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. The MDPPA aims to achieve a steady 5% growth rate for the remainder of 2023. Overall, it is projected that motorcycle sales from these four manufacturers will reach 1.6 million in 2023, surpassing the impressive 1.5 million motorcycles sold in 2022.

It is worth noting that while the majority of motorcycle sales in the Philippines come from MDPPA member companies, there are also other large manufacturers that have a strong presence in the country. CFMoto, for example, has gained a significant following in the premium segment, offering affordable models like the 450NK that have made it easier for people to enter the big bike market. Premium brands such as KTM, BMW, and Ducati also have a significant market share in the premium segment.

In addition, the Philippines is experiencing growth in terms of local motorcycle production. While the big four manufacturers have local manufacturing facilities in the country, several newcomers have also established their presence in recent years. KTM, for instance, produces its 200, 250, 390, and 790 series 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.