Motorcycle industry in China

Last updated

Motorcycles parked in Lujiazui Parked motorbikes in Pudong.jpg
Motorcycles parked in Lujiazui

The motorcycle industry of the People's Republic of China is the second largest in the world after India with a motorcycle output of 17 million in 2019 [1] this is down from 22,891,700 in 2013, when 39.75% of the total production was exported. [2] China also produces auto rickshaws, all-terrain vehicles, and motorcycle components and accessories in great numbers.

Contents

In 2013 the total revenue of the Chinese motorcycle industry increased by 3.24% year on year to RMB 112,621 million; including a year-on-year profit increase of 20.24% to RMB 3,322 million. [3] This profit increase was mainly attributed to technical improvement and higher added value on motorcycles despite the sales volume decreases suffered during industrial transformation in recent years.

History

PLA motorcycle in Beijing in 2005 People's Liberation Army motorcycle in 2005.jpg
PLA motorcycle in Beijing in 2005
CFMoto Logo 2020 cfmoto.jpg
CFMoto
Baltmotors Logotip Baltmotors.png
Baltmotors

Motorcycle manufacture in China first began in 1951, [4] when the People's Liberation Army began producing a 500cc motorcycle to meet the country's military requirements during the Korean War. It was developed on the lines of the K500, a German model used in World War II. Before the end of the 1970s, motorcycles produced in China were used mainly by the military services, the major exception being the Beijing Motorcycle Factory, which from 1958 onwards produced motorcycles for the general public that were based on the German pre war BMW R71 and Russian Ural and Dnepr models. In 1979, in Chongqing city, military munitions factory China Jialing Industrial Company began to independently manufacture motorcycles for civilian use, ushering in the modern era of Chinese motorcycle production. In 2000, the Chinese industry took over as the biggest motorcycle producer in the world, a position that it has maintained.

Geography of the industry

China's motorcycle manufacturing industry is centred on 3 main regions- Guangdong and Zhejiang provinces and Chongqing city in the Chongqing municipality (the biggest centre of motorcycle production in the world). [5]

Domestic industry

China's domestic motorcycle market has suffered a downturn in recent years due to the banning of motorcycles in many Chinese urban centres. China's domestic motorcycle sales reached a high of around 19,000,000 units in 2009 and then suffered gradual decreases for 4 consecutive years. In 2013, the market decreased by 5.73% from 2012 to 13,880,000 units, 26.94% less than 2009. [6] Domestic sales decreased due to ban on motorcycles in urban centres, the national economic transformation and the rural market downturn. In Chinese rural areas, motorcycles are used for a variety of purposes, including personal transportation, passenger vehicles, and cargo transportation. Improved living standard in these areas in recent years has led to the replacement of motorcycles with mini-cars and e-bikes.

Export industry

Haojue motorcycle in Africa (2020) Des moyens de deplacement.jpg
Haojue motorcycle in Africa (2020)

During the first 11 months of 2013 China exported 9,128,400 motorcycles totaling RMB 4,865 million at an average price of US$532.92 to 198 countries and regions. Export to Asia, Middle East, Africa, and Latin America accounted for 87.57% of the total export volume, with Myanmar, Nigeria, Argentina, Venezuela, Philippines, Togo, Mexico, Russia, Angola, Saudi Arabia, and Colombia topping the export destination list. A total of 4,639,600 motorcycles were exported to these top 10 countries, accounting for 50.83% of total export. [7]

Global demand for Chinese motorcycles has taken a hit over the past couple of years, with various political and financial crises in many markets seriously disrupting the ability for manufacturers to profitably get their motorcycles to the end consumers. Both the financial problems in Argentina and the political problems in Egypt are examples of markets recently becoming completely unavailable to manufacturers.

Parts and accessories

China is also a leading producer of motorcycle parts and accessories. In 2013, motorcycle engine export saw a year-on-year increase of 0.87% to 26,191,300 units. [8]

Manufacturers

China has more than 200 individual companies producing motorcycles nationally. China's leading motorcycle manufacturers include Jiangmen Dachangjiang Group (subsidiary of Haojue Holdings brand), Lifan, Loncin, Zongshen, Jialing, Jianshe, Qianjiang (who sold motorcycle with Keeway, QJmotor, Benelli and MBP Moto brands), Haojin, Shineray, Bashan, Jonway, Wuxi Futong.

Joint ventures

Keeway, a subsidiary of Qianjiang Group LogoKeeway.jpg
Keeway, a subsidiary of Qianjiang Group

Several Chinese motorcycle companies cooperate in joint ventures with foreign motorcycle manufacturers including Loncin (BMW), Zongshen (Piaggio and Norton Motorcycle Company), Qingqi (Suzuki, Hyosung, and Peugeot), Jianshe (Yamaha), Haojue (Suzuki), [9] Qianjiang (owners of Benelli), Jialing (Honda), Znen (owners of Moto Morini), Shineray Group (owners of SWM Motors). [10] These joint ventures are different in every case, and range from research, development and production ventures through to distribution, sales and marketing joint ventures.

Chinese manufacturers have also partnered with European design houses to produce unique new models. CFMOTO works with Austrian designers Kiska to develop their new motorcycles. KTM and CFMOTO have had a joint venture since 2011, with CFMOTO importing and supplying KTM motorcycles across China. In 2020, CFMOTO opened the new KTM factory opposite the existing CFMOTO factory, where they will produce all of KTM's motorcycles as part of the KTM expansion. The LC8 engine will be exclusively manufactured in China under CFMOTO's name. [11] [12]

Shineray recently leased Husqvarna's factory in Biandronno, Italy and acquired the rights to produce several of their models under the resurrected SWM brand. [13] Shineray will also use the leases to produce models under their SRM brand, which will be imported to China.

SYM Sym Sanyang.svg
SYM

Zhongneng Vehicle Group acquired in 2018 Italian brand Moto Morini

Key industry figures

Jialing Motos jialing.jpg
Jialing

See also

shineray Shineray 250x250 Mesa de trabajo 1.jpg
shineray

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">KTM</span> Austrian motorcycle and sports car manufacturer

KTM is an Austrian motorcycle, bicycle and motorsports brand which is co-owned by Indian manufacturer Bajaj Auto and Austrian manufacturer Pierer Mobility AG. It traces its foundation in 1934 as Kronreif & Trunkenpolz Mattighofen. Today, Pierer Mobility AG operates as the manufacturer of KTM branded motorcycles; whereas KTM Fahrrad AG operates as the manufacturer of KTM branded bicycles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brilliance Auto Group</span> Chinese state-owned automotive manufacturing company

Huachen Automotive Group Holdings Co. Ltd., known for its brand name Brilliance Auto Group, was a Chinese multinational automobile manufacturer holding company headquartered in Shenyang. Its products include automobiles, microvans, and automotive components. Its principal activity is the design, development, manufacture and sale of passenger cars sold under the Brilliance brand.

Changan Automobile Co., Ltd.(CCAG) is a Chinese state-owned automobile manufacturer headquartered in Jiangbei, Chongqing. Changan Automobile traces its origins back to 1862 when Li Hongzhang set up a military supply factory, the Shanghai Foreign Gun Bureau. It was not until 1979 when the factory was repurposed to manufacture Suzuki automobiles that it became an automobile manufacturer. It is currently the smallest of the "Big Four" state-owned car manufacturers of China, namely: SAIC Motor, FAW Group, Dongfeng Motor Corporation, and Changan Automobile, with car sales of 5.37 million, 3.50 million, 3.28 million and 2.30 million in 2021 respectively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">FAW Group</span> Chinese state-owned automobile manufacturer

China FAW Group Corp., Ltd. is a Chinese state-owned automobile manufacturer headquartered in Changchun, Jilin. Founded on 15 July 1953, it is currently the second largest of the "Big Four" state-owned car manufacturers of China, together with SAIC Motor, Dongfeng Motor Corporation and Changan Automobile.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SWM (motorcycles)</span> Italian motorcycle manufacturer

SV.VM was an Italian motorcycle manufacturer founded in 1971 by Piero Sironi and Fausto Vergani. Based in Milan, SWM manufactured Observed Trials, Enduro, Motocross and off-road motorcycles in the 1970s and 1980s. They started with small capacity Sachs engined enduro bikes and began making Rotax engined trials bikes in 1977. The other main manufacturers at this time included Fantic Motor, Bultaco and Montesa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Automotive industry in China</span>

The automotive industry inmainland China has been the largest in the world measured by automobile unit production since 2008. As of 2024, mainland China is also the world's largest automobile market both in terms of sales and ownership.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lifan Group</span> Chinese motorcycle and automobile manufacturer

Lifan Industry (Group) Co., Ltd. is a civilian owned Chinese motorcycle and automobile manufacturer headquartered in Chongqing, China. It was founded in 1992 and began to manufacture automobiles in 2005, with license-built microvans and a small sedan developed by Lifan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Loncin Holdings</span> Chinese vehicle manufacturer

Loncin Holdings, Ltd is a large company in Chongqing, China that distributes throughout the world. It trades under names such as Chongqing Longting Power Equipment, Longting and Loncin (USA) Inc. It is known for its Loncin brand of motorcycle and ATVs produced by its subsidiary Longxin Motorcycle Industry Co., Ltd. and for the UAVs produced by its Loncin UAV subsidiary. In Italy and Turkey, its motorcycles are sold under the Voge brand name, Viper Motorcycles in Ukraine, Italika in continental latin america except Costa Rica, where it is called Katana.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jincheng Group</span> Chinese industrial group

The Jincheng Group was established in 1949 and affiliated with China Aviation Industry Corporation I, Jincheng Corporation is a large state-owned enterprise group engaged in five industries, i.e., electromechanic and hydraulic industry, light power industry, vehicle industry, international trade industry and production & service industry. Jincheng Corporation is a hi-tech enterprise, a model enterprise of CIMS Project of the 863 Program and a national "contract-abiding by and credit-emphasizing:enterprise. The brand "Jincheng", with the value of RMB 3.109 billion Yuan, is "Chinese Famous Trademark". The company is headquartered in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BAIC Group</span> Chinese automobile manufacturer

Beijing Automotive Group Co., Ltd. is a Chinese state-owned automobile manufacturer headquartered in Shunyi, Beijing. Founded in 1958, it is the sixth largest automobile manufacturer in China, with 1.723 million sales in 2021.

Dongfeng Motor Corporation Ltd. is a Chinese state-owned automobile manufacturer headquartered in Wuhan, Hubei. Founded in 1969, it is currently the smallest of the "Big Four" state-owned car manufacturers of China with 671,000 sales in 2023, below SAIC Motor, Changan Automobile and FAW Group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dafra Motos</span>

Dafra Motos, or Dafra is a Brazilian builder of motorcycles founded in 2007 by Itavema Group.

UM-Motorcycles is an American motorcycle manufacturer headquartered in Miami. UM was formed in the early 2000s by Octavio Villegas Llano. The company has a distribution network in 25 nations with 1200 outlets. It also entered the European market during the 2016 Intermot, and its European operations are based out of Porto.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Automotive industry in Vietnam</span>

The automotive industry in Vietnam is a fast-growing sector mainly reliant on domestic sales. All currently produced models are designed abroad by foreign brands, and many rely on knock-down kit production. Due to high import taxes on automobiles, the Vietnamese government protects domestic manufacturing. Although Vietnam is a member of the ASEAN Free Trade Area, automobile imports fall under an exception. Since January 1, 2018, the 30% import tax has been discontinued as part of ASEAN agreements. Currently, the Vietnamese motor industry is not deemed competitive enough to make exports feasible. As of April 2018, 85% of car sales in Vietnam were produced domestically from knock-down kits.

Dongfeng Sokon Automobile known internationally as DFSK Motor, was a joint venture between Dongfeng and Seres Group, formed on June 27, 2003. It is now fully owned by Seres.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seres Group</span> Chinese vehicle manufacturer

Seres Group (赛力斯集团股份有限公司) is a Chinese automotive manufacturer founded in September 1986 with headquarters in Chongqing, China. Born as a manufacturer of components for household appliances and shock absorbers, it currently produces cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles as well as shock absorbers and internal combustion engines. In 2022, the company renamed to Seres Group from Sokon Group. It operates through its subsidiaries Seres, DFSK Motor, XGJAO Motorcycle and Yu'an Shock Absorber Company.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SWM (automobiles)</span> Chinese automotive brand

The SWM auto brand or Speedy Working Motors automotive brand (斯威汽车) was launched on July 27, 2016, after the Shineray Group purchased the SWM (motorcycles) brand in 2014. The SWM Design Center was established in Milan, Italy while the production line was set up in Chongqing, China.

Kasinski was a Brazilian manufacturer of two- and three-wheeled vehicles, such as motorcycles, scooters and mopeds. It was established in 1999 by Abraham Kasinsky and sold in 2009 to the CR Zongshen group, a Sino-Brazilian group controlled by Zongshen.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">CFMoto</span> Chinese vehicle manufacturer

Zhejiang Chunfeng Power Co., Ltd., commonly known by its trade name CFMOTO, is a Chinese manufacturer of engines, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, quadricycles, quads, and yachts headquartered in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China. The Chunfeng CF650-2 and CF1250J models produced by the company are police vehicles used by public security agencies in many provinces and cities.

References

  1. ↑ "China's Motorcycle Production, Sales and Export in 2019". June 2020.
  2. ↑ "The export of motorcycles showed a slight increase In 2013". CAAM. Archived from the original on 20 November 2015. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  3. ↑ "Chinese Motorcycle Industry: Changing Strategies & Focus". Ultimate Motorcycling. 4 February 2014. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  4. ↑ "Chongqing". China Motorcycle News.
  5. ↑ http://www.chinamotorcyclenews.com/chongqing China Motorcycle News "Motorcycle Capital of China"
  6. ↑ "Chinese Motorcycle Industry: Changing Strategies & Focus". Ultimate Motorcycling. 4 February 2014.
  7. ↑ McMullan, David. "The Changing Strategies of Chinese Motorcycle Makers". ChinaMotorRider. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  8. ↑ "China Industry Stats from 2013". Mega ChinaMotor.
  9. ↑ "5 Top Chinese Motorcycle Manufacturers". ChinaMotorRider. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  10. ↑ World.Honda.com joint venture
  11. ↑ "Best Chinese Motorcycles in Production". ChinaMotorRider. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  12. ↑ "KTM expands production to China with CFMoto factory deal". 17 December 2019.
  13. ↑ "Husqvarna: nella trattativa sul futuro di Cassinetta saltano fuori i cinesi". Varese News. 6 March 2014. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  14. ↑ http://www.caam.org.cn/News/20140115/0805112462.html Li Bin, chairman of CAAM motorcycle division
  15. ↑ "Interview with David McMullan, the Englishman in China". Mega ChinaMotor.
  16. ↑ "Profile of Zuo Zongshen". Businessweek. Archived from the original on January 2, 2015.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.