Mexico's Motorcycle Market to See 16 New Chinese Brands by 2025

The Mexican motorcycle industry is poised for a major transformation as an influx of Chinese companies plan to establish local assembly operations in the coming year. According to Laura González, Director, International Motorcycle Show in Mexico (SIMM), at least 16 new Chinese brands are expected to enter the market by 2025, aiming to capitalize on Mexico’s strategic position for exporting to North and Latin America.

“The Chinese motorcycle industry is making an aggressive entry, similar to what we are seeing in the automotive sector. Next year, we will expand to three exhibition halls because new brands are establishing themselves in the Latin American market,” González stated during an interview with El Financiero. 

This growth is part of a broader trend in which Chinese manufacturers aim to shift from being importers to local producers in Mexico, potentially transforming market dynamics. Currently, Chinese brands dominate the import market, accounting for 90% of imported motorcycles sold in the country. However, González emphasized that this scenario might change as more companies start producing locally to meet the growing demand.

The local motorcycle market is primarily led by Italika, which imports motorcycles from China and assembles some models locally. However, increased demand presents an opportunity for new entrants. 

The SIMM Expo showcased 40 motorcycle brands presenting new products and launches for 2025. Participants included well-known names such as BAJAJ (India), Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, and several Chinese manufacturers like QJ Motor, Kove, and Benda. Additionally, newcomers like Honey Whale, Slane, and Italian company V-Motors made their debut. YADEA, another Chinese brand, officially announced the start of its operations in Mexico during the event.

“The demand for motorcycles has increased by 45%, maintaining its momentum. In 2022, for the first time, motorcycle sales surpassed automobile sales,” said Laurent Autier, President, Mexican Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers and Importers (AMFIM). 

From January to July 2023, over 540,000 units were sold, and projections indicate that sales could exceed 1.4 million units by year-end, representing a 7% increase compared to the previous year.

Autier added that this trend shows motorcycles are becoming more ingrained in Mexican society as tools for mobility, work, and recreation. This shift in consumer behavior, along with increased competition, is expected to drive further investment and production capacity in the sector.

"For the first time, we are seeing companies coming directly from corporate headquarters. Brands like Yadea, QJ Motor, Treck, Kove, and Benda are entering the market from key manufacturing provinces in China. They are aggressively positioning themselves against established brands," González explained.