GIA announces the release of a comprehensive global report on Motorcycles, Scooters & Mopeds market. The global market for motorcycles, scooters & mopeds is forecast to reach 75 million units by the year 2015, driven by growing urbanization, rising population and government policies. Fuel efficiency, pricing and style are other factors powering growth in the worldwide two-wheelers market.

Global motorcycles, scooters and mopeds market measured in volume terms is undoubtedly going Asia’s way, with a massive chunk of the total market concentrated in the Asia-Pacific region. Developing nations in Asia and Latin America, which perceive two-wheelers as a basic mode of transportation, are expected to remain the most promising markets for scooters, light motorcycles and mopeds. The last two decades have comprehensively transformed the powered two-wheeler industry worldwide. Demand has often outgrown expectations, beating the industry’s calculation, with changing market pattern being the accepted norm. Regional markets play a significant role in market evolution, wherein the wave of consumerism across the globe overhauled the structure of the powered two-wheeler industry worldwide. Motorcycles and scooters emerged favorites with the male customers, while mopeds and small scooters found ready acceptance with the female customers.

In developed countries like the US, Canada, Japan, Germany and Italy, motorbikes and scooters are considered a premium purchase to be enjoyed by the wealthy and riding enthusiasts. In contrast, developing markets such as China, India and other South East Asia view motorcycles, scooters and mopeds as essential modes of transportation. The Chinese motorcycle industry has emerged as a formidable force in the global motorcycle and scooters market. The region’s emerging leadership has ignited a fierce competition, threatening to erode the monopoly hitherto enjoyed by the Japanese majors. Price competitiveness, vis-à-vis power, quality and comfort are key differentials in today’s motorcycle and scooter industry. Replacement sales as well as components and accessories demand remains a major factor driving the two-wheeler market. Economic growth and rapid urbanization levels also propel sales in the two-wheelers market. Fuel efficiency/mileage, emission levels, design & style, demographics, transportation system and engine power are some of the other critical growth motivators. In addition, regulatory environment and government policy play an important role in determining the future direction of the industry.

The global motorcycle, scooters and mopeds industry was significantly impacted by the economic crisis that severely restricted disposable income as well as low-interest credit. The world market experienced a decline in growth rate to 6.6% in 2008, from a healthy 10.6% pace witnessed in 2007. The situation worsened in 2009, with a sharp fall in the market demand by a substantial 6.7% for the year, and the trend is estimated to continue for 2010 as well. The impact of the recession was much more severely felt in developed and mature markets of North America, Japan and Europe, featuring high double-digit declines in 2008 and 2009. On the other hand, developing economies namely Latin America and Asia-Pacific fared relatively better, recording marginal fall in growth rates.

Stocks of unsold inventory piled up in warehouses, as sales of motorcycles regarded as pleasure equipment in the Western region almost stagnated. Several dealers resorted to deep discount initiatives in order to overcome the scenario. Most of the 2-wheeler companies either reduced, canceled or postponed new product/model launches during the slowdown period. With the global economy beginning to turn around, there is demand for new models from customers, and motorcycle OEMs face a challenging task of restructuring their old business models to suit present day needs.

The Asia-Pacific market literally reigns over the other world markets, as stated by the new market research report on Motorcycles, Scooters & Mopeds. Asia-Pacific, home to vast, untapped and fast growing markets of China, India, Indonesia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Thailand presents a healthy picture for the global two-wheeler industry. Asia-Pacific also continues to drive the future demand for motorcycles and scooters, projected to trail blaze ahead at the fastest growth rate through 2015. Rapidly evolving markets such as The Middle East, Latin America and Africa also offer tremendous growth potential in the near future.

The Motorcycles segment comprises the largest and most popular category, accounting for a major share of the global two-wheelers industry. Demand for motorcycles far exceeds that of scooters and mopeds, the trend reflecting the highest compounded growth rate anticipated for the segment.

The global market for motorcycles, scooters & mopeds is highly fragmented, with the players making continuous marketing efforts to sustain market shares and broaden their customer base. Key participants profiled in the report include Bajaj Auto Limited, BMW Group, China Jialing Industrial Co. Ltd., Chongqing Lifan Hongda Industry, Ducati Motor Holding SpA, Harley-Davidson, Inc., Hero Honda Motors Limited, Honda Motor Co., Ltd, Honda Italia Industriale S.p.A., Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (Private) Ltd., S&T Motors Co. Ltd., Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd., Piaggio, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Triumph Motorcycle Limited, Yamaha Motor, MBK Industrie SA and Yamaha Motor India Private Limited.