MOTOR Trader (2019/2020)

2019/2020 Peter Chu From the Publisher D ue to the new trade war within Europe, China and the U.S.A last year, Harley-Davidson Motor Company has moved their production line from America to Thailand to lower the tariff. They also announce to cooperate with Qianjiang Motorcycle for the latest model in order to develop Chinese market. Not only India and China, ASEAN markets also grow rapidly. Besides the changing factors in different region, a popular topic today is electronic vehicle. Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki, the four biggest motorcycle manufacturers in Japan, have announced to cooperate together and promote the technical standards of electronic motorcycle. This action has been taken as an important factor to break through global market in the future. E-scooter, which was made by YAMAHA and GOGORO (a Taiwanese company) was launched officially in August. Drivezy, the largest vehicle sharing platform in India, will also promote the same model in November in the region. Harley-Davidson is reputed to be the legend in Motorcycle industry. Recently, the buying power of baby boomers has decreased, and younger generation has less interest in fuel motorcycles. Now Harley is engaged in developing e-motorcycle and models for children in order to face the market change. In conclusion, the rapid growth of e-motorcycle will happen in Southeast Asia and India where having strong demands for scooters. In western countries, e-motorcycle will become a trend due to financial subsidy and the new ban on driving gas-powered vehicles in the street. E-motorcycles are not just a symbol of environmentally friendly product, but also an innovative trend to the young generation. This trend will trigger a vigorous growth in the market. The premier motorcycle & parts buyer’s guide 8