Sun.Star: Demand for motorbikes to increase in Cebu

The Cebu distributor of Taiwan-made motorcycles and scooters in Cebu is optimistic that the local market will continue to pose strong demand. Andrew Arnado, general manager of forwarding and messengerial services company AsapMovers Trading and Services (AMTS), said despite the availability of affordable second-hand or surplus four-wheel vehicles, many Filipinos would want to own motorcycles. AMTS is the local distributor and dealer of motorcycles manufactured by S.C. Kwang Yang Motors Company, Ltd. (Kymco). “The industry is still booming. People have seen it (motorcycle) as more practical to use, especially because of the heavy traffic and high prices of gasoline. And it requires low maintenance and is fuel efficient," said Arnado. Quota To show AMTS’ optimism in the local motorcycle industry, Arnado said the company expects to dispose 30 units every month, even though the quota imposed by Kymco Philippines is only 10 units every month. “We are sure to hit above the target because more people have grown to appreciate the brand from our most expensive units down to the pang-masa ones," said Redentor Amemita Sr., AMTS sales and operations manager. He said, Kymco’s high-end motorcycles—Grand Dink 250cc, Xciting 500cc, and Bet & Win 250cc—are priced between P200,000 and P350,000. For low- to middle-income buyers, Kymco’s Severa, Spike 125s, and the Kargador 150—commonly used among tricycle drivers—are available starting at P45,000, Amemita said. He said Kymco is the fifth largest player in the country’s motorcycle industry. The first four are Japanese manufacturers Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha. Arnado said most people are forced to buy cheap yet “disposable" motorcycles —as they are not very durable— because of the urgent need to own one. Informed market “Kymco motorcycles are the only motorcycles not coming from Japan that can compete with the motorcycles produced there. The prices of Kymco’s products can also compete with the prices of motorcycles imported from China," he said. He said he is happy that the Cebu market is slowly becoming more “informed" in their choice of motorcycles. “Before, they buy because it’s very cheap. Now they are willing to pay more as long as it safer and has good quality," Arnado said. Kymco was founded in 1963 to make parts for Honda. They built their first bike in 1970 and began marketing under the Kymco brand name in 1992. The company produces over 480,000 machines per year. They also have overseas production factories in Indonesia and China. To better increase its market share in the country, Arnado revealed that Kymco Philippines and Kymco Taiwan is set to merge before the year ends. - Sun.Star