São Paulo – Brazilian motorcycle exports should end the year at 70,000 units shipped to over 50 countries. This is the estimate of the Brazilian Association of Motorcycle, Autocycle, Scooter and Bicycle Manufacturers (Abraciclo), which disclosed the figures on Tuesday (7). The figure is 16% greater than that registered in 2009.
From January to November, shipments totalled 62,880 units, growth of 18% in comparison with the same period last year. According to the executive director at Abraciclo, Moacyr Alberto Paes, there are just two motorcycle manufacturers that export: Honda and Yamaha. For 2011, the organisation’s projections are for lower exports, with shipment of 60,000 units. "The Brazilian industry competes with Asia, but efforts are being made for Brazil to expand its exports," said Paes.
According to him, exchange rate depreciation is one of the main reasons for the carmakers installed in the country to lose competitiveness in the foreign market. On the other hand, on the domestic market, Abraciclo forecasts growth of 10% in sales, rising from 1.8 million units to 2 million units.
In November, domestic motorcycle sales reached 177,750 units, growth of 46% over the same period last year. Production has grown 48.4% in the month, to 180,500 units. In the accumulated result for the year, 1.72 million units have been made, 18% more than in the period from January to November 2009.
"If we continue on this route, we hope to equal the figures of 2008 – the best year for the sector – in 2011," said Abraciclo president Jaime Teruo Matsui. According to him, the sector is more mature and the expansion after the crisis favours gradual and constant recovery.
According to Paes, the installed production capacity in Brazil is 3 million motorcycles a year, which "easily" allows for greater sales. According to him, the organisation estimates 13% growth in production in 2011.
To reach the capacity, motorcycle manufactures invested R$ 170 million in 2010. During the year, the number of direct jobs generated by the sector has also grown. Up to September, there were 17,000 employees in the sector.
Sustainability
Abraciclo informs that motorcycle manufactures have been investing in technology and sustainability. One example is the greater production of flexible fuel motorcycles (which may run on either petrol or alcohol). This year, 18.5% of the motorcycles running in the country are already flexibly-fuelled, against 12% last year. Paes added that there are also projects for production of electric motorcycles, for the near future.
*Translated by Mark Ament
