Agência Brasil*
Manaus – Leaders in terms of production in the Industrial Hub of Manaus in 2007, motorcycles should register new growth in 2008 and reach the total of 1.94 million units produced, an increase of 11.9%. Regarding sales, expansion of 13.7% is expected this year.
According to performance indicators disclosed by the Manaus Free Zone Superintendence (Suframa), in 2007, motorcycle production reached the figure of 1.75 million units. The total registered represents revenues of at least US$ 6 billion.
The joint projects superintendent at Suframa, Oldemar Ianck, pointed out the good performance for the sector. He forecasts the continuation of this growth based on the expansion of the number of jobs in the sector, on approval of new projects for expansion and on diversification of industries that produce components. In total, between approved and implemented two-wheeler sector projects at the hub, there are 20 factories, being four bicycle makers and 16 motorcycle makers – and they concentrate 99% of the entire production in the country.
"The total number of direct jobs generated by the two-wheel sector rose from 12,800 in 2006 to 15,000 in 2007. This sector is showing great dynamism and our expectations are for the growth to continue. This year, seven new companies are going to start producing components for these industries and eight of the existing ones are going to expand and diversify production. There will be another 2,400 jobs generated and US$ 60 million in investment," he said.
This forecast for commercial evolution is shared by the Brazilian Association of the Makers of Motorcycles, Autocycles, Scooters and Bicycles (Abraciclo). Despite the 16.8% reduction in exports in 2007 as against 2006, the sector managed to recover and placed sales of 125cc and 250cc motorcycles made in Amazonas in the second place among state exports, losing only to mobile phones.
"In 2008 we expect to export 120,000 units, i.e., around 14% less than in 2007. Still, we cannot ignore the continual growth over the last 12 years. Year on year we are breaking sales and production records. The reduction in exports is not going to influence growth on the domestic market," stated the executive director at Abraciclo, Moacyr Paes.
To justify the increase of sales of motorcycles on the domestic market, Paes pointed out the stability of the economy, the reduction of interest rates for product financing, the longer span for payment and the mobility and agility that riders may have on motorcycles if compared with cars. "Motorcycles have been finding their place on the market as vehicles for transport that join characteristics like lower prices and agility. Motorcycles are also an alternative for those interested in escaping the congested traffic of great cities and arriving at work or home earlier," he analyses.
Apart from motorcycles, the results of production of biciycles in 2007 were also positive. According to the Abraciclo, Brazil is the third main producer of bicycles in the world and should reach the end of 2008 with 5.4 million units, around 200,000 more than last year.
*Translated by Mark Ament
