India has officially set a new milestone in the global motorcycle industry, overtaking China to claim the title of the nation with the most motorcycles sold in a single financial year. According to a report by New Atlas published on 17 August 2017, India sold a remarkable 17.59 million motorcycles during the 2016-17 financial year, surpassing all other nations.
While India’s motorcycle market continues to thrive, it’s important to note that the country ranks only fourth in terms of total export value of motorcycles. A report from WorldsTopExports.com on 12 June 2017 showed that China led the global export market with US$6 billion in motorcycle exports, followed by Japan with US$2.4 billion, and Germany at US$1.8 billion. India, despite its impressive sales figures, generated US$1.6 billion in export revenues, securing the fourth spot.
The high sales numbers in India are largely attributed to the country’s preference for small-engine, affordable motorcycles. These budget-friendly machines are popular across India, especially in rural areas, where motorcycles are a vital form of transportation.
India’s record-breaking achievement highlights the importance of motorcycles in the country’s automotive industry, underscoring their role in connecting people, particularly in areas with limited access to public transport.
