Motorcycles Sell Better Than Automobiles

Suzuki Philippines Inc. said it targets modest sales and market share growth for its motorcycle segment this year, a company official said. Benedict Martin Arreola, Suzuki Philippines’ senior marketing manager for motorcycles, said the company’s motorcycle sales are projected to grow to 5 percent and aims to increase their market share to 12 percent for 2009. Last year, Suzuki was able to sell around 70,000 units and cornered 10 percent of the market, he said. Arreola added the whole motorcycle industry in 2008 posted growth of between 7 percent and 8 percent and sold about 700,000 units. This year it targets a total sales growth of around 5 percent.

The official said that while motorcycles sell better than automobiles in terms of volume, the industry has yet to fully tap the viability of motorbikes as an alternative mode of transportation among Filipinos. To increase their sales and attract more customers, Arreola said the company would be aggressively beefing up its product line this year. Suzuki Philippines on Monday launched its three latest bikes—Raider R150, Raider J and Raider J Pro. These three models are expected to bring in sales of 3,000 units per month, Arreola said.