Motorcycle production should reach 1.29 million units this year, a volume 7.9% higher than the 2021 production at the Manaus Industrial Pole (1,195,149 units). Sales should reach 1.23 million motorcycles, up 6.4% compared to 2021, when the total traded stood at 1,156,074 units.
Exports are expected to total 54,000 units, up 1% over last year’s volume, when 53,476 motorcycles were sold abroad, according to projections presented today (20) by the Brazilian Association of Motorcycle, Moped, Scooter, Bicycle and Similar Manufacturers. (Abracyclo).
According to the president of Abraciclo, Marcos Fermanian, the growth projections confirm the scenario of a gradual recovery of the motorcycle industry, which has been resuming pre-pandemic volumes. “We expect a more stable scenario this year to reach again the levels of 2015, when production stood at 1.2 million units.”
Among the determining factors for the continuity of growth are the advancement of product delivery services and the greater use of motorcycles in urban travel, due to the increase in fuel prices and the availability of credit.
For Abraciclo, however, there are variables that can influence this performance, such as the increase in cases of the Ômicron variant and the H3N2 flu, which can drive workers away from their posts and thus impact production.
In addition, Abraciclo fears that instabilities in the macroeconomic scenario will influence the sector, from the supply and reorganization of production chains to the rise in interest rates and freight. “We also follow other movements in the political and economic scenario that could affect consumer purchasing power and negatively impact the demand for motorcycles,” said Fermanian.
Performance in 2021
According to Abraciclo, the motorcycle industry ended 2021 with production of 1.19 million units, up 24.2% compared to the previous year, when 961,986 units were manufactured. The volume was 2% below the association’s expectation, which foresaw the production of 1.22 million motorcycles.
Marcos Fermanian said that there was a possibility of reaching the goal, but recalled that the sector faced the second wave of covid-29 in Manaus, in early 2021, when about 100,000 motorcycles stopped being produced, and the restrictions implemented in the lines of production to prevent the spread of the disease. “The greater distance between people at work stations, for example, increases manufacturing time,” he said. “And it is important to emphasize that all measures are maintained, as the priority is the health and safety of the employee.”
Sales totaled 1,156,074 units, up 26.3% compared to 2020 (915,157 motorcycles). The number reflected the difficulties in meeting demand due to limitations in production lines. According to Fermanian, there is currently a 30-day waiting list for low-cylinder models and scooters. “The trend for the coming months is towards normalization. All the associates are making an effort to serve the consumer who expects, wants and needs a new motorcycle”, emphasized the president of Abraciclo.
According to the balance sheet, exports totaled 53,476 units, which corresponds to an increase of 58.4% compared to 2020 (33,750 units). According to a survey by the foreign trade statistics portal Comex Stat, which records the total shipments of each month, analyzed by Abraciclo, Argentina was the main market, with 16,119 units exported and 28.7% of the total volume traded. In second place was Colombia (12,541 motorcycles and 22.4% of exports), followed by the United States (11,642 units and 20.8%).
