Vietnam has the fourth-highest number of motorbikes in the world, according to figures from Motorcycles Data for the first half of 2019.
The Asia-Pacific region has the largest number of motorbike drivers in the world. The five largest global markets are in the region, with India ranking first then China, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Pakistan.
Some 8,300 motorbikes were bought in Vietnam each day in the first half of the year. Though standing in fourth place in terms of numbers, sales in the country are at the top. Motorbikes remain the most popular means of transport.
The two-wheeler industry is dominated by five producers: Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, SYM, and Piaggio, which hold over 97 per cent of market (both locally-produced and imported bikes). The new local electric vehicle producer, VinFast, has been welcomed by the market, according to Motorcycles Data.
Sales in Asia, ASEAN, North America, and Latin America have been down so far this year. Turnover in two key countries - India and China - fell 10 per cent and 2.2 per cent, respectively, in the first half compared to the same period of 2018. This is considered to be the result of efforts in the two countries to limit the use of motorbikes to cut traffic jams and pollution.
The number of motorbikes in Vietnam has increased 48-fold over the last three decades, from 1.2 million in 1990 to over 58 million in 2018, according to the Department of Traffic Safety at the Ministry of Transport. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have the largest number, with nearly 6 million and 8.5 million, respectively.
The two cities are considering banning motorbikes from inner city areas by 2030, to ease traffic congestion, economic damage, and environmental pollution. The move is expected to lower the number of traffic accidents, contribute to the cities’ sustainable development, and improve quality of life for residents.
