Domestic motorcycle sales saw a modest 3.8% rise in April, driven by targeted sales promotions aimed at prospective buyers eager to purchase new models, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
Sales reached 131,950 units in April, representing a year-on-year increase, largely fueled by attractive pricing strategies, the FTI noted.
However, during the first quarter of the year, the market faced challenges including a sluggish domestic economy, declining tourist arrivals from China, and lingering concerns over global economic uncertainties, partly due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariff policies.
“Although tourist numbers declined, marketing efforts—particularly those during the Bangkok International Motor Show in early April—stimulated demand,” said Surapong Paisitpatanapong, vice-chairman of the FTI and spokesperson for the FTI’s Automotive Industry Club.
The relationship between foreign tourist arrivals and motorcycle production remains significant, as tourism activities boost motorcycle manufacturing; many international visitors enjoy riding motorcycles when visiting Thailand, explained the club.
Despite the positive start to the second quarter, motorcycle manufacturers should remain cautious, as April’s growth contrasts with a 12.8% month-on-month decline compared to March.
This indicates that ongoing economic slowdown and stringent loan rejection rates—which persist as significant market influencers—are continuing to affect sales, noted Mr. Surapong.
Banks and financing companies are tightening lending standards amid fears of rising non-performing loans, compounded by high household debt levels and weak consumer purchasing power.
On the export front, the club reported a 16% year-on-year increase in motorcycle exports—including both fully assembled and knockdown units—to 61,223 units in April. However, when compared with March, exports dropped sharply by 33.4% month-on-month, primarily due to concerns over Trump’s tariff policies and the slowing global economy, explained Mr. Surapong.
Thailand’s motorcycle production in April grew by 17% year-on-year to 189,547 units, but overall manufacturing in the first four months of 2025 only rose slightly, by 3.9%, reaching 854,032 units.
Based on current economic conditions, the FTI is contemplating a downward revision of Thailand’s motorcycle manufacturing target for 2025.
Earlier this year, the industry anticipated a 0.1% increase in motorcycle production in Thailand for 2025, reaching approximately 2.1 million units.
