Guatemala Motorcycles industry runs towards the 15th record year in a row. The unstoppable growth is continuing and in the first half 2025, new motorcycles sales reached the new record of 209.796, up 20.5%. Honda is market leader.
Economic Outlook
Guatemala is the largest economy among the Central American countries in terms of population size and economic activity, with a gross domestic product of US$108.9 million for 2024.
Over the past 10 years, the country has grown at an average rate of 3.5%, driven by prudent fiscal and monetary management, as well as an open economy. In 2024, the country showed positive development, achieving a growth rate of 3.7%. For 2025, it is estimated that the country will grow by 3.5%, driven by the growth of credit and remittances, although limited by a decrease in exports.
Despite the solid growth recorded in recent years and the sustained efforts by the country, Guatemala still faces significant challenges in reducing poverty and inequality, which continue to affect a significant portion of the population. In 2024, 57.3% of Guatemalans live in poverty, with an average income of $6.85 per day. Projections show a trend of gradual improvement: poverty is estimated to decrease to 57.2% in 2025 and to 56.6% in 2026, reflecting steady progress. One of the persistent challenges is the high level of labor informality, which limits opportunities for sustainable income generation; in 2023, about 80% of the employed population worked in the informal sector.
Additionally, job quality is low, and female labor force participation is one of the lowest in the region, around 33%. The country is characterized by high levels of social exclusion, as well as large geographical disparities.
Motorcycle Market Trend and Perspectives
Following a rocketing last decade growth, nowadays the Guatemalan motorcycles industry is one of the largest in the Latin America and, however, there are no signs that the escalade is near to end.
Indeed, according to data released by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure in 2024 data, the demand for 2-wheelers was really strong and the market established the new all-time record, the 14th in a row, with 352.555 sales (+18.1%).
In 2024 Guatemala was the fifth largest market in Latin America after Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Colombia. Globally, Guatemala last year was 21st, up 2 spots from the previous year.
The unstoppable growth is continuing and in the first half 2025, new motorcycles sales reached the new record of 209.796, up 20.5%.
The growth is solid both in scooter (+13.2%) and motorcycle (+21.8%) segment, while the EV segment is still in its infancy.
Looking at the competitive arena, the market leader is Honda, having boosted market share thanks to the +18..8% increase in sales.
In second place Suzuki (+11.6%) ahead of Bajaj Auto (+33.9%) and Italika (+39.8%).
