ASEAN’s motorcycle market returned above the 15 million-unit milestone in 2025 (+4.3%)

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ASEAN’s motorcycle market returned above the 15 million-unit milestone in 2025 (+4.3%), fully recovering to pre-pandemic levels, with 7 of 9 countries growing. Momentum was driven by Vietnam (+13.5%), Thailand (+9.8%), and the Philippines (+2.8%).

Actually we have data on new motorcycles and scooter/moped sales for the following countries: Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Singapore. Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. The numbers reported in this article aggregate these markets and do not include Myanmar, Laos and Brunei.

Motorcycles Market Trend and Projections

The ASEAN two-wheeler industry reached a historic peak in 2019, with sales exceeding 15 million units, accounting for nearly 25% of the global market. The sector was then severely hit by the pandemic in 2020, experiencing a sharp contraction.

Starting in the second half of 2021, the industry began a gradual recovery. By 2025, sales had returned above the 15 million-unit threshold, increasing 4.3% year on year, with seven out of nine countries reporting growth.

However, performance across the region was uneven. Myanmar, still facing deep political and economic instability under military rule, saw sales collapse by 53%, while Cambodia declined 10.4%.

Country Performance Highlights

  • Indonesia, the region’s largest market and the world’s third largest, posted modest growth of +0.6%. However, the electric vehicle segment slowed sharply after the new government, elected in October 2024, withdrew previously announced climate incentives, creating uncertainty in the EV transition.

  • Vietnam, the second-largest ASEAN market, delivered strong growth of +13.5%, supported by rapid EV expansion alongside sustained demand for ICE models.

  • The Philippines, the third-largest market, grew +2.8%, approaching its historical peak of around 2.4 million units.

  • Thailand, the fourth-largest market, rebounded +9.8% after a steep -15.8% decline in 2024.

  • Malaysia, the fifth-largest market, increased +3.5%, recovering from a -16.0% contraction the previous year.

  • Singapore, the smallest market in the region, remained stable with +1.3% growth.

Overall Assessment

The ASEAN motorcycle market has demonstrated strong resilience, returning to pre-pandemic levels in 2025. However, growth dynamics are increasingly differentiated, with EV development accelerating in some countries while policy uncertainty and political instability constrain others. The region remains structurally robust, but long-term competitiveness will depend heavily on consistent regulatory frameworks and EV transition strategies.

2026 Outlook

Looking ahead to 2026, regional growth is expected to moderate but remain positive, supported by resilient domestic demand and continued urban mobility needs. However, divergence across markets will likely widen: Vietnam is positioned to strengthen its EV leadership, while Thailand and the Philippines should benefit from economic stabilization.

Indonesia’s trajectory will depend heavily on whether policymakers restore clarity and credibility to EV strategy; without renewed incentives and infrastructure investment, the country risks losing technological ground and manufacturing opportunities to more proactive ASEAN peers.