Honda Taiwan is ready to bring large-displacement motorcycles back to the market this spring.
A few factors contribute to this. First was the end of a technical collaboration arrangement between Honda and a local company. This collaboration, which produced small motorcycles in the 125cc class, lasted from 1961 through 2003.
Second was regulatory conditions that changed in 2002 when Taiwan joined the World Trade Organization and the government ending its ban on large-displacement motorcycles on freeways.
Those factors combined with rapidly rising incomes in Taiwan made it feasible for Honda to consider rejoining the Taiwan domestic motorcycle market in the large displacement classes, which Honda Taiwan Co., Ltd., Honda’s motorcycle sales subsidiary in Taiwan, confirmed Wednesday.
According to information from Honda, industry-wide sales of motorcycles with an engine larger than 250cc reached approximately 17,000 units in 2014, up by 24 percent from 2013. Honda said it made a decision to enter the large-sized motorcycle market to be able to “respond to demands of its approximately 7,000 existing customers, and to meet the expectations of its new customers.”
Honda says it will establish exclusive large-sized motorcycle dealers, and will conduct sales of new models equipped with the latest technologies and accessories, as well as providing maintenance services. Honda will also conduct safe riding education and training classes.
Honda is currently developing models that meet customers’ expectations and details will be announced after April. Honda plans to further expand the product lineup in the future.
After making its official entry in April, Honda plans to open four dealership locations – two in the northern region, one in the central region and one in the southern region.