India Will Soon Rule The World of Two-Wheelers

If the reports in the industry are to be believed, India is all set to take over the title of the world's largest two-wheeler market. China, which is home to the world's largest two wheeler market with a recorded sale of 14 million units in 2011, may lose the tag to India due to the Chinese government's regulation on the use of motorcycles in urban centers. Yamaha Motor Corporation of Japan has predicted that the demand for two wheelers in China will fall down to about 11.9 million units, while India's two wheeler market is set to become the number 1 with an estimated sales of 14 million units this year, compared to the 13 million units sold last year. A close look at the Indian market reveals that the nation's two wheeler market is currently ruled by Hero MotoCorp, Bajaj Auto, HMSI, and TVS Motors. While other companies like Suzuki Motorcycles, Yamaha Motor Corporation, Mahindra two wheelers, Royal Enfield and Piaggio have a comparatively smaller share in the nation's two wheeler market. 

Market players apart, it is to be noted that world's three largest two wheeler markets are Asian countries. With China, India and Indonesia holding the first, second and third position, respectively, they constitue for about 60% of the global two wheeler market.

But the main factor that may help India gain a lead is the recent hikes in the price of petrol. This has led buyers from tier II and tier III cities, and rural areas to postpone their four wheel purchases. Also, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers believes that the Indian two wheeler industry will grow by 11-12 per cent, with the market share to grow twofold every four years till 2020. Other than that, the ambitious plans of the major players of the Indian two wheeler market is no secret. That said, it will be interesting to see India clinch the title from China, a country which aims for the number 1 spot in whatever they do.