Motorcycle – Cycle Update
Taiwanese Cycle Exports Led by Kymco
Taiwan’s motorcycle exports jumped 54.9% to $740 million in 2004, according to Taiwan Transportation Vehicle Manufacturers Association.
Kwang Yang Motor’s Kymco brand was responsible for the export of $310 million in product, making it the largest motorcycle exporter for the fifth year in a row.
Total export value of the auto industry reached $1.169 billion in 2004, up 18.32% from export value in 2003.
FAMI Holds 4th Safety Seminar
The Federation of Asian Motorcycle Manufacturers (FAMI), in cooperation with the Taiwan Transportation Vehicle Manufacturers Association (TTVMA), held its 4th Road Safety Seminar in Hsinchu City, Taiwan, near Taipei.
Taiwan leads the world in the highest number of motorcycles per capita, with 13 million units in use by a population of about 23 million people.
A welcome address by Hsieh Wen-Yu, TTVMA Chairman, preceded seven presentations on themes relating to motorcycle road safety. Presentations were delivered by representatives of government agencies, industry associations and scholars.
Yamaha Motor’s Takenori Takada spoke on behalf of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA). Takada said 13.3 million motorcycles are registered in Japan, and said JAMA safety initiatives are showing an impact in the number of rider deaths on Japan’s roads. He said 1,313 people died on motorcycles in Japan in 2004, down nearly 50% from fatalities 10 years ago.
Program Markets Cycles to 100,000 German Youth
Germany’s motorcycle industry association, the Industrie Verband Motorrader (IVM), says more than 100,000 young people have visited the organziation’s Spirit Tour display at various gatherings throughout the country.
Devised as a way to introduce motorcycles to young people where young people congregate, the Spirit Tour has been held in conjunction with music festivals.
As bands like Foo Fighters and Queens of the Stone Age played on stage, young people were given the opportunity to check out a stunt show and freestyle exposition, and try a burn-out simulator.
If you read German and want more information, visit www.spirittour.de.
