READ: What is the top-selling bike in PH?

MANILA -- Contrary to the general understanding of NCR-based riders, the top-selling bike isn’t a sportbike, standard or any other urban-type of motorcycle.

According to Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI), which has the biggest share in motorcycle sales 

nationwide, the best-selling motorcycle in the country is the XRM125 dual sports bike.

The XRM125 dual sports bike garnered cumulative sales of 1.4 million units since its release in 2002, based on figures released by the motorcycle company.

This is why HPI rolled out a special edition red XRM125 last Monday to commemorate the 5-millionth Honda motorcycle produced in the Philippines.

The milestone was celebrated at Honda’s factory in Tanauan City, Batangas. Among the VIPs who attended the event are Honda Motor Co., Ltd. operating officer Toshiyuki Shimabara, HPI president Daiki Mihara and other Honda associates and stakeholders.

Sunday Julaton, HPI deputy general manager of corporate strategy, explained the popularity of the beloved Honda cub.

“Kung titignan natin 'yung sales namin nationwide, the XRM caters the southside of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, ‘yung mga outskirts,” Julaton said.

He said that the XRM dual sports are hugely popular in the provinces because it could handle both rough and paved roads. It’s also a favorite among habal-habal operators.

“The feature kasi ng XRM, sabi nga natin on and off road eh… Mas convenient sa riders ‘yung XRM kasi being dual purpose na motorsiko pwedeng paved road at off road. ‘Yun ang isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit interms of volume marami pa rin, mas versatile kasi siya kumpara sa mga AT (automatic),” said Julaton.

But he assured that HPI continues to promote the use of urban-type of bikes to prepare for the further development of the countryside.

HPI started the production of motorcycles in 1973 and reached its 1 millionth production in February 2005 at its factory in Paranaque. In April 2006, they transferred their production site to Batangas to increase production capacity.

Two years later, HPI achieved its 2 millionth production in April 2008. Thereafter, the company achieved its 3 million and 4 million cumulative productions in February 2011 and January 2014, respectively.

Currently, HPI’s annual production capacity is over 500,000 units with nine models being produced ranging from business, cub and sports category.

Mihara said the company projects to produce its 6 millionth unit soon.

“The market is continuously growing at an exceptional speed… As of January to August this year, based on MDPPA, the market grew 42 percent versus last year and we forecast this to continuously grow. At this rate, we hope to achieve out next millionth as soon as possible.”







SOURCE: ABS-CBN