The country’s motorcycle sales grew by 3.6 percent to nearly 940,000 in the first half of the year as demand remained strong despite higher fuel prices, the Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association Inc. (MDPPA) said.

Data from the MDPPA showed that industry sales reached 939,528 units from January to June, up from 907,054 units sold in the same period last year.

Automatic motorcycles accounted for the largest share of the market, with 655,004 units sold or 70 percent of total sales.

Business motorcycles, which primarily support delivery services, ranked second with sales reaching 148,989 units. Meanwhile, mopeds or underbone motorcycles registered 107,632 units sold, equivalent to 11 percent of overall sales.

Also sold during the first six months were street motorcycles with 24,346 units, big bikes with 2,994 units, and other motorcycle categories, which combined for a total of 563 units.

MDPPA said the growth this year was largely fueled by the industry’s first-quarter performance, with sales growing by 11 percent to 496,868 units from 447,865 units in the same period a year ago.

In contrast, motorcycle sales dropped by more than four percent to 442,660 units from April to June, down from 462,007 units in the same period last year, based on MDPPA data.

“The gains achieved in the opening quarter helped keep overall first half sales firmly in positive territory,” MDPPA said.

Despite a softer second quarter, MDPPA President Erwin Estrada said the local industry maintained its positive momentum, given the continued importance of motorcycles as a practical and cost-efficient mode of transportation.

Demand for motorcycles has remained relatively strong in recent months as Filipinos seek fuel efficiency amid higher pump prices resulting from hostilities in the Middle East. This has persisted despite elevated inflation, which has prompted increases in the prices of goods and services.

“The industry's continued growth demonstrates that consumers recognize the value motorcycles provide through affordability, fuel efficiency, and dependable transportation for work, business, and daily life,” said Estrada.

MDPPA expects the industry’s growth trajectory to continue through the rest of the year, supported by sustained demand for motorcycles.

MDPPA is the country’s leading motorcycle industry group, counting motorcycle giants Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha as its members.

Based on data from the Federation of Asian Motorcycle Industries (FAMI), sourced from the MDPPA, the group’s motorcycle output increased by six percent to 631,630 units from January to May, compared with 596,234 units in the same period last year.

FAMI data showed that Indonesia remained the largest motorcycle market within the regional group, with sales reaching 3.13 million units. Vietnam ranked second with 1.37 million units sold, while the Philippines placed third.