{
  "id": 18630899,
  "title": "Just like cars, Chinese motorcycles out to conquer Europe",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/just-like-cars-chinese-motorcycles-out-to-conquer-europe",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-07T03:17:54.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news-cars-bikes-trucks/2026/11/1572671/just-cars-chinese-motorcycles-out-conquer-europe"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Chinese motorcycle brands are making waves in the European market, much like how cars are conquering new territories, according to the latest report by the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM). At EICMA, Europe's largest motorcycle show, visitors flocked to the stands of Chinese brands such as CFMoto, expressing interest in high-performance, budget-friendly models.\n\nCFMoto, based in Hangzhou, has gained significant attention for producing engines and assembling models for Austrian brand KTM. The company also boasts a strong performance record, having won two Moto3 championships in 2024 and 2026. Visitors to the show included enthusiasts of European marques such as BMW, Honda, and Ducati, who marveled at CFMoto's powerful, winglet-equipped motorcycle, as well as an off-road model ridden by the brand's new ambassador, Spanish rider Mario Roman.\n\nThe growth of Chinese motorcycles in Europe has been astonishing. In 2025, China became the second-largest supplier of motorcycles to the EU, accounting for 27.1% of imports, with sales reaching one billion euros. This surge has been particularly notable in the segment of powerful motorcycles, which were traditionally dominated by European and Japanese manufacturers. In just six years, China has shifted from being a minor supplier to a key player in the European market, now supplying nearly one-third of imports of motorcycles over 250cc, up from just seven percent in 2019.\n\nInitially viewed with skepticism, Chinese motorcycles are now being tested like any other at comparison reviews. British publication Motorcycle News predicts that 2026 will mark a significant turning point, when consumers will see a shift towards Chinese brands. Chinese giants such as Qianjiang Motorcycle (QJ Motor), which acquired Italian brand Benelli in 2005, and new start-ups like ZXMoto, founded by former mechanic and rider Zhang Xue, are contributing to the rapid growth of the Chinese motorcycle industry in Europe.\n\nThe revolution is particularly evident in the French market, where Chinese brands are establishing themselves as formidable competitors. CFMoto, for example, established itself as the fifth brand in the French market in October, overtaking long-standing players such as Triumph, Suzuki, KTM, and Yamaha. Other Chinese brands, including Zontes, QJMotor, and Voge, have also seen a surge in sales, according to the French automotive association Mobilians.\n\nThe growth of Chinese motorcycles in Europe can be attributed to their aggressive pricing and their move upmarket, which appeals to customers whose purchasing power is under pressure. A major Italian brand executive commented that while they will have to see the price of the Chinese high-speed sport bike, it could potentially impact their sales in the long run.",
  "summary": "RHO: Just as with electric cars, Chinese motorcycle brands are roaring into European markets, with high-performance, cut-price models starting to make a name for themselves.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Nikkei Asia",
        "title": "Seres, Li Auto join Chinese EVs' charge into Europe",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/06/seres-li-auto-join-chinese-evs-charge-into-europe",
        "published": "2026-11-06T20:50:51.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}