Sales of Chinese motorcycles booming in Chile

The annual sales of Chinese motorcycles in Chile leapt from 4,000 units in 2003 to 70,000 units in 2007, a manager of one of Chile's major auto importers said recently.

Jean Anwandter, manager of Gildemeister Automotive, said the sales of Chinese motorcycles boomed in the last four years as people get to know more about driving motorcycles and no longer label them as dangerous.

Motorcycles from China have become a favorite in the Chilean market for their good quality and competitive price, he said.

Despite the lack of official figures, it is estimated that between 75 to 80 percent of all the motorcycles arriving in Chile were manufactured in China.

Cristian Scheib, general manager of motor manufacturer Motorrad, said the Chinese motorcycles are sold in Chile for 475,000 pesos (950 U.S. dollars) and in their target market do not have any competition, either from Japan or Brazil.

However, Chinese motor manufacturers are still facing challenges in Chile, ranging from customers' distrust of the technology and guarantee of after-sales services, Scheib said.