Indian Motorcycle Exports Hit Record 4.3 Million Units in 2025

Calendar year (CY) 2025 witnessed a robust performance for India-manufactured motorcycles, with exports achieving their highest-ever annual volume, climbing 27 per cent from 2024 shipments. Total motorcycle exports reached a fresh post-pandemic peak in 2025, advancing to 4.3 million units, while domestic volumes remained beneath their previous highs, The Times of India has reported.

During the pre-pandemic period (2017–2019), motorcycle exports followed a steady upward trajectory, advancing from 2.3 million units in 2017 to 3.1 million units in 2019, which represented the previous peak before Covid disrupted international trade in 2020.

While exports declined temporarily during the initial pandemic year, they recovered greatly, with 2021 already exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Despite some fluctuation in the interim years, exports ascended to 4.3 million units in 2025, the highest figure on record. This represents an increase of nearly 40 per cent over the 2019 pre-pandemic peak.

"A combination of India's competitive manufacturing capabilities and a well-established global distribution network has enabled the country's motorcycle exports to maintain strong growth momentum," Poonam Upadhyay, director, Crisil Ratings, was quoted as saying in the report.

Enhanced penetration into international markets and an expanding export portfolio by key manufacturers such as Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor were amongst the primary factors propelling the rise in motorcycle exports from India.

"The robust export performance was fuelled by healthy demand from multiple emerging markets. Latin America was a standout contributor, led by Colombia and Brazil, while Africa remained a significant market, with Nigeria being a key destination. Improved foreign currency availability in key markets such as Latin America and Africa also supported export growth. Besides, Asian markets, including Nepal and the Philippines, provided a further boost," Upadhyay said.

In 2025, Bajaj Auto (43 per cent) and TVS Motor (29 per cent) collectively accounted for approximately 72 per cent of total motorcycle exports.

Bajaj's motorcycle exports expanded from 1.6 million units in 2024 to 1.9 million units in 2025, whilst TVS Motor's shipments increased from 0.9 million units to 1.3 million units.

The record-breaking export performance underscores India's strengthening position as a global motorcycle manufacturing hub and the industry's successful pivot towards international markets amidst moderate domestic demand.