Restrictions on mobilization due to the number of plates, the fear of using public transportation and the increase in demand for delivery services explain the 8% growth that Guatemala's vehicle fleet experienced between 2019 and 2020.
As a result of the outbreak of covid-19, during the second quarter of 2020, Guatemalan authorities decided to suspend ground passenger transportation and also imposed restrictions on the mobility of vehicles with private plates, which were applied based on their license plate number.
During the last months of 2020 in the region's markets, the number of Internet searches and conversations associated with motorcycles decreased, a decrease that can be explained by the behavior of most countries.
Through a system that monitors in real time changes in consumer interests and preferences in Central American countries, developed by CentralAmericaData, it is possible to project short and long term demand trends for the different products, sectors and markets operating in the region.
In this context of pandemic and mobility restrictions, the number of Internet searches associated with scooters and mopeds increased significantly in most Central American markets.
Through a system that monitors in real time changes in consumer interests and preferences in Central American countries, developed by CentralAmericaData, it is possible to project short and long term demand trends for the different products, sectors and markets operating in the region.
From January to June 2020, motorcycle imports in Central America totaled $164 million, 11% less than in the same period in 2019, a decrease that is explained by the behavior of purchases from El Salvador, Honduras, Panama and Costa Rica.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with graphic"]
Because the company will focus on other markets, starting December 17, it will close the store that was engaged in the marketing of motorcycles and accessories of the American brand Harley-Davidson.
According to information provided by Red Motors, a company that sells motorcycles in the Costa Rican market, the closing of operations is because the brand plans to focus on 50 specific markets, especially in North America, Europe and parts of Asia.
In Central America, more than 8 million people search the Internet and participate in conversations associated with motorcycles. BMW, Suzuki and KTM are some of the brands with the greatest presence in the interactions of consumers with high purchasing power.
An analysis of consumer interests and preferences in Central America, prepared by the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData, yields interesting results on people's preferences and tastes for motorcycles and other types of products or services.
In recent months and given the new commercial reality, interest in motorcycles has been increasing in the digital environment, a rise that can be explained by consumer behavior in all Central American markets.
Through a system that monitors in real time changes in consumer interests and preferences in Central American countries, developed by CentralAmericaData, it is possible to project short and long term demand trends for the different products, sectors and markets that operate in the region.
In the region's countries, more than 21 million people are looking to buy a vehicle online, and of this group of consumers, approximately 7% explore options for purchasing an SUV.
The interactive information system developed by CentralAmericaData monitors in real time the changes in consumer habits in all markets of the region, with fundamental information to understand the new commercial environment that has emerged in an accelerated manner.
At the beginning of 2020, 25% of the automobile type vehicles circulating on the streets of Central American countries were of the KIA, Suzuki, Mazda and Nissan brands, while of the total of light cargo vehicles, Ford, Mitsubishi and Chevrolet monopolized 14%.
The report "Vehicles in Central America", from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData collects the most updated information on the automotive market in Central American countries.
During the first two months of 2020, motorcycle imports into the markets of El Salvador and Panama contracted the most, with year-on-year falls of 38% and 36%, respectively.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with graphic"]
As the economies of Central America begin to relax the restrictions that have been taken to prevent the spread of covid-19, sales of pickup trucks are predicted to be among the most contracted.
Using a demand-income sensitivity model developed by the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData, it is possible to project the variations that household demand for different goods and services will undergo as the most critical phases of the spread of covid-19 pass and mobility restriction measures are lifted in the countries of the region.
Retail sales in the automotive sector in Central America are predicted to be significantly affected by the covid-19 crisis, which would be partially explained by the drop in tire sales.
It is estimated that at the end of 2019, 23% of the motorcycles circulating nationally were of the brands Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Vento and Bajaj.
The report 'Vehicle fleet in Mexico 2019', from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData, provides details on the characteristics of different vehicles that travel through the streets of the Mexican states.
After 198,000 motorcycles were sold in the country in 2019, local businessmen forecast that during 2020 the number of units sold could increase between 12% and 17%.
Data from the Association of Motorcycle Importers (Asim) indicate that on average 16,500 motorcycles are sold in the Guatemalan market per month, but only in February 2020 sales exceeded 19,000 units.
At the end of 2019, 32% of the vehicles circulating on the streets of Central America were of the brands Toyota, Nissan and Hyundai, while Honda, Suzuki, Kia, Isuzu, Mazda and Ford shared 25% of the total.
The report "Vehicles in Central America", from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData collects the most updated information on the automotive market in Central American countries.