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Honda has dominated motorcycles for decades. Electric bikes are changing that
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- DeepHorus
Honda’s decades-long dominance of the motorcycle market is facing a serious challenge in Vietnam, where electric two-wheelers are gaining mainstream acceptance. Nationwide figures show Vietnam recorded more than 3 million motorcycle and scooter sales in the first nine months of 2026, up 25.9% year over year. The strongest momentum is in the electric segment, which is redrawing the competitive landscape.
Electric motorcycle and scooter sales surged 90.5% to 973,247 units during the period. That represents approximately 32% of all new motorcycle and scooter sales in Vietnam. The shift is notable because Vietnam has long been a stronghold for Japanese gasoline-powered brands, especially Honda.
Honda remains Vietnam’s largest motorcycle manufacturer, with sales rising 8.4% this year. Its overall market share is shrinking as electric alternatives expand. VinFast, the Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer, moved into second place after a 152.1% sales increase. Yamaha ranks third, followed by electric two-wheeler maker Yadea in fourth.
Half of Vietnam’s top four motorcycle players are now electric-focused companies. Those two electric players are also posting the fastest growth. This contrasts with the traditionally dominant Japanese gasoline manufacturers, whose expansion is more modest.
Government efforts to reduce urban air pollution have helped create a more favorable environment for electric alternatives. Plans to restrict gasoline-powered motorcycles in parts of Hanoi are among the policies supporting the transition. VinFast’s expanding range of electric scooters and motorcycles also gives riders more practical options.
Honda is not struggling outright: sales are still growing, and it remains Vietnam’s undisputed market leader. Still, its modest growth compared with the electric segment suggests the market’s center of gravity is shifting. The question is how quickly Honda can adapt to a market increasingly interested in something other than gasoline motorcycles.
