Honda hits 8 million production

Honda Philippines Inc. (HPI) recently marked the production of its eight millionth motorcycle unit, an achievement celebrated during a production ceremony held at the HPI plant gym.

As the leading motorcycle manufacturer in the country with an almost 43 percent market share, Honda’s eight million unit production milestone underscores its commitment to provide high quality, reliable and environment friendly motorcycles. The company’s motorcycles cater to various needs, including commuting, solo use and leisure for those seeking a user-friendly automatic riding experience.

The breakdown of HPI’s eight million units produced further illustrates the company’s impact on Filipino mobility. Cub motorcycles account for 49 percent (3,921,083 units), serving as reliable and fuel-efficient transportation options that have become a key player of Filipino mobility.

Business motorcycles make up 34 percent (2,694,170 units), catering to the needs of businesses and entrepreneurs, thus promoting economic growth. Sports motorcycles represent three percent (222,747 units). AT (automatic) motorcycles, which is currently the main driver and trend of the market, contributes 15 percent (1,162,000 units).

HPI’s 20-hectare plant in Batangas employs processes that prioritize safe, efficient, economical and environmentally friendly technology. The company’s roots trace back to 1964 when Mariwasa-Distribution Inc. was established, eventually leading to the formation of Mariwasa-Honda Inc. in 1973, and later to Honda Philippines Inc, in 1983.

Despite challenges faced in recent years, especially the COVID-19 pandemic, HPI remained resilient and capitalized on opportunities for growth, particularly with the increasing demands for better riding and commute experiences among Filipinos. The company consistently achieves its yearly targets and maintains its position as the number one motorcycle manufacturer in the country in terms of market share.

The eight millionth production milestone was a testament to Honda’s success, highlighting its strong business partnerships, stakeholders, and most importantly, its valued and loyal Filipino customers. Honda’s commitment to providing the joy of mobility and comfort to all its customers remains unwavering.

Regulate reckless drivers

The success of Honda clearly shows the overwhelming demand for motorcycles, so much so that the two-wheeled vehicles can now compete for the title of king of the road in the country as the jeepney faces a battle to survive.

Unfortunately, while motorcycles have admittedly contributed to the increase in productivity of Filipinos allowing them to work and earn a living, and easing their commute compared to the past, they have also become a safety risk not only for their dangerous driving, but also for their increasing violation of load capacity.

Aside from disregarding the allowed capacity of just two adult passengers, it is now a common sight to see three passengers squeezing on top of a two-passenger motorcycle.

Likewise, a family of four is also a frequent sight with one child seated in front of the driver and another child squeezed between the driver and the female passenger in the back seat of the two-wheeled vehicle, in plain sight of traffic enforcers.

But passenger capacity violations are not the only thing being done by motorcycle drivers. Delivery service motorcycle riders often strap or tape huge packages that are clearly much bigger than what should be allowed on motorcycles.

In fact, registered motorcycle delivery services are supposed to have the required panniers to store the packages or parcels for safe delivery, and yet it is a common sight to see long cylindrical tubes or oversized boxes on the tiny underbone motorcycles.

There have been instances when the motorcycles fall due to their unbalanced load, creating a traffic jam and oftentimes damaging the vehicle beside them.

Statistics on violations and accidents caused by reckless drivers are hard to come by, with most accidents basically ignored if no bodily injury is involved.

Police and traffic enforcers clearly ignore almost all of the violators as they themselves use motorcycles.

San Juan’s regular monitoring

One local government I have to commend though is that of San Juan, which I regularly see conducting motorcycle checkpoints at different times of the day to see that the two-wheeled vehicles are properly registered and that they do not violate the passenger load capacity and safety regulations for helmets.

Elsewhere, violations are so rampant, with motorcycles even ignoring traffic lights or going against the flow of traffic. During standstill traffic, the two-wheeled vehicles easily go up the sidewalks to get ahead, or weave in and out of the waiting vehicles, oftentimes hitting the car side mirrors, or the motorcycle handles lightly grazing the non-moving cars as the drivers try to weave in and out of the tiny space between vehicles. Affected drivers are left angry and helpless by the onslaught of motorcycles.

More recently, the attention of the proper government authorities have been called to some of the motorcycles even committing violations on elevated toll roads.

Government should address this growing menace and not allow motorcycle users to abuse traffic and safety rules.