Exports of motorcycles from Chongqing, southwest China, rose sharply during the first quarter, according to newly released customs figures.

From January to March, 195,000 motorcycles with a combined value of US$65.73 million were exported, up 43.4 percent and 45 percent respectively.

Meanwhile, the motorcycle export market has been expanded to 89 countries and regions, an increase of 14 over the same period of last year.

Compared with last year, the export volume of motorcycle parts from Chongqing also grew rapidly. For instance, exports of motorcycle engines increased to nearly 200,000 units, with a total export value of US$22.95 million, nearly 2.2 and 10 times more respectively than the same period of last year.

Another noticeable development is that many new types of motorcycles with higher technical specifications such as beach motorcycles, water-cooled motorcycles and motorcycles with "V"-shaped engines went on the market and gained instant popularity in Europe and the Middle East.

However, judging from the rapidly falling prices of these new motorcycles, analysts said Chongqing's export market was still plagued by a fierce price war and needed to adjust further.

For example, the export price of beach motorcycles has declined from US$2,000 per unit in 2002 to US$600, they said.

Chongqing is the production base for several large motorcycle companies, including the well-known names of Lifan and Jialing.

(Xinhua New Agency April 27, 2003)