* According to the China Chamber of Commerce for Motorcycle, China's exports of complete motorcycles to Europe reached approximately 1.298 billion U.S. dollars in the first seven months of 2026, up 17.17 percent year on year.

* European industry insiders attribute the growing appeal of Chinese motorcycle brands to improvements in product quality, stronger innovation capabilities and greater exposure through international racing events.

* As Chinese motorcycle manufacturers strengthen their technological capabilities and expand their presence in Europe, opportunities are also emerging for Chinese and European companies to deepen cooperation across the supply chain.

MILAN, Italy, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- From conventional combustion-engine motorcycles to electric two-wheelers, Chinese companies showcased their latest models and technological innovations at the 83rd International Two-Wheeler Exhibition (EICMA 2026) in the Italian city of Milan, drawing remarkable interest from European dealers, industry professionals and consumers.

The growing presence of Chinese brands at EICMA reflects their expanding footprint in Europe, where exports have continued to rise and brand recognition has improved. Through international motorcycle racing and localized operations, Chinese manufacturers are moving beyond product exports to build stronger brands and establish a deeper foothold in the European market.

Industry insiders say the development of China's motorcycle industry is also creating new opportunities for Chinese and European companies to expand their markets and deepen supply chain cooperation.

EXPANDING PRESENCE IN EUROPE

According to the China Chamber of Commerce for Motorcycle (CCCM), China's exports of complete motorcycles to Europe reached approximately 1.298 billion U.S. dollars in the first seven months of 2026, up 17.17 percent year on year.

Zhang Hongbo, secretary-general of the CCCM, told Xinhua that while Italy, Spain, Germany and France remain traditional markets for Chinese motorcycles, Chinese brands have also made significant inroads into markets in Central and Eastern Europe and Southern Europe, including Poland, the Czech Republic and Portugal, over the past two years.

Figures released by Anesdor, the association representing Spain's motorcycle sector, show that Chinese brands' share of the Spanish motorcycle market has increased significantly in recent years, reaching 28 percent in the first half of 2026.

In Portugal, Chinese brands CFMOTO, Voge and Zontes ranked fourth, fifth and sixth, respectively, in new motorcycle registrations in 2025, according to data from the Portuguese Automobile Association (ACAP). CFMOTO registrations surged 81.2 percent year on year, while Voge and Zontes recorded increases of 21.4 percent and 23.5 percent, respectively.

Zhang also noted that average export prices of Chinese motorcycles to Europe have risen steadily this year, reflecting a shift in their competitive edge from price advantages toward product quality and overall value.

GROWING COMPETITIVENESS

European industry insiders attribute the growing appeal of Chinese motorcycle brands to improvements in product quality, stronger innovation capabilities and greater exposure through international racing events.

Jose Maria Riano, secretary general of Anesdor, told Xinhua that the growing popularity of Chinese motorcycle brands reflects their ability to offer "a quality product at a very competitive price."

Nicolas, a Danish dealer for ZXMOTO, said Chinese manufacturers are more flexible in decision-making than some traditional European counterparts and show a strong willingness to innovate and continuously improve their products and technologies. He said he believes ZXMOTO has the potential to rank among the top five brands in Denmark's lightweight motorcycle segment.

Antonio Giordano, a motorcycle dealer in Naples, Italy, said Chinese brands "not only represent the present, but also the future." He added that improvements in product quality have made them increasingly competitive with established European manufacturers.

International racing has also emerged as an important platform for Chinese brands to raise their profile and build their reputations in Europe. In 2026, Chinese brands such as ZXMOTO and CFMOTO achieved notable results in various international motorcycle competitions.

Portuguese motorsports commentator Rui Belmonte told Xinhua that these breakthroughs demonstrated China's progress in motorcycle performance, engine development and manufacturing technology, while also reflecting a broader transformation of Chinese manufacturers from producers traditionally associated with low-cost commuter models into makers of high-performance, technologically advanced motorcycles.

He said Chinese motorcycles are increasingly meeting international standards in technology, design, reliability and performance, with some models now capable of competing with or even outperforming Japanese rivals while retaining a significant price advantage.

NEW COOPERATION OPPORTUNITIES

As Chinese motorcycle manufacturers strengthen their technological capabilities and expand their presence in Europe, opportunities are also emerging for Chinese and European companies to deepen cooperation across the supply chain.

In July, CFMOTO signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Italian braking system manufacturer Brembo. The two companies will collaborate on product development and technological innovation, among other areas.

Zhang said the partnership illustrates how the development of China's motorcycle industry is creating new business opportunities for European motorcycle and component manufacturers.

As Chinese-made medium- and large-displacement motorcycles undergo rapid upgrades, demand for high-end European components, including braking and suspension systems, tires, electronic control systems and precision engine parts, continues to increase, creating greater scope for supply chain cooperation, he said.

Fabrizio Cazzoli, global sales and after-sales director of Italian motorcycle manufacturer Ducati, told Xinhua that the development of China's motorcycle industry is benefiting the industry as a whole by bringing more people into motorcycling and generating greater interest in motorcycle culture.

Ducati already works with numerous Chinese partners and hopes to further strengthen its presence in the Chinese market and deepen ties with its local partners, Cazzoli said.

"I think all brands together are good for the market," he said, adding that they are all motorcycle manufacturers and look forward to exchanging ideas and experience.

International racing is another area offering considerable potential for cooperation. Desiree Cherici, team manager of Spain's FUTUROTEL FACE RACING team in the FIM MotoJunior World Championship, told Xinhua that European racing teams, with their well-established rider development systems, should recognize the rapid advances in China's motorcycle industry.

"We need to build connections with China so that we can grow alongside the emerging motorcycles and new brands," she said.

Cherici said she expects more Chinese companies to enter international racing championships, adding that their participation could also create opportunities for European teams to grow.

"I think this is beneficial for both sides," she said.

(Video reporters: Zhang Huan, Gao Jingyan; Video editors: Wang Han, Luo Hui, Zhang Yuhong, Zhang Yichi, Liu Yutian)