The bicycle market is hotter than ever with pedalling again becoming popular in the country.
In big cities like Hanoi and HCM City , cycling is attracting customers of all ages, pushing up sales of bicycles and electronic bicycles, he said, adding the market is thus promising for both domestic and foreign companies.
The return of Peugeot, the French bicycle brand once very popular in Vietnam , after 20 years is clear evidence of this trend.
Soon after the opening of its showroom late last week, Peugeot has already sold around 150 bicycles.
Dang Quang Manh, chairman of Velo Chic, the company's sole distributor in Vietnam , told the English-language daily Vietnam News that "if sales reach the same level as previous days, we will have no bikes to sell."
" Vietnam is a very promising market," he said.
State-owned bicycle maker Thong Nhat is also enjoying a jump in sales.
Dang Van Cong, an employee of Thong Nhat, said the company's sales growth is 20 percent per year.
It is looking for agents to expand its market in HCM City and the rest of the south.
A revival of cycling is attributed to environment pollution, traffic jams, and rising health consciousness.
According to the association, around 80 percent of bicycles sold in Vietnam now are from Japan , mainland China, and Taiwan. Domestic companies such as Thong Nhat, Delta, and Hitasa account for just 8 percent of the market.
To increase local makers’ market share, the association urges the Government to give priority to bicycle manufacturing and encourage foreign companies to make them in the country.
Furthermore, it called for studying the experiences of cities around the world where many people use bikes.
HCM City just hosted the 2013 Vietnam Two-wheel Vehicle International Exhibition from December 4-7.
Around 30 foreign and Vietnamese companies, including some famous names, showcased their popular products and parts and the latest technologies used in bicycles and electric bicycles.-VNA
