Who Owns CFMoto, And Where Are Their Motorcycles Built?

Chinese automakers like BYD and Geely are gunning for global dominance, as evidenced by the onslaught of Chinese cars in Europe. One other Chinese brand that’s slowly starting to grow in popularity worldwide is motorcycle and ATV manufacturer, CFMoto. CFMoto is predicated in Hangzhou, China, and is a subsidiary of the Chinese company Zhejiang Chunfeng Power Co., founded by Lai Guoqiang. CFMoto is gearing as much as grow market share within the U.S., even though it currently doesn’t have a factory within the country. Presently, the corporate manufactures its vehicles in three locations — China, Thailand, and Mexico.

CFMoto began manufacturing spare motorcycle parts in 1989. Within the ’90s, the corporate expanded its operations to incorporate scooter and motorcycle manufacturing. Over time, and due to partnerships with global motorcycle giants like KTM, CFMoto has shed its image as just one other low cost alternative and has turn into one which can go toe-to-toe with a number of the industry’s legacy manufacturers.

CFMoto’s American journey began over 20 years ago when it introduced ATVs and side-by-sides in 2002. In 2022, the corporate launched a brand new line of motorcycles within the U.S., and the corporate now has over 300 dealerships within the States. CFMoto currently sells a spread of sport, adventure, and naked motorcycles, in addition to a cool mini bike called the Papio. The corporate appears serious about its American adventure, having opened a brand new headquarters in Minnesota firstly of 2024. The power houses a design and engineering studio to serve the U.S. market and reportedly has plans for further expansion.

CFMoto’s Hangzhou facility in China comprises multiple factories and has an annual production capability of 400,000 two-wheelers, including bikes built by its electric motorcycle brand Zeeho, KTM models manufactured for the Chinese domestic market, and CFMoto motorcycles. The power also has the capability to supply 200,000 ATVs and side-by-sides annually.

The corporate’s manufacturing facility in Thailand, established in 2021, has a production capability of 40,000 models and was CFMoto’s first factory outside of China. More recently, CFMoto opened its first manufacturing facility in North America to cement its entry into the region’s motorcycle and ATV market. The factory, which is positioned in Apodaca, Nuevo León, Mexico, has a production capability of 100,000 units, and the corporate reportedly invested $46 million within the project. Except for its manufacturing facilities, CFMoto also boasts 4 research and development centers worldwide and holds greater than 1,000 patents, highlighting its deal with innovation.

Chinese EVs have proven themselves to be higher than Western competitors, because of their ingenious systems and class-leading technologies, and CFMoto appears to be following the identical path with motorcycles and ATVs.