I have just returned from Thailand and Vietnam. All I can say is,
if ever a market existed for electric scooters, bikes and cycles,
it's in these markets. I don't know which country has more. There
are literally zillions of them. You would not believe your eyes.
The population of Thailand is 60 million. And contrary to what the
American public has been falsely led to believe, they do not ride
regular bicycles. To the contrary, they all have motorized two
wheelers. About the only exception are young kids or a few older folk.
Period. This applies to both Bangkok (est. population 14 million)and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), est. population 5 million. Vietnam has an est. population of 78 million. This applies as well to rural areas.
Bangkok streets and highways are your worst possible nightmare for traffic jams. Pollution is so unbelievable you can cut it with a knife. You would have to take Chicago and Detroit together to equal the expanse of this city. Very highly modern and progressive. Skyscrapers abound everywhere. It's difficult to grasp that their economy is in trouble. With the tons of autos, trucks and busses, this market is ideal for EV's and HEV's. You would also be amazed at the great number of Mercedes', in addition to other luxury autos. You would not think this of a developing third world country.
Vietnam is no where near as modern, progressive, Americanized, or crowded as Bangkok. Their motorcycles and scooters outnumber their autos by perhaps a hundred or more to one. Pollution is not nearly as severe as Bangkok, but still a problem. However, to put things into proper perspective, Vietnam geographically is the size of the state of New Mexico, but contains 78 million people. The country overall is crowded and growing.
It was certainly not my intent to "show and tell" about my trip, but to share what I observed as a very large hot market for ECD's products. Both countries are aware of their environmental problems and
are going to have to do something about it. NiMH scooters, motorcycles and bikes are scheduled to finally be marketed this year. Perhaps both
countries will be included. We shall see. I can't hardly imagine how
anything can prevent this from occurring.
Regards. |
