Vietnam to Ban Gasoline Motorcycles, Honda Comments

KatadataOTO – In the era of electrification, many countries are trying to reduce carbon gas emissions through various transportation policies.

Recently, Vietnam has come into the spotlight. This is because its government plans to ban the use of gasoline-powered motorcycles in Hanoi.

However, in Vietnam, motorcycle manufacturers like Honda dominate the market, valued at 4.6 billion USD or around Rp 76.3 trillion.

The ban is hoped to be one of the government's efforts to control air pollution.

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It is not impossible that a similar policy will be adopted by neighboring countries, including Indonesia.

Responding to this, PT Astra Honda Motor (AHM), as one of the domestic manufacturers, has also spoken out.

“Yes, that needs to be considered, various aspects need to be looked at again if it were to be implemented in Indonesia,” said Ahmad Muhibbuddin, General Manager of Corporate Communication at PT AHM, when met in Jakarta recently.

Just like in Indonesia, motorcycles are a widely used and most efficient mode of transportation in Vietnam.

Therefore, if the ban on gasoline motorcycles is implemented, the impact is believed to be massive.

However, PT AHM believes the government will implement policies according to the current conditions and will continue to pay attention to the needs of the public.

“I think every policy must begin with a discussion or by listening to the voice and desires of the people,” he asserted.

To support the government's commitment to reducing emissions, Honda has also prepared a number of electric motorcycle models for consumers.

Honda's first electric motorcycle in Indonesia is the EM1 e:, available in two variants with a price tag in the range of Rp 40 million on the road in Jakarta.

After that, there is the Icon e:, with a lower price of around Rp 28 million. Another option is the CUV e:, which is Honda's most expensive electric motorcycle at around Rp 54.4 million.

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The four electric motorcycle products being marketed are already locally assembled in Indonesia.

Each is also claimed to have met the Domestic Component Level criteria as required by the government, which is a minimum of 40 percent.

Sales of Honda's electric motorcycles are still being conducted in parallel with conventional engine models.