Jiangmen City, China's "motorcycle capital," is seeing thriving production, driven by a complete industrial chain and the rise of smart manufacturing.
Situated in south China's Guangdong Province, Jiangmen has established a highly integrated industrial chain that connects upstream and downstream producers. Within just a few kilometers of any assembly plant, manufacturers can source nearly every component needed, from frames and engines to cylinders to screws and wiring harnesses. This proximity fosters close collaboration and creates a highly efficient supply circle.
"If there's anything that needs coordination or timely delivery, a single phone call is all it takes. For example, if I need to load a container this afternoon and suddenly find out that one or two items are missing, the manufacturer can deliver them within half an hour," said Wang Jing, manager of the overseas department at a motorcycle company in Jiangmen.
"For exports, cost-effectiveness and pricing are critical. Proximity to suppliers shortens the production cycle for the entire vehicle. It also significantly reduces shipping costs. Jiangmen's supply chain is exceptionally robust in this regard,” said Zhang Hongming, planning department manager at a local motorcycle company
In the early stages of Jiangmen's motorcycle industry, many key components relied on imports. However, through technology introduction and independent innovation, the region has significantly upgraded its supply chain capabilities, providing strong support for the efficient production of fully Chinese-made bikes.
"Previously, the cylinders for these high-performance motorcycles were mostly imported. Around 2012, manufacturers started approaching us. Today, these cylinders are made entirely in China, with Chinese specifications. We handle the entire production process for this product in-house, from raw materials to finished product," said Lin Chengrong, an engineer at a motorcycle company in the city.
Smart manufacturing workshops have also emerged in Jiangmen. Compared to traditional assembly lines, these intelligent facilities monitor critical indicators -- such as torque and electrical systems -- in real time during production, ensuring that every motorcycle meets quality standards the moment it rolls off the line.
"We hold annual events to promote motorcycle culture and consumption. Jiangmen is home to more than 110 companies engaged in motorcycle manufacturing and parts production. The industrial chain here is highly integrated, covering everything from design and research and development, to production and sales," said Li Zhaoxian, deputy director of the Bureau of Commerce in Jiangmen.
Last year, Jiangmen's motorcycle output reached over 5.4 million units, with exports surpassing 21 billion yuan (about 3.08 billion U.S. dollars), a year-on-year increase of over 40 percent. The city's motorcycle exports accounted for nearly a quarter of the national total.
Motorcycle makers in China rev up production with smart manufacturing, tight supply network
