Argentina sees surge in motorcycle registrations as car sales slump

Motorcycle registrations in Argentina jumped 47.5% in the first four months of 2026, reaching 301,962 units nationwide, according to ACARA data. Low‑displacement 110 cc models dominate sales in Córdoba, with the Honda Wave 110S leading the list followed by the Gilera Smash, Keller KN110‑8 and others. The sector’s growth contrasts sharply with a decline in car registrations, which fell 25.6% in May 2026 to 41,921 units and were 9.7% lower in the January‑May period compared with the previous year. Light commercial vans and passenger cars each dropped about 26% year‑on‑year. While car demand is described as cautious, motorcycles posted a 25.4% increase in May, with 66,851 units registered, and a cumulative 369,468 registrations January‑May, up 43.2% over the same period in 2025. Analysts cite rising vehicle prices, salary erosion and higher living costs as factors restraining car purchases, while motorcycles benefit from lower acquisition and operating costs.