Honda Korea expands motorcycle dealer network with 4 new partners

Honda Korea is moving quickly to expand its two-wheeler sales and service network as it winds down its domestic car sales business at the end of this year to refocus on motorcycles. The company plans to add new dealers in the Greater Seoul area and other key regions to broaden its customer reach in the motorcycle segment.

Honda Korea announced Wednesday that it has selected four companies — Geobuk, Bikejin, Vision Automotive and SC Motors — as preferred negotiating candidates for new motorcycle dealerships, signing MOUs with each to formalize the process.

The company began recruiting new dealers in March to improve access to motorcycle sales and maintenance. It then reviewed each candidate's business capabilities and store operation plans before settling on the four firms.

The selected companies will complete detailed contract negotiations and operational preparations before opening sequentially from the first half of next year. The new locations will handle the full range of Honda motorcycle services — exhibitions, test rides, sales, purchase consultations, maintenance and parts supply.

Honda Korea currently operates a nationwide motorcycle sales and service network of 70 outlets, including dealers and retail stores, and runs a company-owned service center in Seongsu-dong, Seoul. Adding the new dealers will further expand the sales and maintenance network in the Greater Seoul area and other major regions.

Honda Korea's domestic lineup ranges from the Super Cub, a 110cc commuter model, to the Gold Wing, a large 1,800cc touring motorcycle. This year, the brand claimed the top spot in the motorcycle category of the Korea Industrial Brand Power index for the 24th consecutive year.

The company also operates a rider safety education facility. Its Honda Education Center offers riding instruction and related courses, and has graduated approximately 1,900 participants to date.

Honda Korea's cumulative motorcycle sales stood at approximately 420,600 units as of March, keeping it at No. 1 in domestic market share. The company announced in April that it would exit the car sales business in Korea by the end of this year and concentrate its resources on motorcycles.