The Battle Royale between Asia and Europe and Japan in the motorcycle world!!

 Alright, buckle up and brace yourselves for the clash of the Titans, the battle royale between Asia and Europe in the motorcycle world. It's like watching Godzilla go head-to-head with King Kong, only this time it's about bikes, not beasts.

So, there we were at EICMA 2023, the ground zero for all things two-wheeled. The theme of the day? Globalization and how the motorcycle market is shaping up post-pandemic. But let's cut to the chase – it's all about the showdown between the mighty Asia and the rest of the globe.

Now, if you thought this was a fair fight, think again. It's like a game of poker where Asia is holding all the aces, and the rest are struggling to keep up. Why? Well, blame it on tariffs and those pesky pollution regulations. The EICMA conference saw top-tier European managers discussing how to deal with this David-and-Goliath situation.

The numbers speak for themselves. The Asian invasion at EICMA 2023 was unlike anything we've seen before. It wasn't just the small players trying to make a mark; we're talking about industrial giants planting their flags on European soil, almost overshadowing the once-untouchable European and Japanese stalwarts.

Sure, the Asians are here in full force, but let's not kid ourselves – communication is still a bit like a game of charades. But give it time, and soon they'll be speaking our language, not just in terms of bikes but also in how they present themselves on the global stage.

Now, let's talk cold, hard numbers. Back in the '90s, Asia had four times the population of Europe. Fast forward to today, it's six times, and in 20 years, it's projected to be seven times. Europe, on the other hand, went from producing 34% of the world's wealth 30 years ago to a meager 24%, while Asia's share skyrocketed from 28% to a whopping 43%.

But it's not just about headcount; it's about who's got the biggest playground. Asia controls over half of the world's steel production, with China leading the charge. Even in the world of carbon fiber, where the West usually flexes its muscles, the combined might of China and the rest of Asia is giving us a run for our money.

And don't get me started on emissions. Asia's been belching out triple the pollutants compared to Europe since the '90s. It's like they're playing a different game altogether, and we're still trying to figure out the rules.

Now, let's talk bikes. Asia is cranking out a mind-boggling 58 million motorcycles per year, with China leading the pack at 22 million and the rest of the continent chipping in with 36 million. Meanwhile, in Europe, we're barely scraping by at 0.6 million. And here's the kicker – that number includes not just local manufacturers but also European brands setting up shop in Asia.

So, how do we face this colossal challenge? The big shots at EICMA had a few things to say. William Armuzzi from Honda Europe laid it out – the market's been buzzing for the past five years, especially with the pandemic pushing people towards personal mobility. Cars are becoming more expensive, and motorcycles are making a roaring comeback.

Eric De Seynes from Yamaha chimed in, saying, "Let's not lose sleep over the Asians. They've been watching us, always have. We need to stick to our creative roots, not abandon our way of working."

And then there's the buzzword – "niche." De Seynes believes we shouldn't abandon our niches; they're our secret sauce, tied to advanced technologies and distinctiveness. "Asia is an extra," he says, referring to Europe exporting to Asia.

Mariano Roman from Fantic Motor emphasizes the need to level the playing field. "We Europeans need to focus on innovation, not protectionism. Play fair, and we can win because we're better at innovation, fashion, and design."

Ezio De Carlo from Decathlon brings in the strategy of producing where you sell, tailoring products to regional needs. The niche, he believes, is a starting point that can grow into a volume business.

And in the midst of all this, Roberto Vavassori from Brembo takes us back in time, pointing out that Europe's decision 30 years ago to prioritize low-cost production woke up the Asian giant. Now, it's a crucial competition that needs to be played on equal terms, not just in terms of tariffs but also environmental responsibility.

So, there you have it – the clash of continents in the motorcycle realm. It's not just a numbers game; it's a battle of innovation, creativity, and the survival of the fittest. Who will come out on top? Only time will tell in this two-wheeled saga.