STORY: Chinese motorcycles redefine riding experience in Istanbul
SHOOTING TIME: May 16, 2024
DATELINE: May 26, 2024
LENGTH: 0:01:50
LOCATION: ISTANBUL, Türkiye
CATEGORY: ECONOMY/SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Istanbul city  
2. various of Baris Acar, owner of a motorcycle gallery in Istanbul, Türkiye
3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Turkish): BARIS ACAR, Owner of a motorcycle gallery
4. various of Chinese-made motorcycles on display in a shop in Istanbul, Türkiye
5. various of Turkish rider Deniz Evren parking his motorcycle in Istanbul, Türkiye
6. SOUNDBITE 2 (Turkish): DENIZ EVREN, Turkish rider
7. various of Chinese-made motorcycles on display in a shop in Istanbul, Türkiye
8. SOUNDBITE 3 (Turkish): SEMIH ERYUKSELDI, Automotive sector insider

STORYLINE:

Located beside a bustling avenue on the Asian side of Istanbul, a motorcycle gallery exhibits a remarkable collection of Chinese brands, capturing the attention of both seasoned riders and curious enthusiasts.
   
Baris Acar, the gallery owner, has noticed a significant trend toward Chinese brands in the Turkish market since he launched his showroom in 2016.
   
Currently, 13 of the 14 brands featured in the showroom are from China, with approximately 100 models on display, highlighting China's substantial presence in the Turkish market, said Acar.
   
SOUNDBITE 1 (Turkish): BARIS ACAR, Owner of a motorcycle gallery
"The Chinese (brands) are also developing new, esthetically pleasing products. The market is expanding rapidly, with new models being introduced daily. Top models are emerging, ranging from smaller 50cc engines to larger 800cc models."   
   
The price ranges span from an average of 40,000 Turkish liras (1,240 U.S. dollars) to 700,000 liras (21,741 dollars).
   
Since the beginning of 2024, Acar has sold approximately 1,500 Chinese motorcycles.
   
"That's quite an impressive number," Acar said, noting that his sales reflect the growing preference for Chinese motorcycles throughout Türkiye.
   
According to the Turkish Statistical Institute, the number of motorcycles registered to traffic increased by 31.5 percent in April from one year earlier.
   
The data further revealed that out of 196,309 vehicles registered to traffic last month, motorcycles constituted 54.3 percent of the total.
   
Deniz Evren, an avid Turkish rider, drives a CFMOTO motorcycle, a Chinese brand, with a 700cc twin-cylinder, boasting approximately 73 horsepower.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Turkish): DENIZ EVREN, Turkish rider
"There's an engine that exudes strength, a powerhouse beneath the surface. Moreover, the braking system instills confidence with its responsiveness, ensuring safety with every touch. That is beautiful."
   
Evren is also delighted by the availability of spare parts, which can swiftly meet any maintenance requirements.
   
Semih Eryukseldi, an industry veteran with nearly 14 years of experience in the automobile sector in Istanbul, accentuated the unique strategic approach adopted by Chinese manufacturers.

SOUNDBITE 3 (Turkish): SEMIH ERYUKSELDI, Automotive sector insider
"The Chinese have developed a production plan aimed at dominating the global market. They employed a unique strategy of shipping vehicles in disassembled form and assembling them in the destination country. This approach sets them apart from other nations."
   
Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Istanbul, Türkiye.
(XHTV)