Fourteen Chinese motorcycle assemblers, irked for being ignored in the crafting of the motorcycle industry roadmap and smarting from being called mere copycats, have formed a new group called the Chamber of Assemblers and Manufacturers of Motorcycles of the Philippines (CHAMMP) positioning the Chinese motorcycles as better alternative to the expensive Japanese-made brands

A source said the formation of CHAMMP, which now accounts for 43 percent market share of the domestic motorcycle market, is expected to further fuel competition against the existing group called the Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association (MDPPA), which is dominated by the four Japanese motorcycle manufacturers Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and multi-brands distributor Kymco.

So far, both groups are on a neck and neck battle for market dominance with MDPPA members’ share declining to 56 percent while the CHAMMP members quickly grabbing 43 percent of the growing motorcycle market.

CHAMMP, whose 14 members also assemble knock down parts from China, is headed by

Motor Star Joseph Sison as president making CHAMMP a breakaway group from the MDPPA as Sison used to be its past president. Kymco, another MDPPA member, is also planning of leaving MDPPA, the source said. The new group will hold its induction on Friday, April 25.

In forming the giveaway group, a source said that CHAMMP was ignored if not completely left out during the consultations for the Motorcycle and Parts Industry Roadmap. CHAMMP members bear a grudge since they too are registered with the Board of Investments and have complied with the $2 million investment requirement.

In addition, the Chinese motorcycle brands have been the subject of ongoing campaign by Japanese motorcycle manufacturers branding them as copycats and of poor quality.

Data from the Asean Automotive Federation show production of motorcycles and scooters in the country in 2013 went up 24 percent to 729,480 units from 588,292 units in 2012. Sales grew 7 percent to 752,835 units from 702,599 units in 2012.