Taiwan has a distinctive automotive culture that reflects its dense cities, mountainous terrain, and advanced tech scene. Here's a breakdown:
Popular Vehicle Types in Taiwan
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Scooters & Motorcycles – Dominant in daily life:
- Over 13 million registered scooters (more than half the population!)
- Brands: Kymco, SYM, Yamaha, Gogoro (electric)
- Used for commuting, deliveries, and short-distance travel
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Compact & Subcompact Cars – Ideal for tight urban roads:
- Toyota Corolla Altis
- Honda Fit (Jazz), Mazda3, Nissan Tiida
- Toyota Yaris, Hyundai Venue
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SUVs – Gaining popularity:
- Toyota RAV4 (top-selling SUV)
- Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson
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Electric Vehicles (EVs) – Growing interest, especially in scooters:
- Gogoro – Dominates the e-scooter market with battery-swapping network
- Tesla Model 3/Y
- EV infrastructure is expanding but still behind some countries
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Luxury & Imported Cars – Niche but visible:
- BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Porsche
- Higher taxes and prices due to import duties
Vehicle Regulations & Infrastructure
- Drive on the right side of the road
- Well-maintained highways and urban roads
- Car ownership is less common in cities due to traffic, parking costs, and strong public transport
- Annual vehicle inspections required
- Vehicle tax based on engine size and age
Local Auto Industry
- No major local car brands, but Taiwan has a strong auto parts and electronics industry
- Yulon Motor assembles and distributes Nissan and Luxgen (its own brand with limited success)
- Taiwan is a global supplier for EV components and smart car tech
Driving Culture
- Urban driving can be chaotic, especially with scooter traffic
- Many prefer scooters or MRT (metro) in Taipei, Kaohsiung, etc.
- Road trips are popular around Taiwan’s scenic coastal highways and mountains