Honda and Yamaha have moved to confirm speculation that they have started discussions that may lead to a possible business alliance in the Japanese market in the Class-1 category, which include scooters with a 50cc engine or electric motor.
The diversification of the types of short-range transportation, including power-assisted bicycles and mini-vehicles, has meant that the market for the Class-1 category vehicles in Japan has been shrinking in recent years. Moreover, motorcycle manufacturers are facing various challenges, including compliance with safety standards and emissions regulations, that will become more stringent in future years, as well as the pursuit of product electrification.
It is under these circumstances that Honda and Yamaha arrived at a common understanding that cooperation is necessary to address these challenges for the future, and based on this understanding, the two companies will strive to realize collaboration in the Japanese market in the Class-1 category.
The Road Vehicles Act of Japan defines the Class-1 category as “vehicles equipped with two or more wheels and an engine with total displacement of 50 cc or less, or an electric motor with rated output of 0.60 kW or less”.
The key plans under discussion include supplying 50 cc scooter models as an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). With a target timetable of before the end of 2018, Honda would begin supplying 50 cc scooter models to Yamaha as an OEM that are developed based on the Honda TACT and Giorno 50 cc scooter models Honda currently produces and sells in Japan. Yamaha will sell these models as corresponding models of the Yamaha JOG and Vino.
Honda and Yamaha are currently developing, producing and selling 50 cc business scooter models for the Japanese market, namely the Honda BENLY and Yamaha GEAR, respectively. The two companies will look at the feasibility of the joint development and OEM supply from Honda to Yamaha of a next-generation version of these business scooter models.
For the purpose of further popularizing electric motorcycles mainly in the Class-1 category in Japan, the two companies will look into possible collaboration in the area of establishing the foundation necessary to address various issues relevant to electric motorcycles such as range, charging time, performance and cost.
By broadly sharing the achievement of such collaboration with other motorcycle manufacturers and relevant industries in the form of proposals, the two companies will strive to further facilitate the electrification of motorcycle products.
Shinji Aoyama, Operating Officer and Director, Honda Motor Co. Ltd., said: “Through this collaboration with Yamaha, we will continue to offer Class-1 category products that go beyond the expectations of our customers. With that, we will devote all of our efforts to revitalize the motorcycle market in Japan and establish a market environment that enables the popularization of electric motorcycles at the earliest possible timing”.
Katsuaki Watanabe, Managing Executive Officer and Director, Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd., said: “We believe that our collaborative activities, which will start with an OEM alliance, will go beyond the framework of a mere product supply alliance and carve out a future motorcycle culture in Japan”.
