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NEWS
Honda and Yamaha to partner
The two moto giants have announced they are pondering a collaboration in the field of 50cc scooters in JapanTheir mutual independence seems almost sacrosanct, but motorcycle heavyweights Honda and Yamaha have announced they're looking at the potential of teaming up to produce mopeds for the Japanese domestic market.
Announced yesterday (October 5) in Japan, the companies are examining a "possible business alliance" in Japan's Class 1 category, which covers scooters or mopeds with either an electric or a 50cc internal combustion engine.
The companies say this market niche has been shrinking in recent years as power-assisted bicycles and other forms of short-range transportation make their presence felt. Safety standards and emissions regulations are also affective scooter manufacturers, as is the increasing focus on electric power.
Because of these challenges, Honda and Yamaha – two companies that are traditionally arch rivals – have decided to pool their resources and talent to renew their efforts in Japan's Class 1 category.
As part of the collaboration, Honda will supply two of its 50cc models to Yamaha by 2018, while the two companies will work together on developing the next generation of small-capacity scooters, with a view to Honda supplying these models to Yamaha. The two firms will also focus their efforts on developing electric vehicles in this category.
Shinji Aoyama, Honda's Operating Officer and Director, said the tie-up would allow both firms to strike ahead in this high-volume Japanese vehicle class.
"Through this collaboration with Yamaha, we will continue to offer Class 1 category products that go beyond the expectations of our customers," he said.
"With that, we will devote all of our efforts to revitalise the motorcycle market in Japan and establish a market environment that enables the popularisation of electric motorcycles at the earliest possible timing."
Katsuaki Watanabe, the Managing Executive Officer and Director of Yamaha, echoed Aoyama-san's sentiments.
"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," he said.
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Written byBikesales Staff
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