India Yamaha Motor plans to introduce 10 new models, including two electric scooters, in the premium segment in the coming year, the local unit of the Japanese two-wheeler maker said on Tuesday.
As part of a strategy to reboot itself, Yamaha plans to focus on the 149-155cc motorcycle market, where it currently has a 17% share. The company expects this to rise to 25% by 2030. Exports will be another key priority, with Yamaha targeting 340,000 units this calendar year, up from 278,000 units in 2024.India Yamaha Motor remains a marginal player with around 4% share in the country’s two-wheeler market. The company exited the commuter motorcycle segment in 2018 to focus on 150cc and above models, a move that helped improve profitability and strengthen its premium position.
About electric vehicles, Otani said: “Our development concept is the same as the ICE (internal combustion engine) – sporty, stylish and exciting. Of course, as a Japanese brand, quality comes first.” On how the company plans to make a difference in the EV segment, where it is a late entrant, he said, “We would not like to compete directly with Indian OEMs who have already introduced EVs. We will enter a different segment and maintain our premium strategy in the EV sector as well.” Aerox-E and EC-06 – have been developed in collaboration with River, a Bengaluru-based electric two-wheeler startup in which Yamaha has invested. The Japanese major’s newly formed EV division in Japan is closely monitoring global demand to determine production and export priorities, Otani told ET.
Yamaha’s plant in Chennai has a capacity to produce 1.5 million units per year, of which approximately 1 million are used. With new models, it hopes to utilize remaining capacity and expand its presence in the premium segment, targeting “younger customers.”
Although the company has developed flex fuel technology based on its experience in Brazil, it does not plan to enter the low-priced motorcycle or EV segment.
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