Honda & Yamaha To Explore Collaboration For Small Scooters In Japan

Katsuaki Watanabe, Managing Executive Officer and Director, Yamaha 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."

The alliance is expected to yield major results for the both manufacturers, apart from supporting the Class-1 category in the Japanese market that has been shrinking in the recent years. Moreover, manufacturers are also facing various challenges including compliance with safety standards and emissions regulations that will become more stringent in future years, apart from the increased focus toward electric technology. As a result, both Yamaha and Honda have chosen to arrive at a common understanding in order to address these challenges for the future.

The proposed discussion between both manufacturers will include:

1. Supplying 50cc scooter models as an OEM

As part of the collaboration, Honda will begin supplying 50cc scooter models to Yamaha as an OEM before the end of 2018. The said scooters are developed based on the Honda TACT and Giorno 50cc scooter models Honda currently produces and sells in Japan. Yamaha will be selling these models as corresponding models of the JOG and Vino scooters in the domestic market.

2. Joint development and supply of next-generation 50cc scooters

Both manufacturers plan to look into the feasibility of jointly developing the next generation business scooters that will replace the outgoing versions sold. Currently, Honda retails the Benly and Yamaha sells the Gear 50cc scooter, respectively in Japan and a common platform and powertrain is likely to underpin the future version of these models.

3. Collaboration toward the popularization of electric motorcycles

Both manufacturers plan to popularize electric vehicles in the Class-1 category as part of the alliance and will be looking at a possible collaboration in creating the basis for addressing issues related to electric motorcycles such as range, charging time, performance and cost. The companies plan to share the achievements of the alliance with other motorcycle manufacturers and similar industries, in the form of proposals.

The alliance could be the start of major changes to come in the Japanese market. More details on the products and technologies resulting from this alliance can be expected only by next year once the discussions are complete. That said, the move is a certain welcome for smaller capacity scooters with tech, if viable, could make its way in other markets as well.