Yamaha To Use Performance Oriented Platform For India, Exact Timeline Is Not Disclosed
Yamaha is exploring the possibility of developing a local electric platform. However, a final decision is still pending. Reports suggest that Yamaha will have an electric two-wheeler in the next few years, but the exact timeline remains undisclosed.
Ambiguity
There is some ambiguity considering which type of electric platform will Yamaha dedicate to the Indian Market. Will it be a Global Platform which will work in India or a locally developed platform? According to Itaru Otani, chairman of Yamaha Motor India, the decision revolving around this remains to be the final key strategic decision.
Yamaha’s Research & Investment Portfolio
Yamaha’s investment portfolio includes River, a Bengaluru-based EV Startup with backing from Toyota, signifying interest in the electric two-wheeler market. Yamaha says it is considering the feasibility of leveraging the River’s platform for future EV products.
The River scooters have been tested in Japan and other Asian markets for a proof-of-concept study. Additionally, Yamaha launched the NEO’s electric scooter in Europe back in 2022. However, tackling the Indian market and its nuances will require a special approach to capturing the attention of maximum buyers.
Performance Oriented Platform
Yamaha has signalled intentions for a performance-based approach for India for the electric two-wheeler market. The high-performance EVs will align better with the image the brand wants to portray. High performance can come at a disadvantage of the two-wheelers being expensive.
Outlook
Yamaha has remained tight-lipped for the revealing of the timeline. The measured approach currently outlines an undisclosed defined roadmap but no signs of actual implementation. Whilst competitors like Honda and Suzuki are launching electric models in 2025, Yamaha is taking their time and aligning with market readiness and consumer expectations.
