Yamaha discontinues motorcycle production

KARACHI: Yamaha Motor Pakistan has officially announced the discontinuation of motorcycle manufacturing in the country due to a change in its business policy, bringing an end to its local production in the Pakistani market.

Mashood Ali Khan, auto sector expert and former chairperson of the Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM), said that Yamaha’s exit from Pakistan was not only disappointing for customers but also a setback for local vendors, as the company had successfully localised some parts manufacturing.

He pointed out that Yamaha had initially planned to export motorcycles and parts from Pakistan but was unable to achieve the required volumes, particularly because Honda dominated the motorcycle market.

He added that Yamaha had faced difficulties in the ease of doing business during its early operations, yet the company had gone ahead with establishing its plant and continued operations for years before making this decision.

In its announcement, the company expressed gratitude to its customers for their long-standing support and assured that after-sales services, including spare parts availability and warranty services, will continue through authorised dealers. The statement was signed by Managing Director Shinsuke Yamaura, who reaffirmed Yamaha’s appreciation for its patrons in Pakistan and emphasised that the company would continue to support existing users.

Yamaha’s journey in Pakistan dates back to 1976 when it entered into a joint venture with the Dawood Group under the name Dawood Yamaha Limited. The company initially distributed completely built motorcycles and quickly established its reputation with iconic models such as the YB100 Royale, RX115 and DT175, which remain highly regarded for their reliability and durability.

However, Yamaha adopted a conservative strategy by focusing primarily on the YB100 series, introducing only minor updates over the years. Attempts to diversify with models like the Yamaha DX Super were less successful, limiting its overall market growth.

In 2013, Yamaha re-established its independent presence by setting up Yamaha Motor Pakistan (Pvt) Limited. Two years later, in 2015, the company inaugurated a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Karachi’s Bin Qasim industrial park. The plant was designed to produce tens of thousands of motorcycles annually with the capacity for expansion. This investment marked a significant re-entry into the Pakistani motorcycle market, as Yamaha focused on supplying technologically advanced products, creating local jobs, and contributing to Pakistan’s industrial development while targeting high levels of customer satisfaction and quality standards.

The discontinuation of motorcycle production in 2025 signifies the closing of an important chapter for Yamaha in Pakistan. Despite halting local manufacturing, the company has assured that existing customers will not be left unsupported, as spare parts and warranty services will remain available through its dealer network. However, the company has not disclosed further reasons for its exit beyond citing a change in business policy.