Yamaha Motor (Japan) - Press Release: This strategic move results in the creation of a new company – Yamaha Motor eBike Systems – to expand this business in Europe.

Yamaha Motor has announced that it has signed an agreement with Brose, a German automotive parts manufacturer, to acquire its bicycle drive unit business subsidiary (eKit).

The transaction is expected to be finalized by June 2025, subject to obtaining the necessary approvals, licenses, etc., required under applicable competition laws and regulations. Alongside this acquisition, a new Yamaha subsidiary named Yamaha Motor eBike Systems (hereinafter “YMESG”) was established in Germany this month. The new facility, which will begin operations in June, will enable Yamaha to build a market presence and expand its business operations while strengthening its commitment to green mobility.

Brose specializes in door systems, electric motors, and other components, and has been manufacturing and selling bicycle drive units since 2014.

Yamaha will leverage Brose’s eKit development capabilities to further enhance the planning and development of new products. At the same time, by establishing an additional production base in Europe, Yamaha will build an operation capable of quickly responding to local customer demands. This will provide the ability to rapidly understand market needs, acquire new customers, and improve procurement capabilities within the European market.

Furthermore, the acquisition will allow Yamaha Motor to enhance its after-sales service experience, ensuring reliable local support and increased customer satisfaction.

Although directly connected to Yamaha in Japan, the new Yamaha company, YMESG, will work closely with its sister company, Yamaha Motor Europe, to effectively and swiftly meet the needs of the European market.

The electric-assist bicycle business, which is expected to see long-term growth, is a strategic pillar in Yamaha’s new Medium-Term Management Plan (2025–2027), announced in February 2025. This acquisition is part of Yamaha’s efforts to establish a unique competitive position and achieve the business growth targets set out in the new plan.