Yamaha India to export Saluto, Saluto RX to West Africa

Japanese two-wheeler maker Yamaha's Indian arm, India Yamaha Motor (IYM) looks to expand its export basket this year with the addition of a new market. After having established itself in Nigeria, Kenya and parts of East and Central Africa, Yamaha wants to add West Africa to its list of export markets in 2017. Reports mention that CKD kits of Yamaha’s Saluto and Saluto RX commuter motorcycles are being prepared for shipment from its manufacturing unit in Chennai. The Saluto is a 125cc motorcycle while the Saluto RX is a 110cc bike. For the first time, Saluto bikes will be shipped outside the country.

 

There is a high potential for sale of low displacement two-wheelers in Africa. Yamaha exports the Crux motorcycle to Africa which is made in Yamaha's Surajpur plant near Greater Noida. What is notable here is that the Crux has been discontinued in the Indian market. The Managing Director of IYM Takashi Terabayashi said the decision to make CKD kits in Chennai was a part of the strategy to make use of ports within close proximity for export purposes. He also said that scooters have been exported using the same strategy to Sri Lanka and Mexico and more bikes would be added to the export portfolio.

 

It is believed that Africa offers limited potential for sale of two-wheelers, with demand mostly for commuter segment products. This has been attributed to a not-so-well-established industry and instability in parts manufacturing business in the region. In the 2015-16 fiscal, IYM exported a total 1,54,485 two wheelers. In the first quarter of 2016-17 fiscal, it has shipped 37,995 units.

 

Source: Autocar Professional