Yamaha shifts greener motorcycle strategy in favour of ethanol, not EVs

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By: HT Auto Desk
| Updated on: 11 Apr 2024, 07:18 AM

  • Yamaha India is aiming to focus on flex-fuel engine technology while the Indian two-wheeler industry is increasingly emphasising on electric mobility.
Yamaha Blue Square Showroom
Yamaha India is aiming to focus on flex-fuel engine technology while the Indian two-wheeler industry is increasingly emphasising on electric mobility.

While the two-wheeler manufacturers in India are thriving for electric mobility, Yamaha India is aiming big with ethanol-based flex fuels, reported Mint. This comes as a more conservative approach towards greener mobility, considering the peers are focusing on pure electric two-wheelers. The report has quoted Eishin Chihana, Chairman of Yamaha Motor India, saying that anticipating a 0 per cent adoption rate for electric scooters by the end of this decade, the company is betting on a holistic approach to cleaner emission technologies and this strategy will be led by ethanol-based flex fuels.

Chihana stated that the OEM’s primary strategy to meet its emissions targets revolves around flex-fuel (E85) options for motorcycles, acknowledging the global shift towards sustainable fuels. He also stated that this strategy will help the OEM avoid the infrastructural and technological challenges of full electrification. This shift of strategy comes in line with the government’s focus on cleaner mobility solutions, which also include flex-fuel engines propelled by ethanol-blended petrol.

Interestingly, Yamaha India’s Chairman’s comment comes immediately after the former Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant called for full electrification of the two-wheeler and three-wheeler segment by 2030. Instead of focusing on pure electric propulsion tch, Chihana advocated for technologies like ethanol-blended fuels to achieve the country’s emission targets.

Considering the current market share of electric scooters at five to six per cent Yamaha India expects EVs to grow to 20 per cent of the scooter market in India by 2030, he said. “While 20 per cent of the market will become EV, 70-80 per cent will remain internal combustion engine. So, our Target 2030 is while we prepare for EVs, we will certainly increase our step-up models with ICE engines. We are preparing, but we are not in a hurry. Our focus remains on developing our premium motorcycle dealership network and targeting the younger generation with our urban, sporty motorcycles. Our first priority is to establish premium motorcycle dealerships across India,” he further added.

Speaking further, the Yamaha official said that despite the high petrol prices driving faster adoption of electric scooters, consumer behaviour remains largely unaffected due to usage patterns and infrastructure challenges. Interestingly, despite emphasising its intention to focus on flex-fuel engines, Yamaha plans to introduce two electric scooters by 2030. Besides that, the OEM intends to enhance its premium motorcycle strategy and distribution network as well over the next six years, Chihana said.

First Published Date: 11 Apr 2024, 07:18 AM IST

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Yamaha Motor India steps up as official sponsor for Yamaha MotoGP team

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By: HT Auto Desk
| Updated on: 26 Feb 2024, 16:49 PM

  • As part of the sponsorship agreement, the factory Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP bikes will carry ‘The Call of the Blue’ tagline for Yamaha India.
Yamaha MotoGP Yamaha India
The Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP bikes will carry ‘The Call of the Blue’ brand campaign name on the front cowl

India Yamaha Motor has announced that the Indian subsidiary of the Japanese manufacturer will now be an official sponsor of the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team for the upcoming season. The move deepens Yamaha India’s relationship with the factory MotoGP team for the 2024 season, especially with the success of the inaugural Indian GP held in September last year. MotoGP is set to return this year.

As part of the sponsorship agreement, the factory Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP bikes will carry Yamaha India’s ‘The Call of the Blue’ tagline. The line will feature on the front cowls of riders Fabio Quartararo’s and Alex Rins’ race bikes. Yamaha’s ‘The Call of the Blue’ brand campaign was introduced to reignite the connection that the manufacturer has had with young customers in India. It also marked the brand’s focus on the premium motorcycle and scooter segment in the country, moving away from entry-level commuters.

Also Read : Eurosport reacquires MotoGP broadcast rights in India for 2024.

Yamaha MotoGP Yamaha India
Yamaha India says this is the first of its kind investment by the company to promote motorsports culture in the country

Commenting on the announcement, Eishin Chihana, Chairman – Yamaha Motor India Group said, “IYM is thrilled to become the newest sponsor of the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team for the 2024 season. The collaboration not only strengthens our bond with MotoGP but also signifies a new phase of aspiration and enthusiasm for Yamaha enthusiasts in India. By prominently featuring ‘The Call of the Blue’ logo on Fabio Quartararo’s and Alex Rins’s YZR-M1 bikes, we aim to ignite greater enthusiasm among young Indian fans to embrace Yamaha’s legacy associated with the thrill of racing. This collaboration is a big step in our journey to connect with the youth and Yamaha fans in India.”

Yamaha has had a long association with MotoGP, being one of the strongest factory teams in the premier-class championship. Yamaha Racing has a history of over 500 Grand Prix wins and is also an engine supplier to several satellite teams. The team has been behind some of the biggest names in the sport right from Wayne Rainey, Eddie Lawson, Phil Read, Valentino Rossi and now Fabio.

Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP
The 2024 Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP bikes will be piloted by riders Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins in the upcoming season

Yamaha says the investment in the manufacturer’s MotoGP team is the first of its kind by the brand to promote motorsports culture in India, while also creating more awareness about the company’s technological prowess in the world of racing. The Indian GP is scheduled to take place between September 20-22, 2024, with the action returning to the Buddh International Circuit (BIC).

First Published Date: 26 Feb 2024, 16:49 PM IST

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2023 Yamaha MT-15: Should you buy?

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Yamaha Motor India recently introduced the 2023 MT-15 V2 streetfighter in the market. The 2023 Yamaha MT-15 arrives with a host of upgrades, the most important of which has been the transition to BS6 Phase 2 norms, meeting the latest emission standards. However, that’s not the only change, the bike gets new colour schemes as well bringing a breath of fresh air to the offering. Should you consider the 2023 Yamaha MT-15? Let’s take a look.

By: HT Auto Desk
| Updated on: 19 Oct 2023, 20:54 PM

2023 Yamaha MT-15 V2
The Yamaha MT-15 is one of the most performance-friendly offerings in the segment. Should you buy one in 2023?

The Yamaha MT-15 is one of the exciting motorcycles in its segment. The bike shares its underpinnings with the YZF-R15 V4, while the styling is borrowed from Yamaha’s larger-capacity naked motorcycles. The alien face on the MT-15 makes it stand out compared to its rivals, while the build quality is one of the best in the segment.

Also Read : 2023 Yamaha MT-15 vs KTM 125 Duke: Price, specs, and features compared

2023 Yamaha MT-15 Monster Energy
The 2023 Yamaha MT-15 also gets the Monster Energy MotoGP special edition

Power on the MT-15 V2 comes from the tried and tested 155 cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) technology. The motor develops 18.4 bhp at 10,000 rpm and 14.1 Nm of peak torque at 7,500 rpm. The 155 cc motor is paired with a 6-speed gearbox with a slip and assist clutch and the engine is now OBD2 compliant and E20 compatible as well.

Suspension duties on the 2023 Yamaha MT-15 come from USD front forks with a monoshock at the rear, while braking performance comes from disc brakes (282 mm front and 220 mm rear) at either end. The bike also gets an aluminium swingarm that’s lighter and does not compromise on stability.

On the feature front, the Yamaha MT-15 gets an LCD instrument cluster that shows the necessary information including a fuel consumption indicator, VVA indicator, shift timing light, gear position indicator and a tachometer. The bike gets all-LED lighting with LED flashers and also gets Bluetooth connectivity. Moreover, the Yamaha mobile app brings a host of additional features including geofencing, rider telematics, call and SMS alerts, email notifications, fuel consumption details and more.

The streetfighter is equipped with a host of electronic aids including dual-channel ABS and a side-stand cut-off switch. The 2023 MT-15 V2 was also updated with the traction control system, which is now standard across Yamaha India’s motorcycle lineup. The bike rides on a 100/80 section front and a wide 140/70 section rear tyre wrapped on 17-inch alloy wheels.

The 2023 Yamaha MT-15 V2 gets multiple colours – Dark Metallic Blue, Metallic Black, Cyan Storm, Racing Blue, and Ice-Fluo Vermillion. The company is also offering the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP special edition on the streetfighter. The MT-15 V2 is priced from ₹1.67 lakh, going up to ₹1.73 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.

First Published Date: 19 Oct 2023, 20:54 PM IST

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