Features

Jan. 22, 2007 – Motorcycle Digest

Japanese OEMs cut production, exports in November
The four largest Japanese motorcycle manufacturers cut production and exports in November compared to the previous year.
But the percentage of their exports coming to the United States increased, according to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA). Nearly 54 percent of the Japanese OEM exports came to the United States in November — 4 percent more than the previous year.
Overall manufacturing was down in November 0.4 percent compared to the previous year, with 166,009 units built. Honda was the main reason for that as it cut manufacturing by 13 percent to 46,498. Suzuki and Yamaha were both up 7 percent, at 47,467 and 46,562 respectively, while Kawasaki was nearly identical to last year at 25,451 units.
Overall exports were down for a third consecutive month. November’s total of 118,927 units was down 5 percent compared to November of 2005. Honda, which was down in manufacturing, increased its exporting nearly 6 percent to 37,356. Suzuki (27,621) and Kawasaki (21,443) were both down significantly from last year, at 18 and 10 percent. Yamaha was nearly identical to the past year with 21,443.
The total value of motorcycles exported in November was $670 million, nearly 5 percent less than the previous year. Of the export total, $560 was for vehicles and $110 was for parts.
Yamaha announces organizational changes
Yamaha Motor Co. announced in-house organization changes to its motorcycle headquarters, hoping the revamped system will lead to improved competitiveness in the industry.
The company’s previous organizational system classified in-house groups by business segment. The new system will mold the company’s different elements into eight organizations: quality assurance, planning, marketing, sales, product development, engineering, SyS and procurement.
Part of the system overhaul includes:

  • upgrading the quality assurance division and transferring the quality innovation division from engineering;
  • sales teams from three operations will be integrated into the newly established sales operations group. The group will be divided into three sales divisions. Also, the current service division will be transferred into sales from the marketing operations; and
  • engineering divisions from two business operations will be integrated into the newly established product development operations organization. This new group will include the component development division that was transferred from engineering.
    Yamaha also announced a host of personnel changes, including Takashi Kajikawa, formerly president and representative director in charge of brand promotion, being named chief general manager of motorcycle headquarters. He also will continue to be president and representative director in charge of brand promotion.
    Ducati to race Formula Xtreme in 2007
    Ducati North America and Pegram Racing have formed a racing team for the 2007 AMA Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series.
    Pegram Racing Ducati will field AMA racer Larry Pegram, who will be on Ducati Corse-built 749R motorcycles. The team will receive technical assistance from Ducati Corse and be based out of Pegram Racing’s Ohio shop.
    In other Ducati news, the company announced the 1098 Superbike will be made available in two additional colors, black and yellow.
    The 1098 yellow scheme will be matched with black wheels and a gray frame. psb

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