Yamaha Europe Stops Production Yamaha Branded E-Bikes

SCHIPHOL-RIJK, The Netherlands (July 11) - Yamaha Motor Europe is ceasing the production of Power Assist System (PAS) bicycles under its own brand. In a recent press release Yamaha states that it recognizes that, due to the nature of the European two-wheeler market, potential PAS/E-Bike customers and PAS dealers are better served by bicycle specialists, such as Yamaha's PAS OEM partners, Sparta, Batavus, Hercules, Kynast, Helkama and Biria. "Therefore Yamaha has decided to discontinue the production of Yamaha PAS bicycles for the European market in the Yamaha Group factory MBK in St. Quentin (France)." "During the peak period three years ago we produced about 10,000 Yamaha PAS-bicycles for The Netherlands and Germany", said PAS product manager Michael van Zomeren. "Last year we produced none, as we had to sell from a huge stock. "The production of Yamaha branded PAS bikes in Japan will continue, as does our OEM-activities for PAS-pedelecs and E-Bikes in Europe." Components for PAS bikes are also produced in Yamaha's plant at St. Quentin, France. Despite the decision to cease the production of Yamaha branded PAS-bikes, product manager Van Zomeren stipulates: "Yamaha will continue to play an important role in the European E-Bike market through its Yamaha PAS OEM business. Yamaha will also continue to develop new and improved PAS systems, to continue to meet consumers' demand as Yamaha is convinced of the opportunities of E-Bikes." (FN)