Key Highlights
- Yamaha cancels Neo’s electric scooter launch.
- Focus on developing a new model.
- Yamaha’s commitment to sporty DNA and brand value.
Yamaha had planned to bring the Yamaha Neo’s electric scooter to India, but now they have decided not to. Instead, Yamaha is working on creating a new electric scooter that represents the sporty nature of their brand and has a greater appeal. This new model is expected to have better performance and a longer range than the Neo’s scooter.
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Yamaha’s Electric Two-Wheeler: Launch Timeline
Yamaha India Chairman Eishin Chihana suggests that the company may take two to three years to launch its first EV product. This timeframe reflects Yamaha’s commitment to conceiving a product that encompasses the brand’s intrinsic qualities and meets the expectations of Indian consumers.
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Cancellation Of The Yamaha Neo Electric Scooter Launch
Yamaha has decided to scrap its plans to launch the Yamaha Neo’s electric scooter in India. Eishin Chihana, the Chairman of Yamaha India, had earlier expressed interest in introducing an adapted version of the Neo’s electric scooter for the Indian market.
However, the model’s range of 37km falls short of the expectations of Indian consumers, who are increasingly seeking electric vehicles with real-world ranges exceeding 100km on a single charge. Competing electric scooter brands like Ola, Ather, and TVS already offer such ranges, making the Neo’s offering less attractive in the market.
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Yamaha’s Focus On Performance And Brand Value
Chairman Chihana has stated that Yamaha’s European audience chooses electric vehicles for their eco-friendly and sustainability features. In contrast, the average Indian customer seeks a cost-effective offering. Yamaha’s current portfolio of internal combustion engine (ICE)-based motorcycles includes stylish, sporty, and economical products, and the brand is well-known for its Racing Blue paint scheme and high-performance motorcycles. Yamaha intends to carry forward this DNA and brand image into its first electric vehicle (EV) offering for the Indian market.
Challenges In Selling A Premium Electric Scooter In India
With the Indian government tightening incentives for EVs, selling a premium electric scooter with a low range per charge becomes a more challenging proposition for Yamaha. Therefore, the company plans to leverage its motorsport heritage and brand value to create a unique electric two-wheeler for the Indian market.
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