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Corporate Timeline

1955- From Birth to a Period of Growth

1955

  • Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. was founded with Genichi Kawakami as the first President
  • Nippon Gakki Hamana Factory established in Hamakita-cho (present Hamamatsu city), Hamana-gun, Shizuoka Pref., and production of our first product, the 125cc Yamaha motorcycle "YA-1" begins
  • YA-1 wins 125cc class of the 3rd Mount Fuji Ascent Race
  • YA-1 captures first three places at the 1st All Japan Autobike Endurance Road Race (Asama Highlands Race) in the Ultralight (125cc) class

1956

  • YA-1 wins 1st to 8th places (125cc class) and YC-1 wins 1st to 5th places (250cc class) at 4th Mount Fuji Ascent Race
  • Yamaha Motor Hamamatsu Research Institute founded and operations shifted from the Nippon Gakki Hamamatsu Research Institute

1957

  • YA Racer wins 1st, 2nd and 5th places (125cc class) and YD Racer wins 1st to 3rd places (Light class) at 2nd All Japan Autobike Endurance Road Race (Asama Highlands Race)

1958

  • Took 6th place in first attempt at 8th Catalina Grand Prix in the U.S. (Yamaha's international racing debut)
  • Yamaha De Mexico S.A. de C.V. established with investment by Nippon Gakki and local Mexican investors and begins sales of Yamaha Motor products
  • Yamaha "YA-2" becomes first motorcycle to win Japan's "Good Design Award"

1959

  • The first full-fledged sports motorcycle by a Japanese maker, "YDS1" released, actor Yujiro Ishihara used as commercial endorser
  • Kitagawa Motor Co., Ltd. joins Yamaha Motor group
  • Yamaha Technological Research Institute established at Hamakita-cho (present Hamamatsu city), Hamana-gun, Shizuoka Pref., for overall R&D for Yamaha Motor group
  • Completion of Tenryu test course in Hamakita-cho (present Hamamatsu city), Hamana-gun, Shizuoka Pref.

1960- Striving for Growth

1960

  • Yamaha International Corporation (YIC) founded in U.S. as subsidiary of Nippon Gakki and begins sales of Yamaha Motor products
  • Showa Works Ltd. joins Yamaha Motor group
  • First Yamaha outboard motor "P-7" released
  • First Yamaha FRP boat "CAT-21" and "RUN-13" released and press introduction held at Lake Ashino

1961

  • New listing on First Section of Tokyo Stock Exchange (Capitalized at 800 million yen, 1.6 million shares)
  • First appearance in road race World GP at Round 3, the France GP
  • Took 6th place in World GP 250cc class at round 4, the Isle of Man TT Race in Britain
  • CAT-21 wins 1st Pacific 1,000 km Motorboat Marathon

1962

  • Won Novice 250 and 350cc classes of 1st All Japan Road Race Championship
  • Motorcycle development operations transferred from Yamaha Technological Research Institute to YMC headquarters

1963

  • Nationwide Yamaha Kai (authorized dealership organization) launched
  • First meeting of overseas dealers held
  • Pearl Yamaha founded in India as tie-up with local funding and starts production and sales of mopeds
  • Won first 250cc class race in road race World GP (Belgium GP)
  • Won first 250cc class victory at the Daytona Grand Prix (U.S.)

1964

  • Captures first manufacturer and rider titles in 250cc class of the road race World GP
  • Siam Yamaha Co., Ltd founded in Thailand
  • Won 1st Japan Motocross GP in 251cc and above class
  • Recognize by Japan's Ministry of Trade and Industry (MITI) for contribution to exports (recognized again in '66 and'67)

1965

  • Tie-up with Toyota Motor Co. to develop and manufacture Toyota 2000GT, model displayed at the Tokyo Motor Show in Oct.
  • First Yamaha FRP fishing boat "3rd Fuji Maru" built

1966

  • Full export operations transferred from Nippon Gakki to YMC
  • Yamaha-built Toyota 2000GT sets world records in 3 speed trials categories and international records in 13 categories
  • Technical assistance agreement signed with Kong Hsue Sheh to produce motorcycles in Taiwan

1967

  • Computer systems installed at YMC

1968

  • Yamaha Motor Europe N.V. (YMENV) founded in the Netherlands
  • First Yamaha snowmobile "SL350" exhibited at Chicago Trade Show
  • First trail model "DT-1" released
  • First Yamaha FRP utility boat models "W-16" and "W-18" released

1969

  • Sanshin Industries joins Yamaha Motor group
  • Product improvement activities program "IPC" start celebrated
  • First Yamaha multipurpose engine model "MT100" released
  • Yamaha Test Course opens in Fukuroi, Shizuoka Pref.

1970- Creation of Demand and New Business

1970

  • First Yamaha motorcycle mounting a 4-stroke engine "XS1" released
  • Yamaha Motor do Brasil Ltda. (YMDB) founded in Brazil

1971

  • Won snowmobile manufacturer title at Eagle River World Championship competition (U.S.)
  • Haraban Motor Co. founded in Indonesia in tie-up with Haraban Co. and local production of motorcycles begun in Indonesia

1972

  • Headquarters moved to present location in Iwata City
  • First win in Motocross World GP at Round 10, Swedish GP (250cc class)
  • First win in Motocross WGP Round 11, Luxembourg GP (500cc class)

1973

  • Yamaha Motor Canada Limited (YMCA) founded in Canada
  • Signed joint venture agreement with Brunswick Co. (U.S.) and Brunswick invests in Sanshin Industries
  • Won first manufacturer and rider titles in 250cc class of the Motocross World GP
  • Yamaha wins 1st All Japan Trial Championship
  • First Yamaha portable generator model "ET1250" released
  • First Yamaha racing kart model "RC100" released

1974

  • Hisao Koike appointed second YMC president
  • Won manufacturer titles in all classes of road race World GP, 125cc, 250cc, 350cc, and 500cc
  • PT. Yamaha Indonesia Motor Manufacturing (YIMM) founded in Indonesia as motorcycle parts maker
  • Manufacture and sales of FRP pools begun
  • Membership type comprehensive recreation facility "Tsumagoi" opened in Kakegawa City, Shizuoka Pref.

1975

  • "C7 Campaign" launched with aim of reducing cost by 7%
  • Sportsland SUGO opened in Shibata-gun, Miyagi Pref.
  • Sportsland SUGO opened in Shibata-gun, Miyagi Pref.
  • Wing of Yamaha wins 1st Single-handed Transpacific Yacht Race

1976

  • First Yamaha industrial robot model, an "arc welding robot" released
  • First Yamaha marine diesel "MD35" released

1977

  • YMC-related divisions of Yamaha International Corporation separated to found Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
  • Yamaha "DT100E" and "XS650E" are top models in the industry to clear the U.S. 1978 emissions regulation
  • The "soft bike" model "Passol" released
  • Captures manufacturer and rider titles for the first time in 500cc class of the Motocross World GP

1978

  • R&D Minnesota opened in U.S. as Yamaha Motor's first overseas R&D center
  • First Yamaha land car model "G1-AD" released
  • First Yamaha snow-thrower model "YT665" released

1979

  • Industrial robot "CAME" developed an introduced on YMC production lines
  • Yamaha's first All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) model "YT125" released in the USA
  • XT500 wins 1st Paris-Dakar Rally
  • Energy saving 4-stroke engine system Yamaha Induction Control System (YICS) developed
  • Sino-Japanese friendship "Guangzhou Yamaha Exhibition" held (China)

1980- Prosperity and Diversification

1980

  • Computerized production management system Pan Yamaha Production Management Control (PYMAC) implemented
  • New YMUS headquarters completed in Cypress, Calif. (USA)

1981

  • Sociedad Espanola de Motocicletas.S.A. (SEMSA) founded in Barcelona, Spain
  • Yamaha Guangzhou Service Center and Beijing Service Center opened in China

1982

  • Technical Center opened at YMC headquarters
  • Motorcycle production and marketing tie-up with Motobecane (France)
  • Business tie-up with Sweden's Ohlins in the racing and technical know-how fields

1983

  • Hideto Eguchi appointed third YMC president
  • Start of companywide "New Yamaha" Program
  • Yamaha Motor da Amazonia Ltda. (YMDA) founded in Brazil
  • Technical assistance agreement made for 80cc motorcycle production with China North Industries Group
  • Yamaha Motor Australia Pty. Ltd. (YMA) founded
  • Technical assistance agreement made for motorcycle production with Escorts Ltd. in India

1984

  • TPM Activities launched to improve product quality and production efficiency
  • Signed contract to develop, produce and supply automobile engines to Ford Motor (U.S.)
  • Technical assistance contract signed with Italy's Motori Minarelli

1985

  • Local production of 125cc motorcycles begins in China with technological assistance to Zhongguo Hangkong Jishu Jinchuguo Gongsi
  • Signed an integration of technology and trade contract with China National Automotive Industry Import & Export Corporation for the sales of CBU vehicles
  • "Y.E.S.S." club started for Yamaha motorcycle fans in Japan

1986

  • Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America (YMMC) founded in U.S.
  • Yamaha Motor Taiwan Co., Ltd (YMT) founded in Taiwan
  • France's MBK becomes part of the Yamaha Motor group
  • Technical assistance contract for motorcycle technology signed with Italy's Belgarda S.p.A and Motori Minarelli S.p.A. founded
  • Opening ceremony held for YMC liaison office in Beijing
  • First Yamaha personal watercraft (PWC) "MJ-500T" released
  • Yamaha automobile racing engine "OX66" wins first race in Round 2, the All Japan Suzuka Big 2+4 Race of the All Japan F2 Championship Series

1987

  • First Yamaha-made surface mounter "21 Series" released
  • First Yamaha gas heat pump (GHP) model "YGC401W" released
  • Cosworth Yamaha OX77 wins first All Japan F3000 Championship race
  • Limited production of 20 units of Yamaha's first commercial-use unmanned helicopter "R-50" released

1988

  • Companywide "Tomorrow Yamaha" program started
  • Hamaoka test course opened in Omaezaki City, Shizuoka Pref.
  • Cosworth Yamaha OX77 wins series title in All Japan F3000 Championship

1989

  • YMC wins "PM Excellent Company Award"
  • Machine mounting the Yamaha "OX88" racing engine competes in F1 for the first time
  • "YESS NICE RIDE" donation campaign for training guide dogs for the blind launched

1990- Achieving both Kando and Environmental Friendliness

1990

  • Corporate Mission; We Create Kando - Touching People's Hearts and long term management vision announced
  • Yamaha Motor Portugal S.A. (YMP) founded
  • Yamaha constructed 1992 America's Cup challenge boat "Nippon"
  • Yamaha snowmobile wins Harricana International Snowmobile Rally in Canada

1991

  • Established Environment Affairs Division
  • Yamaha Motor France S.A. (YMF) founded
  • Yamaha Motor de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (YMMEX) founded

1992

  • Chongqing-Jianshe Yamaha Motorcycle Co., Ltd. (CJYM) founded in China
  • Yamaha Motor Austria GmbH (YMAG) founded
  • Yamaha Motor Hungaria Kft. (YMH) founded
  • Established CCS (Customer Community Satisfaction) Committee to begin "Yamaha CCS Movement"
  • Japan Marine Sports Promotion Foundation established

1993

  • European distribution center begins operation in Holland
  • Announcement of the Action Plan for Environmental Conservation
  • Liaison office opened in Guangzhou, China
  • Zhuzhou Nanfan Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (NYM) founded in China
  • Sichuan Huachuan Yamaha Motor Parts Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (SHY) founded in China
  • Regionally limited release of the electrically power assisted bicycle "PAS"

1994

  • Takehiko Hasegawa appointed as fourth YMC president
  • "Yamaha" victorious in W60 class of the 6th Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race
  • Technical tie-up for technology, manufacture and selling of surface mounters with Philips EMT of the Netherlands
  • Yamaha Motor Taiwan Trading Co., Ltd. (YMTT) founded in Taiwan
  • Chongqing Pingshan TK Carburetor Co., Ltd. (PTK) founded in China
  • Jiangsu Linhai Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (LYM) founded in China

1995

  • YMC received 1995 TPM Special Award
  • "ACE Plant" waste incineration and recycling facility constructed and operation started at YMC headquarters.
  • Wheelchair electric power unit "JW-I" released, bringing Yamaha into the health and welfare industry
  • Urban commuter motorcycle "Majesty YP250" released
  • Relief materials and relief brigade sent to help in the disaster relief and recovery efforts following the Hanshin Awaji Earthquake
  • Yamaha Motor Thailand founded
  • Escorts Yamaha Motor Ltd. (EYML) established in India at conclusion of first joint venture agreement between Escorts and YMC
  • Yamaha Motor Components (Europe) s.r.l. (YMCE) founded in Italy

1996

  • "Environment 2000 Plan" announced
  • Yamaha is first domestic manufacturer to be awarded international ISO9002 certification for motorcycles, snowmobiles, ATVs
  • PT. Yamaha Motor Parts Manufacturing Indonesia (YPMI) founded
  • Yamaha Motor Argentina S.A. (YMARG) founded

1997

  • Y's Gear Co., Ltd. Founded
  • PT. Yamaha Motor Nuansa Indonesia (YMNI) founded
  • Liaison office opened in Shanghai, China

1998

  • Domestic sales companies united to form Yamaha Motor Marketing Japan
  • Yamaha Communication Plaza established at YMC headquarters
  • Yamaha Motor Vietnam Co., Ltd. (YMVN) founded
  • Yamaha Motor Asia Pte. Ltd. (YMAP) founded in Singapore
  • Yamaha Motor del Peru S.A. (YMDP) founded

1999

  • Nine Yamaha Motor factory and office sites win ISO14001 certification
  • 2010 Environmental Action Plan "Eco Cite YAMAHA" announced

2000- Opening up Limitless Worlds of Potential

2000

  • IM Division reorganized as in-house company "IM Company"
  • Corporate ties with Toyota Motor Co. strengthened
  • Yamaha Motor Asian Center Co., Ltd. (YMAC) founded in Thailand

2001

  • Toru Hasegawa appointed as fifth YMC president
  • Yamaha builds temporary pool "Suimu 21" for the main competition pool of the 9th World Swimming Championships in Fukuoka, Japan
  • Yamaha succeeds in the high-concentration mass culturing of the diatom (microalgae) Chaetoceros

2002

  • Announcement of new three-year plan "NEXT 50"
  • New 4-region headquarters system initiated with newly established headquarters for Asia and Japan added to the existing European and N. American headquarters
  • Limited regional release of the electric commuter motorcycle "Passol"
  • Manufacture of 50cc scooters for the Japanese market shifted to YMT in Taiwan

2003

  • Marine Engine Division reorganized as in-house company "ME Company"
  • Yamaha Motor Distribution Singapore Pte. Ltd. (YDS) founded

2004

  • Start of "YAMAHA CCS 21 Campaign"
  • Won MotoGP rider championship title

2005

  • Takashi Kajikawa appointed as sixth YMC president
  • New medium-term management plan "NEXT 50 - Phase II" announced
  • Yamaha captures MotoGP triple crown by winning the rider, team and manufacturer titles
  • Sales company Yamaha Motor CIS (YMCIS) founded in Russia
  • Life Science Laboratory opened in Fukuroi, Shizuoka, as research and development center for YMC's bio-technology business

2006

  • Motorcycle manufacturing factory Yamaha Motor Manufacturing West Java (YMMWJ) founded in Indonesia
  • Mass production of microalgae as a source for the high-potential health additive Astaxanthin begun at factory in Fukuroi, Shizuoka
  • Global Parts Center established in Fukuroi city, Japan and full operations begun
  • Compliance Promotion Committee established

2007

  • Following the recommendation by the Compliance Promotion Committee, governance structure is strengthened
  • "CF Magnesium Diecasting Technology" introduced, and used for the first time in commercial production of a motorcycle rear frame
  • ASTIVO released as Yamaha's first health food product
  • Commencement of manufacturing and sales of motorcycles at Yamaha Motor Philippines, Inc (YMPH) in the Philippines
  • Number of motorcycles produced in Indonesia plants reaches a cumulative total of 10 million units

2008

  • Long-term vision "Frontier 2020" established along with new medium-term management plan as its Phase One
  • Motorcycle manufacturing and marketing joint venture Yamaha Motor Cambodia Co., Ltd. (YMKH) established in Cambodia
  • Motorcycle manufacturing joint venture India Yamaha Motor Private Limited (IYM) established in India with Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
  • Global Training Center established in Indonesia
  • Yamaha Riding Academy training facility for promoting motorcycle riding safety opened in Thailand
  • Yamaha wins MotoGP triple crown of manufacturer, team and rider championships

2009

  • Tsuneji Togami appointed as seventh Yamaha Motor Company president
  • Along with revisions in business result projections, policies of returning to profitability on a consolidated income basis in fiscal 2010 and achieving a consolidated operating income margin of 5% in fiscal 2012 were announced
  • Yamaha Marine Co., Ltd. merged into YMC
  • Use of the new Y.C.A.T. automatic transmission on production mopeds announced
  • Yamaha wins MotoGP triple crown of maker, team and rider championship titles for second year in a row

2010- Moving further with global operations and monozukuri reforms

2010

  • Hiroyuki Yanagi appointed as eighth Yamaha Motor Company president
  • Medium-term management plan with central pillars of structural reform and growth strategies announced
  • Electric commuter model "EC-03" released
  • Withdrew from the Life Science business
  • Yamaha won the MotoGP "triple crown" of manufacturer, team and rider championship titles for third consecutive year
  • Celebrated the 50th anniversary of Yamaha marine operations

2011

  • Iwata South Factory engine assembly line integrated into Iwata Main Factory's MC assembly line
  • New Intelligent Machinery group company established to expand surface mounter sales in Europe and the USA
  • New land acquired near YMC headquaters for expansion of Intelligent Machinery and Smart Power Vehicle bussiness operations
  • Start of increased manufactuaring of Japanese boats to assist Great East Japan Earthquake recovery efforts
  • Collaboration with Toyota Motor Corp. for development of Communications-Linked Next-generation Vehicles to create new mobility society of the future

2012

  • Received government consent to construct new motorcycle factory in southern India
  • Established ASEAN Integrated Development Center to promote globalization of engineering, manufacturing and marketing functions
  • Began OEM supply of electrically power assisted bicycle drive units to European market
  • Established Design Center
  • First meeting of Global Executive Committee held
  • Company founder Genichi Kawakami inducted Japan Automotive Hall of Fame

2013

  • Yamaha Motor Research and Development India Pvt. Ltd.(YMRI) established in India
  • Cumulative Yamaha outboard motor production exceeds 10million units
  • 1st Global Suppliers Conference held
  • New IM company Yamaha Motor IM(Suzhou) Co.,Ltd.(YIMS) established in China
  • Kikugawa Test Course completed in Kikugawa, Shizuoka Prefecture

2014

  • Released first Leaning Multi Wheel (LMW) product, the TRICITY
  • Cumulative automobile engine production surpasses 3 million units
  • Completion and start of operations at new motorcycle factory in Argentina
  • Development of "BLUE CORE" next-generation compact, high-performance engines

2015

Yamaha Motor Jubilo won its first All-Japan Rugby Football Championship

  • Yamaha Motor Jubilo won its first All-Japan Rugby Football Championship
  • Yamaha Motor Pakistan Private Ltd. (YMPK) began operations
  • PT.Yamaha Motor R&D Indonesia (YMRID) began operations
  • Yamaha Motor Ventures and Laboratory Silicon Valley Inc. (YMVSV) established in the U.S.
  • Yamaha Motor MIRAI Co.,Ltd. established in Japan

2016

  • Cumulative production of Yamaha Performance Dampers surpasses 1 million units

2017

  • Yamaha Innovation Center established at Yamaha headquarters in Iwata
  • New Hamamatsu IM Base established in Hamamatsu
  • Secured 500th win in the Road Racing World Championship
  • The CELL HANDLER is launched to provide solutions for the medical field

2018

  • Yoshihiro Hidaka, Yamaha’s 9th President and CEO, takes office
  • "Yamaha Motor Group Environmental Plan 2050" formulated
  • Yamaha Factory Racing Team wins 4th consecutive Suzuka 8 Hours
  • "ART for Human Possibilities" Long Term Vision set

2019

  • Established a consortium to develop interchangeable batteries for electric motorcycles
  • Total number of motorcycles manufactured in India reaches 10 million
  • Yamaha participates for second year in row in FIM Trial-E Cup with TY-E electric trials bike
  • Field test of TRITOWN carried out on public roads

2020

  • "Yamaha Motor Revs Circle" rotary unveiled at Mikuriya Station
  • Production adjustment and temporary closures due to COVID-19
  • Yamaha Marina Hamanako renovated

2021

  • Fabio Quartararo Crowned MotoGP World Champion
  • Pre-orders for Next-generation HARMO Boat Maneuvering System Begin in Europe
  • Environmental Plan 2050 Goals Re-evaluated, Aiming for Carbon Neutrality by 2050
  • New Company Launched with the Aim of Entering the New Rugby League

2022

  • Wins 2022 Energy Conservation Grand Prize Award with Theoretical Value Energy
  • Full-fledged Use of eve auto Unmanned Transportation Service Begins
  • Jin-Ki Kanno x Jin-Ki Anzen Safety Vision Established
  • Environmental Field-specific Investment Fund Established

2023

  • First Level-4 Automatic Driving Transportation Service in Japan Launched
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