Release of the Yamaha NOUVO To Build New Demand in the ASEAN Markets Featuring a new 115cc engine and combining the comfort of a scooter with the ride of a moped

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (YMC) has recently developed the "NOUVO," a model that mounts a newly designed air-cooled OHC single-cylinder 115cc automatic transmission engine on a newly designed frame to create a new genre of commuter that combines the comfort of a scooter with the ride of a moped. Beginning in April 2002, this new model will be released in succession in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and other ASEAN countries with the aim of developing new demand in the ASEAN market.
The NOUVO represents the first new product for the ASEAN market under YMC's New Mid-term Management Plan (3-year plan adopted April 3, 2002).

Featuring an easy to use new-design automatic transmission engine, a new frame designed to ensure outstanding ride and handling characteristics, a helmet compartment and large 16-inch wheels front and rear, the NOUVO is designed and engineered to answer the needs of the ASEAN market in all aspects of its design. The name NOUVO is derived from the French word nouveau (new) and is intended to express the idea of a new type of vehicle or a vehicle of the future. As for its manufacture, the NOUVO will be produced under a system based on division of factory roles and mutual supply of parts in the ASEAN countries.

Yamaha "NOUVO"

The annual motorcycle demand in Southeast Asia, which stood at about 2.2 million units in 1999, has grown strongly in recent years to reach a level of about 3.4 million in 2001. Predictions say that it will continue to grow to about 4.3 million units in 2003. The main demand centers in the 100~125cc moped (underbone frame) category models, which are used for commuting, business and a variety of other uses.
And, it is expected that models of this category will continue to lead the market in the future. There is also a strong trend toward 4-stroke models, and high expectations are heard for next-generation commuter models that have refreshing new styling, high quality and are easy to ride.

In light of these market conditions, the NOUVO was developed as a next-generation commuter that took as its product concept the "basic ASEAN commuter" and included a full range of features to meet the real user needs revealed by our thorough market research in the region. In specific terms, the main aim was to use a range of innovative technologies throughout the design to create a model that was a high-level fusion of the best features of a moped, including its reassuring ride, maneuverability and economy, with the best features of a scooter, which include convenience, comfort and stylishness.
Based on this concept, Yamaha engineers and designers went about the work of fine-tuning the design and styling to create a new-genre commuter with the quality and looks to become the first motorcycle born in the ASEAN market and destined for the world market.

In 2005, Yamaha Motor Company will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the company's founding. In order to further strengthen our corporate structure and lay a solid foundation for our next half-century, YMC has adopted a new 3-year Mid-term Management Plan (April 2002 ~ March 2005) bearing the name "NEXT 50." This plan takes as its framework (1) strengthening the profitability of our existing businesses, (2) building a solid foundation for our motorcycle business in China, India and the ASEAN countries, (3) promoting a growth strategy and (4) strengthening our financial structure. The NOUVO is the first new product to be released toward the realization of the second goal of building a solid foundation in the ASEAN motorcycle market.

Based on the development concept mentioned above, new technologies were developed to create a new type of commuter powered by an automatic-transmission engine that would (1) have the same level of ride as a moped, (2) have the same level of comfort as a scooter and (3) have fresh, individualistic styling.