To say that 2020 and 2021 have posed major challenges for motorcycle OEMs – along with the rest of the world – is a small understatement. Still, the fact that so many people have got off the bike and are cycling their way through this stressful time has definite benefits for both riders and anyone who sells bikes.
To meet rising demand, a Kawasaki Heavy Industries executive announced a major expansion plan for North America in September 2021. Over the next five years, the company plans to both expand its existing factory in Nebraska and build a completely new manufacturing facility in Mexico. Overall, Kawasaki expects to spend around $ 265 million to increase its building capacity.
The statement comes from Hiroshi Ito, President of the KHI Motorcycle and Engine Company. He added that this project should create thousands of additional jobs in both the US and Mexico.
“Kawasaki is also increasing investment in the development of new products that will be available in the near future, particularly in the growing MULE, ATV and JetSki markets as well as innovative new street motorcycles, our new electric, hybrid and Hydrogen power source projects and off-road motorcycles, ”added Ito.
That news precedes the previously announced spin-off of Kawasaki’s motorcycle and powersports business into its own thing when the company decided to restructure itself in November 2020. At that time, Kawasaki Heavy Industries announced that the new motorcycle company Spin-off by October 2021 at the latest.
Fast forward to mid-September 2021, and Mr. Ito will be the first President and CEO of the newly formed Kawasaki Motors Limited. Beginning September 13, 2021, Ito plans to elaborate on this and other future Kawasaki Motors development plans in a speech due to be given at Port Hall Takeshiba in Tokyo on October 6, 2021.
Comments are closed.