Global goals set for carbon neutrality and environmental sustainability are causing technological changes in mobility, with Yamaha Motor stepping up efforts to develop new products in line with the trend.
The company is adopting multiple pathways via differing technologies, ranging from electric mobility to hydrogen-powered engines, to achieve a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.
“We are launching new products that can strike a balance between fun and eco-friendly performance,” said president and representative director Motofumi Shitara.
Among them are battery and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, series-parallel hybrid powertrains, which combine an internal combustion engine (ICE) with electric motors, as well as hydrogen-powered commuter vehicles.
As it shifts to technologies that are kind to the environment, the Shizuoka-based Japanese company maintains its mission to make “Kawakami’s vision” a reality, said Mr Shitara.
The vision refers to Genichi Kawakami, who founded Yamaha Motor 70 years ago with the aim of enriching people’s lives by creating products that inspire joy, emotion and a sense of adventure.
Yamaha is participating in the Japan Mobility Show 2025 at Tokyo Big Sight. The event started on Oct 29 and continues through Nov 9.
Roughly 500 companies are participating in the event, which offers a unique opportunity to explore the future of mobility. The event was grounded in the belief that shared excitement and collaborative thinking are going to shape the future.
Yamaha unveiled six new models among the 16 on display, including mid-development prototypes, various electric and hybrid motorcycles, e-bikes and concept models of electric wheelchairs, said Panupol Kittikamron, chief commercial officer at Thai Yamaha Motor.
The company is evolving its technology development to support a wide range of industrial sectors, including land and marine vehicles, industrial robotics and unmanned helicopters.
Yamaha is developing hydrogen and fuel cell technologies for power engines because it believes these innovations will help the company achieve its carbon neutrality goal, said Mr Shitara.
A hydrogen engine maintains the exciting feel of a regular ICE engine, but does not produce carbon emissions, said Maruta Kana, Yamaha Motor’s general manager of Southeast and East Asia, and of its Land Mobilities Business Operation.
The company has been developing this technology in collaboration with other Japanese companies, she said.
Yamaha plans to expand its market opportunities in Brazil, Russia, India and China, recognising their large populations and strong purchasing power, said Ms Kana.