After a solid 55 years, Yamaha has just announced that they’re going to cease production of all snowmobiles, with sights set on beefing up their “current business activities and new growth markets.”
The decision is a big one; Yammie has been making snowmobiles since the creation of their SL350 in 1968, but Michael Le Pard in an article from Total Motorcycle tells us that the brand doesn’t consider continued production of snowmobiles to be sustainable.
“Yamaha has concluded it will be difficult to continue a sustainable business in the snowmobile market,” confirms the coverage.
“Yamaha will ensure parts availability, service, and related customer satisfaction now and after the snowmobile’s final production run occurs.”
The notice doesn’t affect Yamaha’s continued processing and selling of their 2024 lineup; with production currently underway and riders anticipating a fall delivery, Yamaha can now focus on communications with distributors “to minimize impact and best position their business over the next 12 – 36 months.”
“Due to the exit schedule outlined above, the effect on consolidated business results will be minor,” continues Le Pard.
Currently, Yamaha is working together with Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Toyota, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) – “HysE” – to create hydrogen power for the future of our Powersports industry. There is no set date for results for the project, but we anticipate updates before the next season is upon us.