Itaru Otani appointed as Chairman of Yamaha Motor India Group

Yamaha Motor India Group appoints Itaru Otani as Chairman. With extensive global experience, Otani plans to enhance Yamaha’s presence in India, focusing on two-wheelers designed to meet the evolving preferences of Indian consumers.

By Autocar Professional Bureau

01 Nov 2024

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Itaru Otani, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India

Otani joins with more than 30 years of experience with Yamaha Motor Company, where he has held leadership roles across several international markets, including Australia, Brazil, and Japan. His background spans Sales, Marketing, and Corporate Strategy, with a focus on Motorcycle Business Operations, which has contributed to Yamaha’s global presence. Most recently, he served as Chief General Manager, overseeing Land Mobility Business Operations based in Japan.

On his appointment, Otani stated, “I’m honored to lead Yamaha in a country with immense potential like India. With changing aspirations among Indian consumers, there are significant opportunities to introduce products that combine Yamaha’s global expertise with the specific preferences of Indian riders. Our goal will be to offer two-wheelers that emphasize style, performance, and quality, aligning with market expectations while aiming for new standards in design and innovation. I look forward to advancing Yamaha’s position in India through the ‘The Call of the Blue’ brand campaign and pursuing growth in one of the world’s key two-wheeler markets.”

Yamaha Motor India operates as a key manufacturer in India’s two-wheeler market, providing a range of motorcycles and scooters aimed at varying consumer needs. A subsidiary of Yamaha Motor Company, Yamaha India tailors its offerings for the local market, focusing on factors such as design, reliability, and fuel efficiency. With production facilities in Chennai and Surajpur, the company has also invested in research and development to adapt its models for Indian roads and consumer preferences.

Yamaha’s "The Call of the Blue" campaign is part of its brand strategy, aimed at connecting with consumers interested in models that balance technology and riding experience. The company’s product lineup includes motorcycles like the YZF-R15, MT-15, and FZ series, along with scooters such as the Fascino and Ray ZR, covering a broad spectrum from daily commuting needs to sportier options.