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Amanda Quick·
Motorcycle News
··5 Comments·2 min read

​​ Kawasaki Motors President Announces Major Expansion Plan for US and Mexico

A view of a rider trying out a Kawasaki Ninja H2

The last couple of years haven’t been easy on the automotive industry due to obvious reasons. But, as the world eventually comes back to order, manufacturers have started to report an upward trend in sales numbers. More and more people are getting back on their bikes and riding, and people are looking to buy new motorcycles.

A view of a Kawasaki dealership

To meet increasing demand, Hiroshi Ito, President of the Motorcycle & Engine sector of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, has announced in a press release a significant investment to increase production and expand the markets the Japanese manufacturer is available in. How much exactly? $265 million US dollars to increase production capacity over the next five years.

A view of the factory portion connected to Kawasaki Heavy Industries
Credit: Fuel Cell Works

“The stated investment is expected to include, but is not limited to, expansion of the existing factory in Nebraska as well as the exciting news of the creation of a new manufacturing facility in Mexico,” Hiroshi Ito declared. He also added that the move would create thousands of jobs in the US and Mexico. 

layout view of a Kawasaki factory floor
Credit: UTV Driver

It also mentioned that “Kawasaki is also increasing investments in new product development which will be available in the near future, especially 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.”

A view of a rider trying out a 2021 model of a Kawasaki ZX-10R
Credit: Roadracing World

Late last year, the company also decided to restructure itself, announcing that the motorcycle and Powersports business would break off into its own vertical. Hiroshi Ito provided an update on the situation when he mentioned that “Kawasaki’s worldwide Powersports and general-purpose engine businesses will become an independent company known as “Kawasaki Motors, Ltd” at the beginning of October 2021.”

A view of a Kawasaki Motors building in the USA
Credit: Roadracing World

Hiroshi Ito, then, is the first President and CEO of Kawasaki Motors Ltd. He’s scheduled to deliver a speech in Tokyo on 6th October 2021, where he will release more details on the plans of the company.

Stay tuned for the latest updates!

– Submitted by Vishal Venugopal