Yamaha Forms Partnership with CFMoto for Chinese Market

Collaborations between Japanese and European motorcycle brands and emerging Chinese brands are not uncommon. In recent years, we have seen successful partnerships like KTM and CFMoto, as well as MV Agusta and Harley-Davidson teaming up with QJ Motor for specific models in key markets.

In September 2023, Yamaha announced its new partnership with Chinese brand CFMoto. At the time, details about the collaboration were scarce, leading to speculation about the companies' plans. Given Yamaha's reputation for quality and innovation, along with CFMoto's aggressive approach to the global market, the partnership generated a lot of interest, particularly in Europe. Enthusiasts wondered if CFMoto would develop and produce models for Yamaha in the European market.

Yamaha Motor Europe quickly addressed these speculations. Company president Eric de Seynes clarified that the collaboration with CFMoto would be exclusive to the Chinese domestic market. "This deal with CFMoto is really a joint venture to support the Chinese market – which is huge – with specific Yamaha models," de Seynes explained. The Chinese motorcycle market is one of the largest in Asia, especially in the premium segment, making it a strategic focus for Yamaha.

The joint venture resulted in the establishment of a new company called Zhuzhou CF Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd, or ZCYM. According to Yamaha's announcement, CFMoto holds a majority stake of 50 percent in the new company, while Yamaha is a minority stakeholder with 44.23 percent ownership. The remaining 5.77 percent is held by Tair Yea Limited, a holdings company from Hong Kong.