YAMAHA & KTM SUSPEND MOTORCYCLE PRODUCTION IN EUROPE DUE TO CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The 2020 Monster Energy Supercross season has been put on halt because of the Coronavirus world-wide pandemic and as a prevention tactic, businesses around the world are temporarily closing—some after they have been requested by their governments, and others as a precautionary strategy to protect their employees. KTM and Yamaha have followed suit and they’ve each shut down production in Europe. Yamaha has shut down two facilities in Italy and France for a week and KTM has shut down their facility in Mattighofen, Austria, for two weeks. Yamaha has reassured us that they’re U.S.A. and Japan factories are still fully functioning and that the American market doesn’t bring in any bikes from the European factories. KTM also stated in their press release that the availability of all models is still guaranteed to be available for the upcoming start of the season in the worldwide dealer network.

2020 SUPERCROSS SEASON POSTPONED | MORE INFO

YAMAHA EUROPE SUSPENDS PRODUCTION FOR ONE WEEK

Yamaha’s European facilities in Italy and France have suspended operation, but Yamaha has assured us that their USA and Japan factories are still fully functioning. 

Yamaha Press Release: Amsterdam, the Netherlands (16 Mar 2020) – Yamaha Motor Europe today announced that production at two facilities in Italy and France has been temporarily suspended in response to the ongoing Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Production at the Motori Minarelli engine factory in Calderara di Reno, Italy, and the MBK Industrie assembly plant in Saint-Quentin, France will be halted with immediate effect. Both facilities will remain closed until 22nd March, after which the situation will be reviewed on a weekly basis.

The decision to temporarily close the two facilities was made for the wellbeing and peace of mind of the workforce in Italy and France, both countries where social distancing is a key component of the government’s strategy to combat the spread of coronavirus

Yamaha Motor Europe is working following authorities’ directives in Italy and France to ensure that employees at both facilities are not disadvantaged financially as a result of the temporary closures.

“The health of our employees and our social responsibility are our priorities at this stage, which is why we took the decision to suspend production at these two facilities in the face of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic,” explained Eric de Seynes, President, Chief Executive Officer of Yamaha Motor Europe. “We also value highly the skills and commitment of a workforce that has shown tremendous loyalty to Yamaha, but now faces an unprecedented situation outside of the workplace. For their peace of mind, we are working to ensure that no employee will lose out financially between now and the return to a stable situation both in Italy and France.”

KTM EUROPE SUSPENDS PRODUCTION FOR TWO-WEEKS

Cooper Webb’s Red Bull KTM race bike.

KTM Press Release: PIERER Mobility Group reacts to the current exceptional situation. From March 30, Europe’s largest motorcycle manufacturer in Mattighofen will respond to the current situation with an interruption in operation and production until April 10.

This measure is triggered by a possible impending interruption in the supply chain from northern Italy. Many suppliers are located in this region, which is badly affected by the Corona virus. With this measure, KTM avoids a possible uncontrolled business interruption and anticipates parts of the company vacation in the summer to stabilize the supply chain in the long term. Not affected by these measurements is the worldwide distribution and the supply of spare parts.

The availability of all models is guaranteed for the upcoming start of the season in the worldwide dealer network.

The current development of the Corona crisis requires a daily reassessment of the situation. The published guidance for the financial year 2020 is thus canceled.

About the Group
The PIERER Mobility Group is Europe’s leading manufacturer of “powered two-wheelers” (PTW). With its globally known motorcycle brands KTM, HUSQVARNA and GASGAS, it is one of the European technology and market leaders, especially for premium motorcycles. All drive technologies – from combustion engines to electric motors – are produced in series and are used. As a pioneer in electromobility for two-wheelers in the low-voltage range (48 volts) the group and its strategic partner Bajaj have the prerequisites to assume a leading global role. Thanks to our innovative strength, we see ourselves as the technology leader in the two-wheeler sector in Europe. The strategic partnership with Bajaj, India’s second largest motorcycle manufacturer, strengthens competitiveness in global markets.

2020 SUPERCROSS SEASON POSTPONED | MORE INFO