Yamaha Motor India Group appointed Itaru Otani as its new Chairman, a strategic move aimed at expanding Yamaha’s footprint in India’s competitive two-wheeler market. Otani brings over 30 years of experience within Yamaha Motor Company, with an impressive track record in global markets like Australia, Brazil, and Japan, where he held leadership roles across sales, marketing, and corporate strategy, particularly within motorcycle business operations.
In his new role, Otani aims to cater to evolving consumer preferences by focusing on innovative two-wheelers tailored for the Indian market. Otani emphasised his commitment to harnessing Yamaha’s expertise, stating, “With Indian consumer aspirations evolving, we see tremendous opportunities to blend Yamaha’s global expertise with local preferences to create products that meet market expectations.”
Yamaha Motor India, a subsidiary of Yamaha Motor Company, has become a major player in the country’s two-wheeler segment, offering motorcycles and scooters that align with consumer needs, especially in terms of reliability, fuel efficiency, and design. The company operates production facilities in Chennai and Surajpur and has invested significantly in R&D to create models suited for Indian roads and riders’ preferences.
Under Otani’s leadership, Yamaha plans to strengthen its “Call of the Blue” brand campaign, an initiative that connects with consumers seeking advanced technology and an enhanced riding experience. The product lineup includes popular motorcycles like the YZF-R15, MT-15, and the FZ series, as well as scooters such as the Fascino and Ray ZR, catering to a range of riding styles from everyday commuting to sportier needs.
