Yamaha´s Pulse on quality in the motorcycle industry

While it seems an easy decision to buy a motorcycle for easier transport in Kenya today, there is a great need for other factors to be considered. Time has come when the customer should select and invest in a product which genuinely offers value for money at the point of purchase and through its long lifespan in terms of low cost maintenance. Brand and market icon, Yamaha has continued to establish itself as a rich brand and benchmark for other industry players as it provides all these and more. From the motorcycle product purchase to the genuine parts and quality service offered by trained, professional technicians, quality, customer service and reliability are their marks of distinction.

Toyota Kenya Ltd is the authorized distributor of Yamaha motorcycles in the country and has continued to grow from strength to strength in serving all its customers´ needs. With a rich product range of between 100cc and 350cc, Yamaha is able to efficiently and professionally serve a wide range of clientele that include the hospitality industry, farmers, large corporates, small & medium entrepreneurs, individuals, security firms, pharmaceutical companies among others. Its entry level bike is the infamous Yamaha Crux at 106cc, 4-stroke (now available for Kshs. 84,500.00) suitable for motorcycle taxis (boda boda), courier and office errands as well as personal commuting.

Yamaha is providing its quality products, parts and services across the country through its main branches in Kisumu, Nairobi and Mombasa as well as its authorized dealerships in Kakamega, Kisii, Ruiru, Nakuru, Mpeketoni, Kitale, Bungoma, Naivasha, Kericho, Eldoret, Narok, Nanyuki, Meru, and Embu. According to Mr. Bhatnagar, the plan, in the next two to three months, is to effectively reach customers through the upcoming dealerships and authorized sales outlets in Malindi, Voi, Hola, Taveta, Nyeri, Kitengela, Machakos, Homabay, Migori and other major towns across the country. “This way, our new and existing customers will continue to enjoy our quality services and products, close to their point of operation. We assure our customers that with the professional training given to our dealers on the motorcycles, parts and service, they will offer the same level of customer care and professional approach experienced at our branches.”

While the two wheeler industry grows daily, Yamaha has distinguished itself from other motorcycle retailers with its ingenious corporate social responsibility program that seeks to conduct training on road safety and basic maintenance amongst fleet customers and the increasing boda boda riders. Yamaha has conducted safety training through their Kisumu branch where more than 100 boda boda riders have been trained by a Yamaha Certified Trainer on safety and motorcycle maintenance. As the Yamaha National Head, Mr. Rahul Bhatnagar puts it, “Yamaha cares about the quality of product sold to customers and the quality of its customers while they are using their motorcycles. This is why it is important for all our customers to be trained on safety.” All Yamaha motorcycles come with a high quality rider´s helmet, two free services, owner´s manual, one year warranty, registration and tool kit among other value add items. Mr. Bhatnagar offers the assurance that Yamaha relations with all customers are highly valued and it starts with simply enquiring, purchasing and continued maintenance over the subsequent years.

Going forward, according to Mr. Bhatnagar, Yamaha expects to make greater inroads through countrywide dealerships and outlets that are being opened in major towns. “Our long term plan is to play a great role in shaping the motorcycle industry in Kenya as a reliable and safe investment sector for all stakeholders based on quality and a customer centric attitude.”