Yamaha and AMW expect import ban on motorcycles to be lifted with economy stabilising

Associated Motorways Ltd. (AMW), the official distributor for Yamaha motorcycles, service and parts recently hosted a dealer meeting in Colombo. The key personnel gathered at the event included the newly appointed AMW Group Managing Director Andre Bonthyus.

Addressing the audience that comprised more than 200 Island-wide Yamaha dealers, Bonthyus said he looks forward to expanding the organisation and emphasised on AMW’s return to the market.

Meanwhile, Yamaha Motor Corporation Japan Executive General Manager Kumika Imai, handling over 140 countries where Yamaha is present, said she had chosen to visit Sri Lanka due to the significance and value placed on the country and its market.

Notably, they said automotive imports to Sri Lanka that have come to a halt due to the foreign exchange crisis, would get a respite this year, as the country’s macroeconomic indicators are getting into a better shape after four years.

“We believe motorcycle imports will be allowed into Sri Lanka this year and we want our dealers to be ready to maintain and handle our loyal Yamaha customers, and meet the demand for Yamaha motorcycles,” they said.

“Therefore, Yamaha dealers should improve their business processes now, in order to meet the boom.  We will be providing the dealer network with strategic guidance and support enabling them to align their business objectives with the overall vision of Yamaha and AMW,” they said.

They emphasised that Yamaha and AMW have developed new strategies to maintain close communication with all of their dealers.

“We will effectively communicate with our dealers and obtain their valuable inputs for strategic pricing of Yamaha motorcycles, spare parts and outboard motors. In addition, we will support our dealers in digital order placements, invoice posting, streamlining payment terms and business development through training sessions at regular intervals,” they said.

The import ban on vehicles in Sri Lanka has been in place since 2020; a decision made by the Government to prevent the outflow of the much needed foreign currency.

 A high percentage of the Sri Lankan workforce that actively contributes to the economy depends mainly on motorcycles for transportation as motorcycles could be bought and maintained at reasonable prices.