eBike market consolidation as Yamaha buys Brose Group’s bicycle drive unit

Yamaha Motor has agreed to acquire the bicycle drive unit (eKit) business unit of German automotive parts manufacturer Brose Group.

The move has given birth to a new company – Yamaha Motor eBike Systems – which now has multiple production bases within Europe and an approx headcount of 120, headquartered in Berlin.

Yamaha Motor eBike Systems is targeting strengthened market presence, expanding of operations and additional commitment to green mobility.

The move is seen as part of Yamaha’s Medium-Term Management Plan (2025-2027) which expects long-term growth for the electrically power-assisted bicycle business.

Brose Group is a multi-award winning eBike drive manufacturer with numerous collaborations with some of the big names in the industry. Meanwhile, motorcycle manufacturer Yamaha has been producing eBike motors for many years and own-branded eBikes since 2022.

The business said: “By having an additional production base in Europe, we will be able to respond swiftly to local customer demands, ensuring that we can meet market needs, attract new customers, and enhance our sourcing capabilities within the European market. This move will also enable us to improve our after-sales service expertise, providing customers with reliable local support.

“Yamaha will leverage Brose’s eKit development capabilities to further strengthen the planning and development of new products. Simultaneously, by having an additional production base in Europe, Yamaha will build an operation that can respond swiftly to local customer demands, giving it the capability to quickly grasp market needs, acquire new customers, and improve procurement competencies within the European market.

“Additionally, the acquisition will enable Yamaha Motor to enhance its after-sales service expertise, ensuring customers local reliable support and satisfaction.”

The newly established Yamaha Motor eBike Systems is directly linked to Yamaha in Japan and will work closely with its sister company, Yamaha Motor Europe.