Coming from Tokyo, Japan, we have news that is sure to surprise Kawasaki enthusiasts. In a declaration released yesterday, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., announced that it will be parting ways with its motorcycles and engines business while integrating more of its industrial businesses in order to streamline the company’s operations. These industrial companies include naval and offshore structures, as well as energy systems and factory engineering companies.
Kawasaki says that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the future of public transport, especially railways, looks pretty solid. Citing the environmental sustainability and efficiency of rail transport, the company identified several potential projects in several regions. With this, Kawasaki seeks to capitalize on the opportunity by allocating more resources to offshore infrastructure projects. According to the company’s statement, they plan to integrate the naval and offshore structure by April 2021.
The integration of Kawasaki’s energy systems business is also scheduled by April of next year. Citing the tendency to view hydrogen as a clean energy source, Kawasaki sees it as an opportunity to leverage its strengths in the industry. With this, Kawasaki is currently working on the development of liquefied hydrogen transporters, hydrogen gas turbines, storage tanks and liquefaction systems.
What about bicycles? Well, it turns out motorcycles are just one part of the mammoth pie that is Kawasaki’s business. That being said, Kawasaki’s motorcycles and powersports business will be transformed into a new company dedicated solely to the production of all-terrain motorcycles, engines and four-wheelers by October 2021. Being the sole production company Kawasaki’s customer-oriented mass market, the company anticipates that by separating from the business, key operational factors such as decision-making, product development and time to market will be significantly accelerated.
Interestingly, it is with the spin-off in mind that Kawasaki is looking to strengthen its powersports business as the company’s flagship brand. So it’s safe to say that our beloved Kawasaki motorcycles are not going anywhere. In fact, it’s good to see the company taking steps to speed up and streamline its business, so it can continue to offer products that are both innovative and exciting.