Yamaha and AMW confident in government lifting import ban on motorcycles as economy stabilises

Associated Motorways (Private) Limited (AMW) expressed confidence in the government lifting the import ban on motorcycles as the economy stabilises.
The sentiments were expressed at the AMW Dealer Meeting in Colombo recently. The entity is the official distributor for Yamaha motorcycles, service and parts.
The key personnel gathered at the event included Andre Bonthyus, the newly appointed Group Managing Director of AMW.

According to the entities, the automotive imports to Sri Lanka, which 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 that 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,” Bonthyus said.
“In such circumstances, Yamaha dealers should improve their business processes now, in order to thrive in the boom time. 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,” he added.
The meeting pointed out 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 to that, we will support our dealers in digital order placements, invoice posting, streamlining payment terms and business development through training sessions at regular intervals,” Bonthyus 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 mainly depends on motorcycles for transportation because motorcycles can be bought and maintained at reasonable prices.

Addressing the audience, which comprised more than 200 islandwide Yamaha dealers, Bonthyus said that he looks forward to growing the organisation and emphasised on AMW’s return to the market.
Meanwhile, Yamaha Motor Corporation Japan Executive General Manager Kumika Imai, who handles over 140 countries where Yamaha is present, stated that she has chosen to visit Sri Lanka, due to the significance and value placed on the country and its market.