Yamaha Motor Canada Celebrates 50th Anniversary

While Yamaha Corporation first began producing pianos in 1887, it wasn’t until 1941 that the idea and opportunity to venture into the powersports industry presented itself.

During World War II, the Nippon Gakki (Yamaha) Factory in Japan had transformed into a munitions plant to produce aircraft propellers, wings and auxiliary fuel tanks. As the war ended, founder Torakusu Yamaha saw the potential of using the same machinery to transition to motorcycle production.

The idea became a reality on July 1, 1955, when Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., was formally established and debuted the 125-cc YA-1 – it’s very first motorcycle.

Yamaha Motor Co., began working quickly to expand in the marine market in 1960, releasing the first P-7 outboard motor and the CAT-21 and RUN-13 boats. In 1968, the DT-1 trail-specific motorcycle and the SL350 snowmobile were both introduced, establishing Yamaha Motor Co., as a veritable full-line powersports brand.

During this time, Yamaha’s Canadian motorcycle sales were handled by a private import company. That all changed in 1973, when Yamaha Motor Canada was formally established, starting with the sale or motorcycles and snowmobiles. In 1979, Yamaha Motor Canada’s current headquarters officially opened in Toronto, Ontario, and is still open today.

Yamaha Motor Canada expanded a great deal in the 1980s, introducing ATVs and generators in 1981, outboards in 1982, snowblowers in 1983 and WaveRunners in 1987. This meant every Canadian could find a Yamaha to enjoy from coast to coast, no matter the terrain.

With the expansion of products in the Canadian market, Yamaha Motor Canada was recognized and awarded the prestigious Presidential Award by Yamaha Motor Co., of Japan in 1987. But it wasn’t just the company winning awards. In 1990, a team of Yamaha VK540 snowmobiles won the first Harricana International Snowmobile Rally in Canada.

Yamaha dealers in Canada were also being praised for their outstanding showrooms and customer service, the company recognized the best of the best as Five Star Dealers starting in 2002. Twenty years later, the program evolved into the current Elite Dealer Program, which continues to recognize Yamaha dealerships from across the country offering top-notch customer service.

The newest additions to the Yamaha line in Canada came in 2004 with the release of side-by-sides, in 2006 with Sport Boats and G3 Boats, and pressure washers in 2013. Most recently, Yamaha’s Power Assist Bicycles were introduced to the Canadian market, 30 years after its initial launch by Yamaha Motor Corporation. The vast array of Yamaha products available in Canada has solidified the brand as one that customers can rely on to work or play outdoors.

In 2014, Yamaha Motor Canada continued to expand with the inclusion of Yamaha Financial Services, ensuring that all customers have the opportunity to experience life with a Yamaha product.

Today, as the company celebrates 50 years in Canada, it’s become a leader in sharing the Yamaha brand on a global scale. With roughly 400 dealerships across the country and recognized as one of the Greater Toronto Area’s Top 50 Employers in 2023, Yamaha Motor Canada is proud to offer the joy and excitement of owning a Yamaha to all Canadians and looks forward to bringing more exceptional and innovative products to the Canadian market for the next 50 years and beyond.