Yamaha Motors Europe makes public its logistical difficulties
After the Volvo group recently, it is the turn of Yamaha Motors to make public its logistical and production difficulties. In a video on YouTube, the CEO of the European subsidiary of the Japanese engine manufacturer, Eric de Seynes exposed the complex situation encountered in the spring of 2021. Like other industrial players, the brand is facing a shortage of raw materials, especially semiconductors, as well as problems in transporting its products from Japanese and American factories to Europe. It apologizes for the increased delivery times and assures that it is doing everything possible for its network and its customers.
Cumulative effects of the Covid-19 crisis and large numbers of boaters
We asked Fabrice Lacoume, Director of Marine Business, about the impact on the marine industry. The delivery difficulties are the result of various phenomena that have added up since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. " We are now in a tense situation, whereas we usually always have 2 to 4 months of available stocks in Europe. We have been on a bit of a roller coaster. Thirteen months ago, we were not delivering anything and we piled up stocks. Then we slowed down the factories a little. Then, from May/June 2020, we returned to a normal pace, even accelerated, with new arrivals and a strong demand worldwide in the nautical industry. But at the same time, many suppliers have encountered problems with the supply of raw materials and sick staff. With a domino effect. Today, Japanese outboard factories are running at maximum capacity, which does not necessarily meet global demand. This leads to long lead times that we are not used to having "reports Fabrice Lacoume.
As for the jetskis, assembled in the United States, difficulties in the supply of plastics are causing delivery delays of 6 to 8 weeks.
Thousands of Yamaha products on board the Ever Given
The Covid-19 problem was compounded by an unfortunate contingency. Yamaha Motors had thousands of products on its way to Europe on the EverGiven, the container ship that was stuck in the Suez Canal. " This was the problem we didn't need. These are products that should have been on the market in early April and they are still on board the EverGiven in Egypt "says Yamaha Europe's Marine Director.
Managing the 2021 nautical season and anticipating 2022
Today, the main issue for Yamaha Marine is managing the 2021 season. " At the end of April, our question is whether we will have enough material for the summer, which will also depend on deliveries from the boat builders. The difficulty is to have the right engine at the right time for the right customer. Sometimes you can have it in Hamburg, but need it in southern Portugal "explains Fabrice Lacoume.
If demand remains this high, Yamaha Marine will also have to adjust its production capacity. However, the process will take time. " We are working closely with the United States to optimize the production capacities of the current plants. If the whole production chain follows, this is not a problem. For new plants, it is a longer process "concludes the Marine Director of Yamaha Motor Europe.
