|
|
|
| . |
|
Geographical distance and cultural differences apart, the Swedes and Japanese find a lot of common ground in terms of work ethic and attitudes, which has proven important for creating successful business partnerships. This is the first-hand observation of Jan-Åke Johansson, managing director of Yamaha Motor Sweden. "It is our work ethic and search for excellence that allows us to succeed. We are also similar in our manner and mentality - less talk and more action," pointed out Johansson, who has seen his turnover triple within just five years. For Yamaha Motor Sweden, the company's three-pronged product line helped ensure a strong market position and robust turnover throughout the year. The product range consists of motorcycles and marine and power products. According to the company chief, motorcycle sales peak between February and June, while marine products surge between February and August. Snowmobiles, which fall under power products, climb sharply between September and February. All three business segments are experiencing growth, but it is the power products group that has boosted the company's turnover the most. For Yamaha Motor Sweden, the year-round bestseller remains the all terrain vehicles (ATVs), which are part of the power products business unit. ATVs are widely used in the traditional Swedish industries of farming and forestry. "As our products improve, their functions increase. ATVs are replacing tractors for farmers. ATVs used to be a leisure product but now, they're more of a utility," remarked Johansson. Amid the increased use of ATVs as utility vehicles, Yamaha has stepped up efforts to strengthen sales of its leisure products in a country with numerous lakes and largely surrounded by sea. In Sweden, one in every four households owns a boat, with most of the boating done as a leisure activity. According to Johansson, the driving factor behind the company's success is the local consumers, who have been highly demanding and thus pushed Yamaha to build better products. Amid the highly competitive atmosphere, the company has also strengthened its dealer network and tapped into the Internet to market and sell its products. Having committed itself to high quality and professionalism, Yamaha Motor Sweden has successfully carved a position for itself within a very demanding market.
|
Honda www.honda.se Yamaha www.yamaha-motor.se Scania www.scania.com IFS www.ifsworld.com  |
Jan-Ake Johansson leads the action at Yamaha Motor Sweden.