TOKYO, June 1 (Kyodo) — Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. said Friday it will form a joint venture with a major Chinese motorcycle maker in Chongqing by the summer of 2014 to launch motorcycle production in China.
The plan represents Kawasaki Heavy's reentry into the Chinese motorcycle market after its withdrawal in 2000.
Anticipating that a growing number of people will enjoy motorcycling in China, the company plans to produce 150 to 250 cc Kawasaki brand motorcycles in the country for local sale.
Before launching production, Kawasaki will set up a joint motorcycle sales venture with the Chinese partner, Loncin Motor Co., next spring to handle Kawasaki motorcycles to be imported from Thailand and other countries.
