Yamaha Motor USA has decided to relocate its administrative headquarters from Cypress, California, to Kennesaw, Georgia.
The Japanese marque’s operations have been based in Orange County since 1979, a year after Yamaha purchased the 25.1 acres land, with the site situated equidistant between Los Angeles and Laguna Beach.
The decision to relocate to Kennesaw, Georgia, is intended to bring the company closer to its motorcycle and off-road operations, which moved east in 2019. Structurally, operationally, and productively, the move consolidates key functions and brings everything closer together.
The Press Release Says
Yamaha has revealed plans to sell the entire property and its assets, while entering into a sale-and-leaseback arrangement for an undisclosed period to “facilitate a smooth relocation to Kennesaw.”
“This relocation will be happening, by function, over the period from the end of 2026 until the end of 2028,” Yamaha wrote in its press release.
“In connection with this relocation, the Company has also decided to proceed with the sale of all fixed assets owned by YMUS in Cypress, including land, offices and warehouses.
“This initiative is positioned as one of the Company’s key measures aimed at improving asset efficiency and enhancing profitability in the United States.
“Details such as the sale price, purchaser, and timing of the transaction are currently under review.”
Yamaha already has three corporate offices in Georgia, as well as 13 facilities around the United States, including Alabama, Florida and Wisconsin.
Another Effect of the U.S Tariffs
Yamaha revealed that U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs are part of the reason for the move. By relocating closer to key divisions and supply networks, Yamaha aims to improve efficiency, reduce financial pressure, and better position itself within the evolving U.S. manufacturing landscape.
“Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. is undertaking structural reforms aimed at improving the profitability of its U.S. operations in response to cost increases resulting from U.S. tariffs and changes in the market environment.
“In addition to implementing cross-business cost reduction initiatives, the Company seeks over the medium to long term to build a profit structure that is not solely dependent on top-line growth, thereby transforming itself into a more resilient and robust organization capable of adapting to change.”
Yamaha’s Changes Go Beyond the Surface
Although the organization’s move east is not entirely surprising, it is not the only significant change made within its U.S. division. In July 2025, Yamaha appointed former India chief Eishin Chihana (pictured below) as CEO of its U.S. division.
His career spans Europe, India, and Southeast Asia, and he now takes on leadership in the American market. Having an executive with experience across multiple regions is expected to bring valuable global insight and a broader strategic perspective to the role.
It is unclear whether Chihana orchestrated the move from California to Georgia, but a change in location to create greater continuity across the country would likely be a logical step toward improving workflow and operational efficiency.