Yamaha Motor Australia recently recognised its top 20 Yamaha Marine dealers from 2023 by providing them with a memorable four-day trip to the home of Yamaha in Japan as a thank you for their exceptional achievement.
The journey provided a unique opportunity for the dealers to immerse themselves in Yamaha’s rich history, innovative spirit, and cultural heritage, and to feel the strong sense of Kando that being a dealer provides.
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The group’s adventure began with a night in Shinagawa, Tokyo. From there, they boarded Japan’s iconic Shinkansen bullet train, which whisked them to Hamamatsu, home to Yamaha Motor Company’s global headquarters. At the Yamaha facilities, the dealers toured the state-of-the-art manufacturing plant, gaining insights into the cutting-edge processes that bring Yamaha marine products to life.
Visiting the Yamaha Communication Plaza was another highlight of the Hamamatsu visit. The corporate museum spans three levels and showcases the brand’s rich history and its wide range of products.
On the third day, the group travelled to Kyoto, Japan’s former capital known for its cultural roots. Dealers explored iconic shrines, gardens, and temples, soaking in the traditions that have shaped Japan's culture for many centuries.
For three dealers in particular, this trip carried special significance. Petroulla McDonell from Riverina Marine Centre, James Cullen from Stones Corner Marine, and Jon Hunt from Hunts Marine Carlton had participated in a dealership trip two decades earlier. Back then, their travelling companions were the parents of many of the attendees of the recent trip.
Petroulla McDonell | Riverina Marine Centre
For Petroulla McDonell, the trip to Japan brought back fond memories of her first visit 20 years ago, when she accompanied her father on a dealership tour. “Riverina Marine Centre has been a Yamaha dealership from the start, and my parents worked hard to make it a success,” she shared. “I was amazed by Japan’s technology and culture back then, and 20 years later, those same things still impress me. Yamaha’s manufacturing remains state-of-the-art, with incredible attention to detail that ensures their legendary quality.”
Petroulla added that while other brands came and went in the early days of their Wagga Wagga dealership, Yamaha’s partnership has remained solid. “Becoming a sole Yamaha dealer helped our business reach new heights, thanks to the quality of their products and the support they offer through finance and insurance.”
James Cullen | Stones Corner Marine
James Cullen of Stones Corner Marine said the trip provided an opportunity to see how much manufacturing procedures had changed, and he was surprised by the things Yamaha has retained. “The robotics in manufacturing are far more prominent now, but what really amazed me was Yamaha’s commitment to the human element,” he said. “So much of the assembly is still done by hand, and the number of people involved in assembling, checking, and testing is far higher than I expected.”
James also emphasised the importance of the trip for building relationships. “The value of connecting with other dealers and Yamaha staff is immeasurable,” he said. “I’d do the same trip again tomorrow—it’s a great way to strengthen those bonds.”
Jon Hunt | Hunts Marine Carlton
Jon’s thoughts on the trip echoed those of James and Petroulla. “Any Yamaha trip is always an unforgettable experience," he said. "The level of technology and innovation on display, both in the manufacturing plant and the Communication Plaza, is very cool. What stands out most to me is Yamaha’s unwavering dedication to quality and precision. It’s amazing to see the exceptional care that goes into every product.” Jon also highlighted the value of reconnecting with familiar faces. “It’s always great to catch up with other dealers from around the country, including some I hadn’t seen in years. We really need to do it more often.”
The Elite 20 trip also a reinforced the shared commitment between Yamaha Motor Australia and its dealers to continue delivering exceptional products, service, and Kando to customers across Australia.
The Yamaha Marine Australia Elite 20 Dealers
Chivers Marine (Luke Chivers), Gold Coast Boating Centre (Scott Mahon), Reef Marine(Andrew Camilleri), Rising Sun Marine(Philip Mason), Townsville Marine(Emmanuel Theodosiou), Bills Marine(Scott Heinemann), Aquasports Marine (Lino DiToro), Streaker Marine(Sean Savage), Wynnum Marine(Johnny Milton), Rockingham Boating(Cameron Gallagher), Riverina Marine Centre (Petroulla McDonell), Port Lincoln Boat Supplies (Shaun Miller,), Bundaberg Marineland (Karen Vuichoud), Newcastle Yamaha Marine(Ralf Merkel), Terrace Boating & Leisure (Joshua Padmos ), Hunts Marine Carlton (Jon Hunt), Marine Care QLD (Alan Riesenweber ), Stones Corner Marine (James Cullen).
Yamaha Motor Australia congratulates the Elite 20 dealers for their remarkable achievement.