Yamaha Takes the Helm: Brose Exits E‑Bike Drive Business in Strategic European Transition

Brose se has successfully completed the transfer of its ebike drive business to yamaha motor co,, ltd

Freya
2025-08-04
Ebike News

Berlin / Coburg, August 1, 2025 — In a decisive move signaling strategic ambition in the European e-bike market, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. has officially taken over the e-bike drive unit of German manufacturer Brose. This marks the culmination of a deal first announced in March 2025 and now finalized, with Yamaha Motor eBike Systems GmbH (YMESG) assuming full operational control.

The transition, effective August 1, involves the rebranding of Brose’s e-bike division under the temporary name BAT GmbH, with operations continuing from Brose’s existing Berlin facility and workforce.

Deal Highlights and Strategic Implications

A Smooth Handover

Yamaha now owns all assets and operations of Brose Antriebstechnik GmbH & Co. KG.
The Berlin-based team of ~120 engineers, developers, and support staff have been retained under Yamaha’s new European e-bike subsidiary.
Brose will remain involved during a transition period, assisting with supply chain, warranty, and OEM continuity.

Why It Matters

This acquisition gives Yamaha:

Direct development capacity in Europe, allowing faster market response and co-creation with OEMs.
A premium mid-drive system (Qore Drive 3) with ongoing R&D and an ambitious roadmap.
A 600+ location European service network inherited from Brose, accelerating Yamaha’s customer service reach.

What’s Next for Customers?

OEM brands currently using Brose systems will see no disruption in deliveries, support, or future upgrades. Yamaha confirmed it will maintain the Qore Drive 3 product family, first introduced under Brose’s branding at Eurobike 2025.

Market Significance: Yamaha’s European Leap

With this acquisition, Yamaha moves from a niche position to a competitive force in the e-bike drive system market. The Qore Drive 3 platform is seen as a direct competitor to Bosch’s Performance Line and Shimano’s EP series, particularly in the high-torque trekking, S-pedelec, and cargo bike categories.

Yamaha’s statement emphasized its intent to expand rapidly within the EU commuter, utility, and cargo e-bike segments, all of which align with Regen’s industry focus.

Recap of the Timeline

Date	Event
March 31, 2025	Yamaha and Brose announce the sale agreement.
April – July	Regulatory and structural approvals, staff integration plans.
August 1, 2025	Yamaha formally assumes full control; Brose exits e-bike drive business.
2026–2027	Roadmap rollout: lighter batteries, modular displays, IoT-integrated controls.

Yamaha’s Strategic Vision

In its 2025–2027 Medium-Term Management Plan, Yamaha identified micromobility—including e-bikes—as one of its four key pillars for global growth. This acquisition accelerates that goal by giving Yamaha:

Access to European OEM customers and supply contracts.
An established R&D base capable of iterating on motor and battery systems locally.
A brand-new modular product roadmap under the Qore label.

FAQ

Why Did Yamaha Buy Brose’s E-Bike Business?

Yamaha aims to expand its presence in Europe, the world’s most mature e-bike market. Brose’s mid-drive motors have a strong foothold among premium OEMs, especially in Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Austria. Yamaha lacked a localized development center and comprehensive service infrastructure — both of which Brose provided.
Yamaha’s leadership described the deal as “a shortcut to long-term market expansion through technical and organizational synergy.”

Who Owns Brose?

Brose is a German family-owned automotive supplier founded in 1908 and headquartered in Coburg. The company is now operated under Brose Familien SE & Co. KG, with ownership shared among:
Michael Stoschek (grandson of the founder),
His sister Christine Volkmann, and
Their children Julia and Maximilian Stoschek, and Gabriele Volkmann.
Although Brose had success in e-bike systems, the business was never its core. In recent years, Brose reported operating losses and began restructuring by divesting non-core units, including this one.

What Is the Qore Drive 3 System?

Formerly known as Brose Drive 3, this mid-drive system is now marketed under the Qore label:
Peak torque: 90 Nm
Power: 250 W nominal, 500+ W peak
Battery options: 800 Wh, 650 Wh (InTube); upcoming 500 Wh SlideIn and range extender
Display: Control Allround; future Control Integrate with IoT planned
Applications: Trekking, cargo, speed pedelec, urban commuter bikes
The system has a quiet, belt-driven internal transmission and a modular approach that OEMs favor for flexibility and packaging.

What Will Happen to Brose’s Other Businesses?

Brose retains its automotive mechatronics business, supplying door systems, seats, and cooling fans for global OEMs. Its e-bike division was the smallest business unit by revenue and headcount. By selling the unit, Brose aims to cut costs, refocus resources, and recover from a reported €142 million net loss in 2024.

Will Yamaha Keep the Qore Brand?

Yes. Yamaha confirmed it will maintain the Qore brand identity, emphasizing innovation, modularity, and OEM compatibility. While the transition entity is named BAT GmbH, the Yamaha Motor eBike Systems GmbH brand will gradually take over all customer-facing materials and support.

Conclusion: Strategic Win, Smooth Transition

Yamaha’s acquisition of Brose’s e-bike business represents more than just a reshuffling of corporate ownership — it is a strategic consolidation that strengthens European e-bike innovation. Yamaha’s expanded footprint, the retention of Brose’s Berlin-based talent, and continuity of the Qore product roadmap ensure that OEMs and riders alike can expect a stable and evolving platform.