Is this the beginning of the end?
Updated: Oct 31
October 2024
Earlier this year we were told Kawasaki Japan were shutting down their NZ distributor and moving the NZ parts supply to Australia. It's a common strategy for many companies, so no surprises there. But Kawasaki didn't even say goodbye. Just closed the current NZ distributor, effectively cancelling the few remaining jetski service agents who had parts accounts. Including us.
For us personally it hasn't caused any issues ditching Kawasaki Service Agent status. In the 2023/24 financial year, Kawasaki servicing represented less than 0.25% of our total revenue. As we are a true independent, it is a graphic representation of their current market share in NZ. We were surprised, however, to hear the Auckland agent has been canned and a prominent dealer/supporter in the South Island.
Who does that leave in NZ? Currently one South Island dealer. Needless to say there has already been a few surprised green machine owners who are shocked by the lack of brand support.
From the beginning in 1972, with the registered trademark "Jet Ski", Kawasaki had world wide production to themselves until the late 1980's. After 53 years, is this the beginning of the end? It happened to Polaris and Honda watercraft.
The good news is, Kawasaki are planning an exciting come-back for the NZ market and we've been told it will put the brand back into the playing field competitively amongst the two big dogs, Yamaha and Sea-Doo.
Until then, Kawasaki are working on their dealer network as we speak, and current jetski owners may need to check in with the website for service agent updates when they are due for service: https://www.kawasaki-motors.co.nz/en/tools/locate-a-dealer.html
We've now also updated our NZ Top Picks List for used jetski purchasing to reflect this information. This list accompanies our Buyers Guide and is a valuable read for those entering the PWC owners family.
Photo archives: NZJSBA Nationals 2011; Ski MD sponsored rider, Paula Power, on the Kawasaki SXR800.
Photo archives: 2011 Ski MD workshop in Auckland. Two Kawasaki SXR 800's ready for race prep and graphics wrap.
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