Delek Motors Secures Kawasaki Motorcycle Dealership in Israel
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Delek Motors has secured the Israeli franchise for Kawasaki motorcycles, marking a shift from long-time importer Metro Motor. The change follows a regulatory ruling by the Israel Competition Authority and subsequent Supreme Court decision that prevented Metro Motor from holding both Yamaha and Kawasaki licenses. The new dealership will operate from a dedicated facility in Holon, aiming to expand Kawasaki's market reach in Israel's growing two-wheeled vehicle sector.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Delek Motors will import and service Kawasaki motorcycles in Israel under a new franchise agreement.
- The change follows a Supreme Court ruling upholding a Competition Authority decision against Metro Motor's dual brand ownership.
- Metro Motor, the previous importer, chose to retain the Yamaha franchise and relinquish Kawasaki.
- Kawasaki motorcycles will be sold from a new 800-square-meter showroom and service center in Holon.
- Kawasaki held a 3% market share in Israel in 2025, ranking fifth in sales.
- The Israeli two-wheeled vehicle market is experiencing significant growth, with 2024 expected to be a record year.
Delek Motors, a subsidiary of Delek Vehicle, has signed a franchise agreement to import, market, and service Kawasaki motorcycles in Israel. The brand's operations will be centralized in an 800-square-meter showroom and service center in Holon, designed to meet global Kawasaki standards. This facility will encompass sales, equipment display, accessories, and a central garage.
Shahar Shemesh, CEO of Delek Motors, expressed gratitude to the global Kawasaki corporation for choosing Delek Motors, noting the competitive selection process. He highlighted the growing two-wheeled vehicle market in Israel, anticipating a record year and stating that the addition of Kawasaki will allow Delek Motors to cater to all segments and price points for Israeli riders.
The acquisition of the franchise is the result of a lengthy regulatory and legal process. For decades, Kawasaki was imported by Metro Motor, which also held the Yamaha franchise. This dual ownership of two major competing motorcycle brands by a single importer drew the attention of the Israel Competition Authority. The authority determined that this concentration harmed inter-brand competition and could deter new market entrants.
Following the Competition Authority's recommendation, the Ministry of Transport informed Metro Motor in 2022 that it would need to relinquish one of the brands. After an appeal, this decision was reiterated in 2024. Metro Motor appealed to the administrative court and subsequently the Supreme Court. In March 2026, the Supreme Court, with Deputy President Noam Sohlberg and Justices David Mintz and Yechiel Kasher, rejected Metro Motor's appeal, upholding the Ministry of Transport's decision based on the Competition Authority's findings.
Consequently, Metro Motor chose to continue with Yamaha, which also produces scooters, and relinquished the Kawasaki motorcycle license. In 2025, Kawasaki sold 672 units in Israel, a slight decrease from 2024's 691 units, representing about a 3% market share. This places Kawasaki fifth in Israeli two-wheeled vehicle sales, behind Sun-Ying, Honda, Yamaha, and Kymco, but ahead of competitors like KTM, BMW, and Piaggio. Delek Motors will add Kawasaki to its existing portfolio of BMW, Zontes, and Kove motorcycles.
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