Origin of the name

The name KYMCO is derived from Kwang Yang Motor Company. While the formal corporate entity is Kwang Yang Motor Co., Ltd., the organization is universally referred to in international markets simply as KYMCO. 1

Foundation

The origins of KYMCO date back to 1963, when Guang-Su Ko established Kwang Yang Motor in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Historical records sometimes cite 1964 as the founding year because commercial operations formally commenced then; consequently, the company references both 1963 as its establishment year and 1964 as the start of operations. 12

In its early decades, the company built its manufacturing capabilities through a strategic relationship with Honda of Japan. During this period, KYMCO produced components and vehicles utilizing Honda technology, becoming a significant manufacturing entity within Taiwan’s developing motorcycle industry. This partnership provided essential access to Japanese engineering standards and production techniques.

Transition to independence

For approximately thirty years, KYMCO’s business was intrinsically linked to Honda, initially producing parts and later manufacturing motorcycles and scooters under technology transfer agreements. 1 Throughout the 1990s, the company progressively developed its own engineering and manufacturing identity to target international markets.

A pivotal milestone occurred in 1992, when KYMCO began operating independently of Honda in export activities and launched its own brand internationally. By 2003, following the conclusion of Honda’s ownership interest, KYMCO was operating as a fully independent global brand. 1

Brand development

Although Kwang Yang Motor had existed for decades, KYMCO emerged as the primary international consumer brand during the 1990s, subsequently expanding into Europe, Asia, the Americas, and other regions. 1 Today, KYMCO is an independent Taiwanese corporation that leveraged its historical manufacturing relationship with Honda to establish a distinct global powersports business.

KYMCO is widely recognized for scooters, particularly automatic urban models and larger maxi-scooters, though its product range is extensive. The company identifies itself as a global powersports group rather than solely a scooter manufacturer. 1 Current global product categories include:

• Scooters
• Maxi-scooters
• Motorcycles
• ATVs
• Utility vehicles
• Side-by-side vehicles
• Mobility products
• Electric mobility products and related technologies

Scooters form the core of KYMCO’s international reputation, covering diverse rider needs across several segments.

Urban scooters

Designed primarily for commuting, fuel efficiency, maneuverability, and low operating costs, these models serve as everyday transportation. Key families representing this segment include the Like, Agility, Super, and Dink series.

Sport scooters

Sport-oriented scooters emphasize acceleration, handling, aggressive styling, braking performance, and technology. The KRV 180 exemplifies this category; in the Philippine market, it is available in both belt-drive and chain-drive configurations. 4

Maxi-scooters

Maxi-scooters represent one of KYMCO’s most recognizable premium categories, combining scooter convenience with motorcycle-like characteristics such as larger engines, long-distance capability, substantial chassis, increased wind protection, and touring ergonomics. The AK and XCITING families are prominent examples in this segment.

The AK series embodies KYMCO’s high-performance maxi-scooter philosophy. The AK 550 was developed as a premium sport-touring machine that balances performance with the practicality of automatic transmission.

In the Philippines, the AK 550 Premium variant features traction control, advanced braking technology, keyless operation, cruise control, adjustable windscreen, and selectable riding modes. The current Philippine lineup includes the AK 550, AK 550 Premium, and AK 575 Premium. 4 This family demonstrates KYMCO’s capability to produce premium performance machines alongside practical commuter scooters.

The XCITING family occupies a significant position within the maxi-scooter range, targeting riders seeking sporty handling, touring capability, comfort, modern electronic safety systems, and larger displacement.

The XCITING VS 400, described in the Philippine market as a sport-touring scooter, is equipped with ABS, traction control, and keyless technology. 4 The XCITING nameplate has become one of KYMCO’s most established premium scooter families internationally.

The DTX series represents a crossover approach, blending scooter practicality with rugged, adventure-inspired design suitable for both urban environments and challenging roads.

Philippine variants include the DTX360-300 and DTX360-350, featuring fuel injection, ABS, and traction control. 4 This concept aligns with broader industry trends toward dual-purpose recreational and commuter vehicles.

Beyond scooters, KYMCO manufactures a variety of motorcycles, including small-displacement commuter bikes, sport-oriented models, lightweight motorcycles, and larger-displacement machines. Engineering activities encompass engines, chassis structures, transmissions, and electronic control systems. The company identifies frame structures, fuel engines, motor electronic control, and transmission systems as core technological competencies. 3

KYMCO maintains a significant presence outside the two-wheel market by producing ATVs and utility vehicles for recreational, agricultural, work, and off-road applications. This diversification supports its positioning as a comprehensive powersports company with a portfolio extending to four-wheel recreational and utility vehicles. 3

Electrification is a key component of KYMCO’s long-term strategy. The company states it has pursued electrification for more than 20 years, exploring electric scooters, electric motorcycles, battery technologies, electric mobility systems, and connected mobility concepts. 3 This focus is particularly relevant in Asian markets where scooters are a primary mode of daily transport.

KYMCO operates as a genuinely international manufacturer with products available in more than 100 countries. Its network spans Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and Oceania. 3 The official international directory lists distributors and operations across numerous nations, positioning KYMCO as a global Taiwanese powersports brand rather than a domestic-only manufacturer.

KYMCO maintains a highly visible presence in the Philippines, where scooters and small motorcycles are integral to daily transportation. The local subsidiary, KYMCO Philippines Incorporated, operates from a facility at Nissan Technopark, Barangay Pulong Santa Cruz, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna. 4

The Philippine product lineup ranges from affordable commuter models to premium maxi-scooters. Current listings include:

• AK 575 Premium
• AK 550 Premium
• AK 550
• XCITING VS 400
• XCITING X350
• DTX360
• XTOWN
• KRV 180
• Dink R 150
• Like 150i
• Super Z 150
• Super 8
• Like 125
• Agility ECO
• Kargador 150
• Visa 110
• MXU 150

Model availability and pricing vary by market conditions and model year. 4

KYMCO emphasizes proprietary vehicle technology development across several key areas:

Engines

The company develops engines ranging from small commuter units to larger twin-cylinder powerplants for premium scooters.

Fuel Injection

Modern KYMCO scooters typically utilize electronic fuel injection to enhance fuel metering, starting reliability, emissions control, and throttle response.

Safety Systems

Many newer models feature anti-lock braking systems (ABS), while premium families like the AK and XCITING incorporate traction-control systems (TCS) to mitigate wheelspin. Larger scooters may also offer selectable riding modes that adjust throttle response and traction control behavior.

Electronics and Connectivity

Higher-end models increasingly feature keyless ignition, digital displays, connected vehicle functions, and sophisticated electronic management systems.

A common misconception concerns KYMCO’s relationship with Honda. While it is accurate that KYMCO has historical roots in a Honda manufacturing and technology relationship, it is incorrect to describe the modern company as a Honda subsidiary.

KYMCO originally manufactured components for Honda and benefited from technology transfer. Although Honda held a significant ownership stake in Kwang Yang Motor, KYMCO eventually achieved full independence, becoming a standalone global brand in 2003. 1 This historical connection facilitated manufacturing expertise, but contemporary KYMCO possesses independent product development, engineering, branding, and international business operations.

KYMCO is generally positioned between mainstream Japanese manufacturers and lower-cost scooter brands. Its reputation is built on:

• Taiwanese manufacturing heritage
• Extensive scooter experience
• Broad international distribution
• Competitive pricing
• Comprehensive maxi-scooter lineup
• Increasingly sophisticated technology
• Wide range of engine displacements
• Extensive parts and dealer networks

Historically emphasizing reliability and practical transportation, KYMCO’s premium models now compete on performance and technological innovation.

KYMCO’s stated mission is to create personal vehicles that “win the hearts” of consumers worldwide, emphasizing a thoughtful riding experience for everyday life. 1 This philosophy informs its product segmentation: small scooters prioritize practicality and accessibility, while models like the AK 550 deliver touring motorcycle performance and comfort. Consequently, KYMCO serves a diverse customer base ranging from budget-conscious commuters to performance enthusiasts.

Several model families have defined the brand’s history:

• Hao Mai 125: Produced from 1990 to 2008, this was KYMCO’s first model to surpass one million units sold. 3
• Like: A retro-inspired family combining classic styling with modern technology.
• Dink: A long-running nameplate associated with practical urban and touring scooters.
• XCITING: A flagship maxi-scooter family.
• AK 550: A premium-performance maxi-scooter demonstrating capabilities in the large-displacement sport segment.
• KRV 180: A sporty compact scooter representing performance-oriented engineering in smaller displacements.
• DTX: A crossover family blending adventure styling with scooter utility.

• Company: Kwang Yang Motor Co., Ltd.
• Brand: KYMCO
• Headquarters: Kaohsiung, Taiwan
• Industry: Powersports and personal mobility
• Primary Markets: Global
• Core Expertise: Scooters, motorcycles, engines, transmissions, chassis, and powersports vehicles

The headquarters campus in Kaohsiung encompasses manufacturing, testing, research, and development facilities, reflecting the company’s deep roots in the city. 3

KYMCO occupies a distinct position in the global motorcycle industry as a Taiwanese manufacturer with significant historical Japanese influence. It competes globally against brands such as Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Piaggio, and SYM, with particular strength in the automatic scooter and maxi-scooter markets.

The brand’s trajectory can be summarized as follows: KYMCO began as a Taiwanese manufacturer with strong Honda ties, developed independent engineering capabilities, separated from Honda, and transformed into a global powersports brand specializing in scooters.

Today, KYMCO presents itself as a global powersports group operating in more than 100 countries, with a cumulative sales history exceeding 10 million scooters, motorcycles, e-bikes, side-by-sides, and ATVs. 1 Its current strategy integrates traditional internal-combustion vehicles with electrification, advanced electronics, rider-assistance technology, premium maxi-scooters, crossover vehicles, and connected mobility, moving significantly beyond its earlier image as a basic commuter-scooter manufacturer.

1. KYMCO-Win My Heart
2. Diapositiva 1 – KYMCO España
3. About Us | Kymco UK
4. PRODUCTS – Kymco Philippines