Yuasa Battery Inc., a leading manufacturer of powersports batteries, recently announced Rio Okubo as their new President and CEO.

Okubo will be succeeding former President and CEO, Yuuka Moriya, after five years at Yuasa Battery in Laureldale, PA.

With over 25 years in the battery industry, Okubo first started his career within OEM sales at Yuasa Corporation Japan where he was in charge of Japanese OEM, with Honda being one of his major clients both in Japan and globally. This led to a shift into a new role as an international salesman with GS Yuasa Japan where Okubo worked with manufacturers such as BMW, KTM, Piaggio, and more. This is not his first time working for Yuasa Battery in America as he previously spent time as the OE Sales Manager where he aided in expanding the Yuasa GYZ series product range, a USA manufactured battery, to be suitable for the V-Twin market.

“I am really excited to be back again with Yuasa Battery, and returning once again to the U.S., but more importantly, to be joining members of our Yuasa Team who all play a role in making products that help enthusiasts all over the world enjoy their powersport vehicles to their full potential.”

Okubo believes that, while the powersport market may not be growing at an exponential rate, it is very stable – backed with innovation and technology leading the way.

“I think COVID-19 was a huge blow to the US economy and all manufacturers, and Yuasa went through a difficult time as well. We were not able to manufacture and ship enough product, which causes inconvenience and disappointment to our customers. We continue to invest into new technology, materials, and machinery while evolving our processes to provide the quality Yuasa has come to be known for.”

An early initiative of Okubo’s action plan is to continue expanding involvement within the powersport enthusiast community. Yuasa Battery will be a premier sponsor of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip Rally in South Dakota later this summer.

“There is a unique and adventure-seeking bond formed between riders. I think it's because people are looking for passion and fun. I also believe that these people will share their enjoyment with their families and friends, and their connections will grow deeper. This event is the perfect place to do so. Yuasa is grateful to the organizers at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip for this opportunity.”

Celebrating their 45th anniversary, Yuasa Battery, Inc. has been manufacturing powersports batteries in the United States to uncompromisingly high standards since 1979. They are the largest American manufacturer and distributor of batteries for motorcycles, snowmobiles, scooters, all terrain vehicles, side by sides and personal watercraft.