Yuasa batteries are made by GS Yuasa Corporation, a Japanese company formed in 2004 through the merger of Yuasa Corporation and Japan Storage Battery, also known as GS, two of Japan’s oldest battery manufacturers.
Yuasa is widely known for motorcycle, powersports, and industrial batteries, and the brand holds the second largest share of the global lead acid battery market, according to widely cited industry data.
The Yuasa name traces back to 1918, when Shichizaemon Yuasa founded Yuasa Storage Battery Co Ltd after years of research into metal electrolysis, while the GS side of the business began under Shimadzu in 1917.
So how did two separate century old Japanese battery pioneers end up combining forces to form the company behind the Yuasa batteries sold today?
This guide covers who makes Yuasa batteries, the 2004 merger that created GS Yuasa, where the batteries are manufactured, and whether Yuasa is a good choice for your vehicle or equipment in 2026.
So lets get started.
Table of Contents
The GS Yuasa Merger Explained
GS Yuasa Corporation was formally established in April 2004 when Japan Storage Battery, known by its GS brand name, merged with Yuasa Corporation to form a single holding company.
This merger combined more than two centuries of collective battery manufacturing experience between the two companies, creating what is now one of the largest energy storage companies in the world.
Yuasa Corporation Founding History
Shichizaemon Yuasa began research into metal electrolysis in 1913, leading to the establishment of Yuasa Storage Battery Co Ltd in 1918, one of Japan’s earliest dedicated battery manufacturers.
Separately, Shimadzu established Japan Storage Battery Co Ltd in 1917 and began producing automotive batteries in 1919, building the foundation for what would eventually become the GS half of GS Yuasa.
Yuasa Product Range Today
Yuasa batteries are widely used across motorcycles, ATVs, personal watercraft, and other powersports vehicles, alongside a large industrial and automotive lead acid battery lineup sold globally.
GS Yuasa also supplies lithium ion batteries for electric vehicles and grid energy storage, expanding well beyond its traditional lead acid battery roots into newer battery chemistries.
Where Yuasa Batteries Are Manufactured
GS Yuasa operates manufacturing facilities across Japan, Europe, and other international markets, giving the company a global production footprint to supply both automotive and powersports customers.
Automotive industry reporting has documented GS Yuasa’s significant role as a battery supplier to major automakers, reflecting its scale as one of the largest battery manufacturers globally.
Yuasa Versus Odyssey And Other Powersports Batteries
Yuasa competes with other powersports and specialty battery brands like Odyssey, with Yuasa generally recognized for its long standing original equipment relationships with major motorcycle manufacturers.
Many motorcycle manufacturers install Yuasa batteries as original equipment from the factory, giving the brand strong brand recognition among riders replacing a battery for the first time.
Is Yuasa A Good Battery Brand
Yuasa batteries are generally well regarded for reliability, particularly in motorcycle and powersports applications where the brand has built a reputation through decades of original equipment manufacturer relationships.
Common feedback from riders highlights consistent starting power and a solid lifespan, though like any lead acid battery, performance depends heavily on proper maintenance and charging habits.
Yuasa’s own product resources emphasize proper battery maintenance practices, reflecting the company’s long history focused on battery education alongside manufacturing.
For motorcycle and powersports owners seeking a trusted original equipment style battery, Yuasa remains one of the most established and widely trusted names in the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Who Makes Yuasa Batteries
Who makes Yuasa batteries?
Yuasa batteries are made by GS Yuasa Corporation, a Japanese company formed in 2004 through the merger of Yuasa Corporation and Japan Storage Battery.
Is Yuasa a Japanese company?
Yes, GS Yuasa Corporation is headquartered in Japan, with roots tracing back to two separate Japanese battery manufacturers founded in 1917 and 1918.
What is Yuasa best known for?
Yuasa is best known for motorcycle, powersports, and industrial lead acid batteries, along with a growing lithium ion battery business for electric vehicles.
Are Yuasa batteries good for motorcycles?
Yes, Yuasa batteries are widely used as original equipment by major motorcycle manufacturers and are generally considered a reliable, trusted choice for powersports vehicles.
For a comparison with another popular powersports battery brand, see who makes Odyssey batteries.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.