YASA to move UK Headquarters to Bicester Motion’s Innovation Quarter
March 27, 2024
YASA Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz AG, has announced plans to relocate its UK headquarters to a new 8,220 m2, facility in the Innovation Quarter at Bicester Motion, a new technology park located in Bicester, Oxfordshire, UK.
Bicester Motion’s new Innovation Quarter is a £60 million investment intended to boost pioneering future mobility discovery. YASA has taken a fifteen-year lease across three interconnected buildings, with construction due to start on-site in summer 2024, and completion targeted for spring 2025.
YASA’s axial flux technology
YASA uses its axial flux technology to produce electric motors that are reported to be up to 4x more powerful than those used in nearly all Electric Vehicles on the road today, whilst being around 50% smaller and lighter. Containing a number of pressed stator cores, manufactured from soft magnetic composite iron powder, the axial-flux motors are said to offer best-in-class power and torque densities and are suitable for both hybrid and pure electric vehicle applications.
The company’s axial-flux electric motors were showcased as part of the new Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven concept car, unveiled last year.
Based in Oxfordshire
YASA employs over 400 people across several sites in Oxfordshire, including teams in innovation, engineering, manufacturing operations, and business support functions. Many of these teams will relocate to Bicester Motion in January 2026, upon completion of the new headquarters.
Markus Keicher, CEO, YASA, stated, “Having grown out of an Oxford University PhD in 2009, YASA’s home has always been in Oxfordshire. It is important for the company and staff that YASA maintains a strong foothold in the area, which is seen as a heartland of automotive technology in the UK. In order to meet the next stage of YASA’s growth, we need a new facility that matches our ambition and Bicester Motion is the right place for this and we are excited for the next stage of our journey as part of Mercedes-Benz.”
Daniel Geoghegan, chief executive, Bicester Motion, shared, “This is significant news for not just Bicester Motion but also the town, Oxfordshire and UK PLC that pioneering electric motor specialist YASA has chosen Bicester Motion for their new HQ as they continue accelerating their business. Their new headquarters will form a focal point for our latest phase of construction to showcase their impressive sustainable advanced technology innovation and secure local training and jobs.”
“By joining us, YASA’s new headquarters will enhance our already established and thriving community of fifty plus companies as well as Bicester and Oxfordshire’s important role as the home to world leading automotive technology and mobility brands. This significant pre-let is also a catalyst for our wider masterplan vision and delivery to include hotels and the Experience Quarter,” added Geoghegan.
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