On September 22, 2010, a green Kawasaki Teryx 750 FI 4×4 Sport rolled off the assembly line in Lincoln, Nebraska. It was more than another side-by-side—it was the three-millionth powersports vehicle produced at Kawasaki’s American manufacturing facility.
A Major Kawasaki Manufacturing Milestone
Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp., U.S.A. marked the occasion with more than 1,500 employees gathered at the Lincoln facility. The milestone came approximately 36 years after Kawasaki established its manufacturing presence in Nebraska.
“During these 36 years, we have expanded, responded to market demand and changed our production models,” KMM president Matsuhiro Asano told the assembled employees.
The Lincoln plant was established in 1974, with vehicle production beginning in January 1975. Its first completed machine was a Kawasaki KZ400 motorcycle. The facility was historically significant because Kawasaki became the first Japanese vehicle manufacturer to establish a production plant in the United States.
Why the Three-Millionth Vehicle Was Significant
The identity of the three-millionth vehicle reflected an important shift in the powersports market. Kawasaki’s Lincoln production had once been dominated by motorcycles and ATVs, but utility and recreational side-by-sides had become an increasingly important part of the plant’s output by 2010.
The milestone machine was a 2010 Kawasaki Teryx 750 FI 4×4 Sport. Powered by a fuel-injected 749cc V-twin engine, the two-seat Teryx combined recreational performance with a tilting cargo bed and practical utility capability.
Introduced for the 2008 model year, the original Teryx helped establish Kawasaki in the emerging recreational UTV category. The 2010 version received revised front styling, a forward-tilting hood, improved cooling and several durability updates. Its place in Kawasaki’s development is covered in our history of the Kawasaki Teryx.
Inside Kawasaki’s Lincoln, Nebraska Plant: MULE PRO Factory TourGo inside Kawasaki’s Lincoln, Nebraska manufacturing plant to see how MULE PRO side-by-sides are built, from laser-cut steel components to final assembly and computerized quality-control checks.
Built in Lincoln, Nebraska
Kawasaki’s Lincoln operation grew far beyond its original motorcycle assembly role. Over the years, the plant produced ATVs, MULE utility vehicles, Teryx recreational side-by-sides and Jet Ski personal watercraft, while the larger manufacturing complex also supported rail-car production.
UTV Guide later visited the facility for an inside look at its manufacturing processes. See our tour of the Kawasaki Lincoln plant and how MULE side-by-sides are built.
Reaching three million vehicles during a difficult economic period made the 2010 achievement particularly meaningful.
“Even in this hard situation, we have achieved the 3 millionth production vehicle today,” Asano said. “This is a mere milestone for KMM’s continued growth.”
A Piece of American UTV History
The three-millionth-vehicle celebration captured two important chapters of Kawasaki history in a single moment: the company’s long-standing commitment to American manufacturing and the growing influence of the side-by-side market. Fittingly, the vehicle representing that transition was a Kawasaki-green Teryx.
Explore more Kawasaki UTV news, reviews and model history on UTV Guide.
