Digital Moto News

Yamaha Release

Yamaha is saddened whenever anyone is injured in a Yamaha product-related accident, and we urge all our customers to follow the safety recommendations on our products and, as importantly, to always operate the products in a safe and responsible manner.

The jury’s decision to reject the plaintiff’s claims and award no damages in this case is appropriate. The jury made a decision based on the facts. The testimony and evidence during the trial showed that this tragic accident had nothing to do with the design of the product. Yamaha’s top priority is and always has been the safety of our customers, and we pride ourselves on the safety and quality of our products.

This accident demonstrates the importance of following the safety guidelines posted on the vehicles and the owner’s manuals. Rhinos are designed for off-road use only, and the vehicle is only recommended for adult drivers aged 16 or older with a valid driver’s license. Passengers must be large enough to keep their backs against the seat backs with both feet firmly on the floorboard. Drivers and passengers should wear helmets and the vehicle’s three-point seat belts at all times.

More Information Yamaha stands firmly behind the Rhino as a safe and useful off-road vehicle and will continue to vigorously defend the product. To learn more about the Yamaha Rhino, visit our website www.truthaboutrhino.com.

About Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS), a leader in the motorsports market, offers the toughest, most capable and versatile ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles. The company’s ever-expanding line of products also include motorcycles, outboard motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power equipment, race kart engines, accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of more than 4,000 dealers in the United States.

Headquartered in Cypress, Calif., since its incorporation in 1977, Yamaha also has facilities in Wisconsin and Georgia, as well as factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. For more information on Yamaha, visit www.yamaha-motor.com.

Yamaha Contributes More Than $300,000 for Responsible OHV Riding

Yamaha recently donated another $110,000 to off-highway vehicle groups as part of its OHV Access Initiative, GRANT, bringing its 2009 total to more than $300,000. ATV riding clubs, national forests, local land managers, recreational conservancy advocates and other members of the greater OHV community have benefitted from the donations.

To date, GRANT (Guaranteeing Responsible Access to our Nation’s Trails) has donated more than $985,000 to the cause. Access Initiative’s mission is to promote safe, responsible riding, along with open and sustainable areas.

Recent recipients of the money include: Black Hills National Forest (SD), Clark County Forestry and Parks Department (WI), Dayton Valley Events Center (NV), Florida Trail Riders (FL), Green County ATV Club (WI), Indian Creek Valley ATV Club (PA), Public Access Preservation Association (CO), Portage Lakers ATV Club (ME), San Diego Off-Road Coalition (CA), The Cascade Project (ID), Tri-County ATV Recreation and Rescue Association, INC. (PA), and Van Buren Pine Runners ATV Club (ME).

“Yamaha’s commitment to the OHV community, demonstrated by the continued, aggressive GRANT funding and hands-on support, remains strong,” said Mike Martinez, Yamaha’s general manager of ATV and Side-by-Side Operations. “Yamaha considers it our duty as a leading OHV manufacturer to help support these efforts and ensure that OHV enthusiasts have open access to safe and sustainable riding areas.”