Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., through its OHV Access Initiative, has provided more than $1 million in critical funding into OHV projects across the country.  In less than two years, more than 100 Yamaha GRANTs (Guaranteeing Responsible Access to our Nation’s Trails) have been given to local, state and national organizations that are leading efforts to support safe, responsible OHV riding and sustainable, open riding areas.

Programs receiving GRANTs historically incorporate projects that directly impact specific trails, such as trail construction and maintenance, safety patrols, mapping and trail signage, as well as projects that address OHV usage on a broader scale — like educational and land stewardship campaigns and legislative or legal efforts supporting responsible OHV access to public lands.  GRANT funded projects span the country from New York to California, Florida to Oregon.  A complete list of GRANT recipients can be found at: www.yamaha-motor.com/ohvaccess

“Yamaha is leading national and local efforts to promote safe, responsible riding and open, sustainable riding areas, and reaching this $1 million milestone is symbolic of our commitment,” said Mike Martinez, Yamaha’s general manager of ATV and Side-by-Side Operations. “Together with our GRANT recipients, we recommit to these efforts each time an approved OHV project is funded and completed.  Through the OHV Access Initiative, Yamaha will to continue to provide vital resources to the OHV community for many years to come.”

In this third quarter funding cycle, eight Yamaha GRANTs (Guaranteeing Responsible Access to our Nation’s Trails) were awarded to fund projects that directly impact the access, safety and sustainability of OHV riding areas across the country.  GRANT recipients for Q3 2009 include:

• Birdseye Mountain ATV Club, VT
• City of Evarts, KY
• Cle Elum Ranger District, OR
• Dubois County Dirt Riders
• Off Road Riders Association
• Offroad Riders Matter Association
• Oregon Dept. of Forestry
• Western Slope ATV Association

About the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative

Each quarter, Yamaha accepts applications from non-profit or tax-exempt organizations including OHV riding clubs, national forests and associations, and national, state and local government agencies. A committee then reviews each application and awards GRANTs to deserving projects.

Examples of appropriate projects for GRANTs include, but are not limited to:

• Trail development, restoration and maintenance
• Trail signage and map production
• Staging area construction, renovation and maintenance
• Land stewardship, trail safety and education

Updated guidelines, an application form and information on the OHV Access Initiative are available at the newly redesigned web site: www.yamaha-motor.com/ohvaccess. For specific questions about the OHV Access Initiative, call Yamaha’s dedicated OHV Access Initiative Hotline at 1-877-OHV-TRAIL (877-648-8724), email OHVAccess@yamahamotor.com or write to: Yamaha OHV Access Initiative Review Committee, 6555 Katella Avenue, Cypress, CA 90630-5101.

Related posts:

1. Yamaha Continues to Support Safe, Responsible OHV Access Efforts Nationwide
2. Yamaha Announces Ag-Comm Scholarship Winners
3. Jury finds no product defect with Yamaha Rhino

(PRWEB) October 10, 2009 — With an extensive and solid line of field-proven compact tractors, KIOTI is pleased to announce their new line of Utility Transport Vehicles for work or for recreational uses.

Kioti Mechron UTV

Following years of design and both factory and field testing, these new models, will soon be available to the North American marketplace. The new MECHRON™ is a pure UTV, offering more combined productive features for either work or recreation than any other UTV in North America.

This Ultimate Transport Vehicle™ is driven by a fuel-efficient 22hp, 3-cylinder Daedong diesel engine that gives superb power and excellent fuel economy. With one of the widest tracks on the market and 4-wheel drive, the MECHRON™ delivers stable operation and superior traction over challenging terrain and up steep slopes. Front limited slip differential and rear differential lock are standard. The KIOTI UTV offers a 56″-wide dump bed – the widest on the market – for a 1600 pound payload capacity, 23% higher than the market leader.

For a smooth ride over rough terrain, the MECHRON™ includes a MacPherson strut suspension up front and independent Dual-A arms with adjustable coil springs in the rear. An industry-leading 12″ ground clearance creates a smoother ride on bumpy roads while helping to maintain the chassis even under the heaviest of loads.

For excellent maneuverability and steering ease, the KIOTI UTV features rack and pinion steering and 25 x 10-12 tires up front. Heavy-duty tubular steel frame construction and OSHA approved ROPS with seat belts are standard equipment. Its wide track and ergonomic design allow for a wide bench seat on which three people can ride comfortably.

Standard equipment includes a two-speed continuously variable transmission, four-wheel disk brakes, a rear hitch receiver for a trailer or three-point hitch, a convenient operator station with lots of storage compartments, halogen headlights and an excellent design for easy servicing.

Options include a hydraulic lift for the dump bed, front receiver and winch, rear operator screen, windshield, work lights, fog lights, dump bed cargo extenders and a Realtree Camo™ finish.

KIOTI also manufactures a full line of compact tractors in the 22 – 90 horsepower range from their Wendell, North Carolina headquarters. Both the tractor line and the new UTV line are available through the KIOTI dealer network. Dealers can be found on their website. KIOTI is now celebrating over twenty years in North America. For more information on the Ultimate Transport Vehicle™ or other KIOTI products, please call 877-465-4684 or visit www.KIOTI.com.

Related posts:

1. New Camouflage Design for Miller’s Performance Series Helmet Line
2. Polaris Announces Limited Edition ATVs and Side-by-Sides
3. Almost 80 percent of Hatfield-McCoy Trails now open to UTVs

Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., a leading maker of ATV and Side-by-Side (SxS) vehicles, reminds outdoorsmen and women that National Hunting and Fishing (NHF) Day is coming up on September 26.

Yamaha is a proud sponsor of NHF Day and is giving away a 2009 Grizzly 550 FI ATV with Electric Power Steering (EPS) to support the cause.  The sweepstakes runs through the end of October, and people can register to win online at www.yamahaoutdoors.com/nhfday

“Yamaha is in the outdoors year round, but National Hunting & Fishing Day gives us a special opportunity to show our support for outdoorsmen and women across the country,” said Steve Nessl, marketing manager for Yamaha’s ATV/SxS group.  Through its relationships with organizations such as Ducks Unlimited, Safari <http://www.off-road.com/offroad/Events%3A+All/Yamaha-Sponsors-National-Hunting-and-Fishing-Day/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/543967?contextCategoryId=45938##> Club International, Buckmasters, NWTF and NHF Day, among others, Yamaha is a continued supporter of conservation efforts for outdoor recreational enthusiasts.

Scheduled annually on the fourth Saturday of September, this year the celebration of hunting, fishing and conservation is set for September 26, 2009.  NHF Day serves as the most effective grass roots effort ever taken to promote outdoor sports and conservation.  Public commemorations of hunting, fishing and conservation are being planned nationwide.  And the official home of NHF Day, the Wonders of Wildlife museum in Springfield, Mo., is spearheading a national awareness campaign.  More information can be found at http://www.nhfday.org/.

The sweepstakes is open to all hosts, volunteers and attendees of any of the hundreds of nationwide events celebrating NHF Day.  The contest is also open to all outdoor recreational sports participants.  One lucky entrant, 18 years-of-age or older, will win a 2009 Yamaha Grizzly 550 FI EPS. Approximate retail value is $8,199.  No purchase necessary.  The sweepstakes ends at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time on Oct. 31, 2009.  The winner will be determined by random drawing. Complete rules, entry info and more information are available by visiting www.yamahaoutdoors.com/nhfday.

The growing list of sponsors for National Hunting and Fishing Day includes Wonders of Wildlife, National Shooting Sports Foundation, Bass Pro Shops, Sportsman Channel, Realtree, GunBroker.com, Hunting Heritage Trust, Cabela’s, Boone and Crockett Club, Smith & Wesson, Field & Stream/Outdoor Life, Woolrich, Yamaha and Pope and Young Club.

Related posts:

1. Yamaha Continues to Support Safe, Responsible OHV Access Efforts Nationwide
2. Trail riders encouraged by recent decision on Mississippi National Forest
3. Yamaha OHV Access Initiative Tops $1 Million in GRANTs for Safe, Responsible OHV Access

Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., through its successful OHV Access Initiative, continues to support landmark programs directed by the country’s most prominent outdoor recreation organizations which are leading national efforts to promote safe, responsible riding and sustainable, open riding areas nationwide.

A total of more than $100,000 in funds are being contributed through separate Yamaha OHV GRANTs to Tread Lightly!, the Blue Ribbon Coalition, the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA) and the National OHV Conservation Council (NOHVCC).

“The OHV Access Initiative has made fantastic strides from the grassroots perspective creating and maintaining responsible riding opportunities for local OHV communities,” said Mike Martinez, Yamaha’s general manager of ATV and Side-by-Side Operations. “Yamaha’s ability to also support these national projects, combined with our on-the-ground work through dealers and regional staff, continue to elevate the effectiveness of the OHV Access Initiative. The programs we’re supporting through the national organizations address issues that impact OHV enthusiasts from coast to coast.”

Related posts:

1. Yamaha OHV Access Initiative Tops $1 Million in GRANTs for Safe, Responsible OHV Access
2. Yamaha – National Hunting & Fishing Day Sweepstakes Runs Through October
3. May Declared Protect Your Right to Ride Month

After five outstanding years in the offroad winch industry, Gorilla Winches is proud to announce the expansion of their product line to include a broader range of products in the offroad category. In response to customer requests for quality products outside of the winch category, Gorilla Winches will be adding a wider range of ATV, truck, Jeep, and 4×4 accessories to their lineup, including wheels, tires, bumpers, brush guards, and Jeep accessories.
Even more exciting is the company’s decision to adopt a new brand name that more accurately reflects this expanded product line:

PROMARK OFFROAD

According to sales and marketing manager John Ostman, “Our new name will more accurately describe who we are and what we do. We manufacture and supply PRO-fessional quality OFFROAD equipment to ATV, truck, Jeep, and 4×4 enthusiasts worldwide.” Ostman notes that the company will continue to produce high-quality ATV and self-recovery winches (under the PROMARK OFFROAD name) along with their newly expanded product line. The PROMARK OFFROAD name will begin to appear on the company’s products as early as late September 2009.
The company has been hinting at a major announcement since the first of September, and Gorilla Winch customers have been eagerly awaiting the big news. Already an industry leader for durable, high quality winches and winch accessories, the company expects an expansion of their loyal customer base in connection with the expansion of their product offerings in the offroad industry.

As a tribute to the enormous influence that their customers have had in the evolution of Gorilla Winches into PROMARK OFFROAD, Ostman says, “We thank our loyal customers, and we look forward to the wild ride ahead.”
For the latest updates on Gorilla Winches’ transformation into PROMARK OFFROAD, visit the Gorilla Winches News and Announcements page.

Related posts:

1. Bushwacker UTV Enclosures
2. Jury finds no product defect with Yamaha Rhino
3. Our new 2009 Sandstorm Toy hauler

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.

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.

Related posts:

1. Yamaha Launches www.TruthAboutRhino.com
2. Yamaha Motor Corp. Offers Free Repair For 450, 660, and 700 Model Rhino Vehicles
3. YAMAHA RESPONSE TO CBS NEWS STORY

This year’s event was an amazing three-day staged race covering 998 miles of the grueling Nevada desert. The Jagged X RANGER RZR S was piloted by driver of record, Brandon Schueler and Blake Van de Loo, along with navigators Chad Riccio and Mike West. The No. 1919 started in the fourth position on Thursday prepared to take on the first 332 mile stage. Within the first two pit stages, Schueler had overtaken the lead position, and with only a few minor problems, finished the first day well ahead of the competition. Day two and three were much the same and in the end, the Jagged X RANGER RZR S ended up first across the line completing the grueling 1000-mile course and taking the top honors for the third year in a row.

In addition to winning the UTV class, Jagged X also managed to finish ahead of several other classes in the overall standings including the 1700 Jeepspeed and the new 4400 Ultra 4 class. Unofficially, the No. 1919 team finished approximately 125th out of the field of more than 270 starters, in more than 20 classes.

“It is just amazing what Jagged X has accomplished since there first ‘Vegas to Reno’ run.  The first year was about just finishing the race and now it is about showing that the RANGER RZR and Jagged X can compete well beyond the 1900 class,” said Craig Scanlon, director of Off-Road Vehicle sales for Polaris. “We congratulate the whole Jagged X team on the win and look forward to supporting Jagged X the rest of the season as they deliver a third straight BITD points championship.”

The win moved the team into the lead points position for this season with three races remaining. The next race is the Bilek Racing Silver State 300, September 25-27, in Mesquite, Nevada.

Jagged X is sponsored by Polaris Industries, Mountain States Contracting, Elka Suspension, CR Designs, S&S Off Road, Simpson Products, ATL Fuel Systems, Tire Balls, MTA, Vision X Off Road, OMF Performance, Affordable Powder Coat, Robby Gordon Off Road, Trophy Engineering, Fullbore Innovations.

Action Photo Source: Jon Crowley, UTVGuide.net

Related posts:

1. Polaris Ranger RZR and RZR 170 Product Launch
2. Polaris to Sponsor Robby Gordon Race Weekend
3. 2010 Ranger Cab Back with Windows

ATVs

2010 Sportsman 550/850 XP EPS-Browning Edition
Additional features on the limited edition model include:

* Exclusive Browning Edition Sportsman XP with Mossy Oak® Break-Up® camo bodywork
* 14″ Mossy Oak Break-Up camo rims
* Electronic Power Steering (EPS)
* Gun Scabbard
* Rear Rack Extender
* Hand Warmers
* Thumb Warmer
* Winch
* Work Lights

The MSRP (US) is $9,199 for the Sportsman 550 XP and $10,799 for the Sportsman 850 XP. The MSRP (Canada) is $11,099 for the Sportsman 550 XP and $13,099 for the Sportsman 850 XP. Machines are available in US and Canadian dealerships now.

Side-by-Sides

2010 RANGER 800 XP EPS LE-Sunset Red
Additional features on the limited edition model include:

* Sunset Red painted hood, dash and glove box
* Electronic Power Steering (EPS)
* Turbo Silver painted front and rear suspension springs
* Custom matte black hood accent decals
* Custom cut & sew stitched black and red deluxe seats
* 12″ black Crusher rims with PXT tires

The MSRP (US) is $12,399, and the MSRP (Canada) is $15,199. Machines are available in US and Canadian dealerships now.

2010 RANGER 800 XP LE-Pearl White
Additional features on the limited edition model include:

* Pearl White painted hood, dash and glove box with custom matched side panel decals
* Turbo Silver painted front and rear suspension springs
* Custom matte black hood accent decals
* Custom cut & sew stitched black and white deluxe seats
* 12″ black Crusher rims with PXT tires

The MSRP (US) is $11,599, and the MSRP (Canada) is $14,099. Machines are available in US and Canadian dealerships now.

2010 RANGER 800 XP LE-Ocean Blue

Additional features on the limited edition model include:

* Ocean Blue painted hood, dash and glove box with custom matched side panel decals
* Turbo Silver painted front and rear suspension springs
* Custom Sandstone hood accent decals
* Custom cut & sew stitched Ocean Blue and Sandstone deluxe seats
* 12″ black Crusher rims with PXT tires

The MSRP (US) is $11,599, and the MSRP (Canada) is $14,099. Machines are available in US and Canadian dealerships now.

2010 RANGER 800 XP LE-Browning Edition

Additional features on the limited edition model include:

* Exclusive Browning Edition RANGER with Mossy Oak® Break-Up® camo hood, dash and glove box
* Mossy Oak Break-Up camo rims with Polaris PXT tires
* Factory Installed Polaris 4500 lb. winch
* Custom cut & sew Browning seat with Buck Mark decal
* Dual Lock & Ride® black gun scabbards, positioned above bed

The MSRP (US) is $12,699, and the MSRP (Canada) is $15,449. Machines are available in US and Canadian dealerships now.

2010 RANGER 800 CREW LE-Sandstone Metallic

Additional features on the limited edition model include:

* Sandstone Metallic painted hood, dash and glove box with custom matched side panel decals
* Turbo Silver painted front and rear suspension springs
* Custom matte black hood accent decals
* Custom cut & sew stitched black and sand deluxe seats
* 12″ black Crusher rims with PXT tires

The MSRP (US) is $12,599, and the MSRP (Canada) is $15,299. Machines will be available in US and Canadian dealerships now.

2010 RANGER RZR LE-Tequila Gold

Additional features on the limited edition model include:

* Tequila Gold painted hood, dash and box panels
* Custom cut & sew stitched Tequila Gold and charcoal deluxe seats
* Custom decal package
* Turbo Silver painted front and rear suspension springs
* Maxxis® tires on 12″ black Crusher rims

The MSRP (US) is $11,599, and the MSRP (Canada) is $14,499. Machines are available in US and Canadian dealerships now.

2010 RANGER RZR LE-Turbo Silver

Additional features on the limited edition model include:

* Turbo Silver painted hood, dash and box panels
* Custom cut & sew stitched black and charcoal deluxe seats
* Turbo Silver painted front and rear suspension springs
* Maxxis® tires on 12″ black Crusher rims

The MSRP (US) is $11,599, and the MSRP (Canada) is $14,499. Machines are available in US and Canadian dealerships now.

2010 RANGER RZR S LE-Orange Madness

Additional features on the limited edition model include:

* Orange Madness painted dash and box panels
* Custom cut & sew stitched black and charcoal deluxe seats
* Orange Madness painted front and rear suspension springs
* Maxxis® Bighorn® tires on 12″ black Crusher rims

The MSRP (US) is $13,999, and the MSRP (Canada) is $17,499. Machines are available in US and Canadian dealerships now.

For more information visit Polaris Industries

Related posts:

1. Polaris Announces Limited Edition ATVs and Side-by-Sides
2. Polaris Ranger RZR and RZR 170 Product Launch
3. 2010 Ranger Cab Back with Windows

Labor Day Weekend usually means rest, relaxation and a long weekend. To one of the hardest-working racers in the sport, Robby Gordon, it is an opportunity to travel across the country and do what he loves best, race. Gordon will race The Off Road Championship (TORC), at Crandon International Off-Road Raceway, in Crandon, Wis., on Sunday, September 6, and then jump on a plane and head to Atlanta Motor Speedway for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Labor Day Classic 500, later that night.

“I am very excited about this new opportunity with Polaris as the primary sponsor of the TORC entry in Crandon and the NASCAR entry in Atlanta. To combine these two tracks where I historically perform well together on Labor Day weekend should make for an exciting double-header,” commented Robby Gordon on the Polaris sponsorship.

As part of the multi-year product development and marketing agreement Polaris and Gordon inked earlier this year, Polaris will be the primary sponsor of Gordon’s No. 007 TORC Chevy Silverado race truck for the TORC race and the primary sponsor on the No. 7 NSCS Toyota Camry, at the NASCAR Labor Day Classic 500.

“We can not be more excited to be associated with Robby and what he is trying to accomplish in both Crandon and Atlanta,” said Craig Scanlon, director of Off-Road Vehicle sales for Polaris. “Robby has quickly become a integral part of the Polaris family and we are very proud to have him represent the more than 3,000 employees at Polaris.”

On his 20-year anniversary of his first World Championship win in the series, Gordon returns to Crandon in hopes of capturing the first cup race of the TORC season. He is still the youngest off-road racer in history to win a World Championship title and ring at Crandon.

A whirlwind of a weekend, Gordon will practice for the TORC race on Friday and Saturday morning, then fly to Atlanta after Saturday’s practice to qualify for the NASCAR Labor Day Classic, and return to Crandon on Saturday night for more prep before the race on Sunday. After the TORC race, he’ll jump back on a plane to compete in the NASCAR race on Sunday evening.

“Earlier in the year, we began our relationship working on product development with Polaris’ Side-by-Side division. To have them become more involved in our program is very exciting, especially on the Off-road racing side of things. This enables us to continue sharing information back and forth to further help with the future development on the consumer Side-by-Side products,” stated Gordon on his relationship with Polaris.

This past winter, Gordon and Polaris entered into a three-year agreement that included Gordon providing insight on future products and promoting Polaris’ RANGER RZR Side-by-Sides. The agreement was unique in that Gordon would not only market Polaris product but also use his off-road expertise to help create new Polaris vehicles. It won’t be much longer when off-road enthusiasts will see the first of the units co-developed by Robby Gordon and Polaris.

“Gordon is one of the hardest-working names in racing, and his work ethic and off-road knowledge has been instrumental in the development of new Polaris products during the past seven months. We look forward to an exciting Labor Day race weekend and future product launch,” added Scanlon.

The TORC off-road race can be seen live on ABC, Sunday, September 5, from 4-5 p.m. ET. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Labor Day Classic 500 will air on ESPN, starting at 7 p.m. ET, Sunday night.

Related posts:

1. Three-peat! Jagged X Takes “Vegas to Reno” in RANGER RZR S
2. Polaris Industries Inc., Bobcat Company Announce Long-Term Strategic Alliance
3. “Yamaha’s Whitetail Diaries” Set to Debut on Versus July 30

Safety drives everything we do at Yamaha. We are proud of the safety record and safety features of the Yamaha Rhino, which has skyrocketed in popularity due to its exceptional reliability, safety and versatility.

Over 150,000 Rhino owners have used the vehicles safely, including the U.S. military, border patrol, and a growing number of law enforcement agencies, fire fighters and other first responders. In fact, more than 99 percent of Rhino owners have operated their vehicles safely and responsibly over millions of hours of use. The Rhino has won virtually every “first in class” award and top safety ratings in independent reviews since its introduction.

The popularity of the Rhino, and the fact that it represents a new category of off-road motorized vehicles, has made it a target for some plaintiffs’ lawyers who increasingly use the Internet, television advertisements and the news media to attract clients. As the first trial dates approach in personal injury litigation in various courts, some law firms have embarked on a misleading publicity campaign to influence potential jurors and/or the outcomes of these cases, and to solicit potential clients. Yamaha will properly deal with these cases in the courtroom based on all the relevant evidence and a fair opportunity to be heard.

Unfortunately, these law firms successfully convinced CBS News to help further their disingenuous publicity campaign, and the network aired a story on the Rhino that included inaccurate, incomplete and false information.

To begin with, CBS featured an incident involving Justin Miller, but failed to mention that Mr. Miller was driving a heavily modified Rhino. As the photo of that Rhino posted on CBS’s own website reveals and the investigating officer testified — the Rhino Miller was driving had an extended cage structure, and what looks to be a back seat bolted to the rear cargo bed. The vehicle’s owner signed a waiver for his purchase of a “Custom Rhino” stating that the vehicle has “additional third party parts and accessories not offered by the manufacturer” and releasing all claims against the dealer and “all other persons and entities” related to the purchase of the vehicle.

The CBS story also shows security camera footage of an incident involving Zach Murray, a former employee at a Yamaha dealership who is currently a plaintiff with his own pending lawsuit. In a post-incident letter to his employer, Mr. Murray wrote that he intentionally stepped out of the overturning vehicle. Although CBS was made aware of Mr. Murray’s letter, they neglected to include mention of it in their story.

In addition, Mr. Murray was not wearing a seatbelt or a helmet. He was operating the vehicle on pavement then made a sharp, high-acceleration turn, and did not stay inside the vehicle.

A more complete version of the security camera tape shows two other vehicles being driven recklessly on the same stretch of pavement where the accident occurred, suggesting that an atmosphere of horseplay existed just prior to Murray’s crash, and that the only reason for Murray to be making a sharp, high acceleration turn was to also engage in horseplay.

In a separate part of the story, CBS cites documents that discuss an early pre-prototype vehicle that had a different design than, and no relation to, the Rhino that is on the market today. Despite being told weeks ago that it would be false to imply that these documents relate to the Rhino in any way, CBS chose to include this misleading information in its report.

Yamaha was contacted for the CBS segment two months ago by Myron Levin, a freelance reporter with a long history of writing news stories that favor the plaintiffs’ bar. Yamaha provided a great deal of information to Mr. Levin, including responding to more than 40 written questions. Mr. Levin also conducted an hour-long interview with a Yamaha representative at Yamaha’s offices in California. Yamaha did not agree to an on-air interview with the reporter, Armen Keteyian, because we could not be assured that such an interview would not be selectively edited and used in misleading ways with statements taken out-of-context given the obvious plaintiffs’ slant with which the CBS producers were developing their story.

Like the CPSC, Yamaha takes very seriously any reported Rhino-related accident, and Yamaha has fully cooperated in the agency’s investigation of the Rhino and its request for modifications. Yamaha will continue to work to promote safe and responsible use of the vehicles, including the active, ongoing development of standards for all recreational off-road side-by-side vehicles, including the Rhino.

Yamaha stands firmly behind the Rhino and will continue to vigorously defend the product against baseless claims and distortions, whether they be from plaintiffs’ law firms or biased, inaccurate media reports parroting these lawyers’ claims. The Rhino is a safe and useful off-road vehicle when driven responsibly by licensed operators aged 16 or older and according to the instructions and warnings in our on-product labels, owner’s manuals, and other safety materials.

Related posts:

1. Yamaha Launches www.TruthAboutRhino.com
2. Jury finds no product defect with Yamaha Rhino
3. Yamaha Motor Corp. Offers Free Repair For 450, 660, and 700 Model Rhino Vehicles