Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., has long touted its ATV and Side-by-Side (SxS) vehicles as being the toughest of their kind, and now a third party study conducted by ADP Lightspeed has proved that claim. More specifically, the ADP Lightspeed study shows that Yamaha has the most durable belt driven drivetrain in the industry.

“A lot of companies say they make the toughest ATVs, but now Yamaha can clearly prove that claim in our CVT transmission system,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s ATV and SxS group marketing manager. “The ADP study proves once and for all that our vehicles have the best CVT drivetrain reliability in the industry.”

Yamaha’s claim is based specifically on an ADP Lightspeed competitive comparison study of Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) belt components reported in warranty and non-warranty repair order records for 2007 to 2010 model year CVT belt-driven 4×4 ATVs with engines 400cc and above.

Yamaha’s reliable Ultramatic® automatic transmission system features an exclusive centrifugal clutch that allows the drive belt to remain under constant tension providing a key point of durability – something that sets it apart from competing models. Also exclusive to Yamaha’s Ultramatic system is the one way sprag clutch that not only aides in durability but provides the most natural feeling four wheel engine braking for maximum traction and rider confidence. This exclusive system is used in Yamaha’s toughest, most off-road capable ATVs and SxS vehicles including the Grizzly 700 ATV, Grizzly 550 ATV, Grizzly 450 ATV and Rhino 700 SxS vehicle.

A video on Yamaha’s website demonstrates how the Ultramatic system works as compared to the competition:
http://www.yamaha-motor.com/outdoor/products/advantages/534/1/0/advantages.aspx

ADP is a leading provider of integrated computing solutions to auto, truck, motorcycle, marine and recreational vehicle dealers throughout the world.

About ADP Lightspeed
ADP Lightspeed, based in Salt Lake City Utah, is a part of ADP Dealer Services, which provides integrated computing solutions to over 25,000 auto, truck, motorcycle, heavy equipment, powersports, and recreational vehicle dealers throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. ADP, with nearly $9 billion in revenues and about 560,000 clients is one of the world’s largest providers of business outsourcing solutions. For more information www.adplightspeed.com.

About Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., (YMUS) a leader in the motorsports market, makes the toughest, most capable and versatile ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings 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 dealers in the United States.

Headquartered in Cypress, Calif., since its incorporation in 1976, 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

Discuss the Yamaha Rhino and Grizzly at the following sites:

RhinoForums.net

GrizzlyCentral.com

Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., has contributed more than $80,000 in cash and equipment during the first quarter of 2010 to off-road riding clubs and land stewardship organizations across the country.  As part of this first funding cycle of 2010, Yamaha is pleased to announce that it will sponsor the Future Farmers of America Wildlife Proficiency.

“As our OHV Access Initiative continues to grow, we are finding new relevant areas that can benefit the overall OHV community,” said Mike Martinez, general manager of Yamaha’s ATV and Side-by-Side Operations.  “The FFA’s Wildlife Proficiency students are mentored into future employment with Federal, State and local public land management agencies; relationships that will be important to establishing and maintaining policies that preserve our land while providing OHV enthusiasts’ safe recreation opportunities for generations.”

Since the introduction of the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative in 2008, Yamaha has GRANTed (Guaranteeing Responsible Access to our Nation’s Trails) nearly $1.5 million to more than 123 organizations devoted to preserving and maintaining safe and responsible OHV access.

In the 2010 first quarter funding cycle, Yamaha GRANTs were awarded to eight applicants.  Awardees include:
• Future Farmers of America, National
• Friends of Oceano Dunes, California
• Great Falls Trail Bike Riders, Montana
• Indian Valley Creek ATV Club, Pennsylvania
• Oswego Valley ATV Club, New York
• Responsible Recreation Foundation, Colorado
• United Trails Association, Nevada
• Wisconsin ATV Association, Wisconsin

“Even as the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative has matured, we have maintained a steadfast focus on promoting safe, responsible riding and open, sustainable trails,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s ATV/SxS marketing manager.  “The results of the efforts supported by our GRANTs continue to benefit the OHV community locally, regionally and nationally.  We are very proud of the many results we’ve seen across the country and we will continue to build this program and support its critical mission.”

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.  Applications for the second quarter of 2010 should be postmarked by June 30, 2010.

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: 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.

About Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., (YMUS), a leader in the motorsports market, makes the toughest, most capable and versatile ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings 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 dealers in the United States.

Headquartered in Cypress, Calif., since its incorporation in 1976, 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.

The rumor coming down the pipe is there will technically be no 2010 Yamaha Rhino, but what will be introduced in Feb 2010, will be a 2011 model. All we can hope for at this point is that Yamaha is throwing a smoke screen and once the smoke clears, they will have miraculously released a new and improved Rhino!

A member on RhinoForums.net, leaked this Exclusive Order form The Air Resources Board this morning:

Thanks for the info Yank!

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.”

Well at least not yet anyways. We got excited when we heard that Yamaha would be releasing the 2010 model information today at noon eastern time. We thought maybe, just maybe that Yamaha would surprise us with a new sportier, better handling, more powerful Rhino, but we got nothing! Not even a new color or Special Edition like the ATV lineup got. Oh well, I guess we will have to continue to wait and just dream about how good the Rhino would look in the new Water Dipped White.

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.

“Since launching the TruthAboutRhino.com we have seen a tremendous positive response from our customers, dealers and the entire off-road industry,” said Steve Nessl, Marketing Manager for Yamaha’s ATV & SxS Group.  “Our customers are the people who support the Rhino the most, and the Web site gives them a home for their collective voice – one the general news media and other parties outside of the industry have yet to recognize.  By downloading the new Rally Around the Rhino widget, our fans can help us educate the general public and combat some of the negative and inaccurate information that’s out there.”

The widget is currently available for download by visiting www.TruthAboutRhino.com.  To download the widget simply click on the “share” button in the bottom right hand corner and copy and paste the html code into your personal Web site content.  Or, by clicking on this link or the “Download this Widget” link on the Truth About Rhino Web site, you can simply follow the instructions provided for the individual online media outlets.

The www.TruthAboutRhino.com Web site was created to provide accurate information about Yamaha and its Rhino SxS vehicles, to combat the recent flurry of inaccurate information and negative advertisements targeting the vehicle, and to encourage Rhino customers and the off-road industry to show their support for the SxS segment as a whole.  By adding the Rally Around the Rhino widget to any online media site including personal blogs, Web sites or FaceBook and My Space pages, fans can show their support and link to up-to-date information regarding the Truth About Rhino.  Yamaha also recently updated the Truth About Rhino Web site with RSS feed capabilities.  Visit the site and sign up today to begin receiving updates directly into your reader or browser regarding the Yamaha Rhino.

About Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS), a leader in the motorsports market, makes the toughest, most capable and versatile ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings 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, YMUS 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.

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.

About Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS), a leader in the motorsports market, makes the toughest, most capable and versatile ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings 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, YMUS 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 Motor Corp., U.S.A., has launched www.TruthAboutRhino.com. The new Web site has been created to provide accurate information about Yamaha and its Rhino Side-by-Side (SxS) vehicles, to combat a recent flurry of inaccurate information and negative advertisements targeting the vehicle, and to encourage Rhino customers and the off-road industry to show their support for the SxS segment.

From the original 2004 Rhino 660 introduction to present day, TruthAboutRhino.com documents key points in the history of the vehicle. Some sections of the site offer Yamaha’s safety recommendations and product specifications, while others highlight the many awards and accolades that the Rhino has received. Visitors to the site can find Yamaha history and general corporate background, and Rhino customers and enthusiasts can “Rally Around the Rhino” by filling out an online form or emailing messages or questions to: info@truthaboutrhino.com.

“With TruthAboutRhino.com, Yamaha has created a home for accurate information about our company and the Rhino product line, and we’re encouraging our customers and the industry to show their support,” said Steve Nessl, Marketing Manager for Yamaha’s ATV & SxS Group. “We’ve seen a disproportionate amount of negative and inaccurate information distributed recently, so we wanted to create a place where our customers, the general public and the news media can get the real facts.”

The new Web site includes background information on Yamaha and the Rhino, details on the March 31, 2009, Consumer Product Safety Commission repair program announcement (which has been inaccurately described as a recall), and provides a platform for Rhino fans and off-road enthusiasts in general to show their support.

“What has been lost in the firestorm of negative, inaccurate information about the Rhino is that the vast majority of our customers and SxS enthusiasts absolutely love their vehicles and its role in pioneering the SxS segment in the industry,” Nessl said. “In reality, statistics show that more than 99 percent of Rhino customers have never reported any claim or incident, a fact never mentioned in the plaintiff attorney ads or Web sites where they troll for new clients. We decided it was time to create a home online for ourselves where accurate information about our vehicle can be found.”

Yamaha’s Rhino safety recommendations and guidelines, which are posted on TruthAboutRhino.com, include:
· Drivers must be 16 years or older and have a valid motor vehicle license. Children under 16 should never drive a Rhino.
· To ride in a Rhino, a passenger must be tall enough to place both feet flat on the floorboard with his or her back against the seat back and be able to reach the passenger hand holds.
· Driver and passenger should always wear seatbelts and protective gear/clothing including: Helmet, Eye protection, Gloves, Over-the-ankle boots, Long sleeves and Long pants.
· Drivers and passengers should stay completely inside the vehicle at all times.
· Rhinos are designed for off-road use only. They should never be operated on public roads or paved surfaces.
· As with any motor vehicle, safety features are no substitute for driving responsibly. Avoid aggressive or reckless use of the Rhino.
· For more safety recommendations, please check out the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association web site at: www.ROHVA.org .

Some customer and fan feedback is also already posted on the site, including a video compilation from the most recent Rhino Rally in Glamis. Yamaha plans to update the site on a regular basis with more news, fun events, photos, videos and comments from the public.

“Rhino customers are our biggest supporters and the most enthusiastic about SxS vehicles and Yamaha,” Nessl said. “We look forward to their feedback on the TruthAboutRhino.”

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.
To dicuss this with other rhino owners, please visit RhinoForums.net, the world’s largest Rhino enthusiast website!