Yamaha Launches Rally Around the Rhino Widget

Upload the Widget and Support the Rhino and Off-Road Industry at www.truthaboutrhino.com

CYPRESS, Calif. – August 5, 2009 – Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., in support of the TruthAboutRhino.com Web site, has launched the Rally Around the Rhino widget – an icon available for downloading onto any online site or page with a direct link to www.truthaboutrhino.com. The Rally Around the Rhino widget enables off-road enthusiasts and their online community friends show their support for the Rhino and the entire Side-by-Side (SxS) industry.

“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, 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.
###

SxS Vehicles are recommended for use only by licensed drivers age 16 years and older.

YAMAHA RESPONSE TO CBS NEWS STORY

Go to TruthAboutRhino.com for Accurate Information

CYPRESS, Calif. – August 4, 2009 – The following is an official statement from Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., in response to the recent CBS News story. This statement can be attributed to Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. Please go to www.TruthAboutRhino.com for more information.

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.

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.
###

SxS Vehicles are recommended for use only by licensed drivers age 16 years and older.

“Yamaha’s Whitetail Diaries” Set to Debut on Versus July 30

CYPRESS, Calif. – July 27, 2009 – Yamaha Outdoors and Careco Multimedia announce the debut of “Yamaha’s Whitetail Dairies” television series on Versus starting on July 30, 2009. The hunting series will be seen three times weekly with airings scheduled for Sundays at 9:00 a.m. and Thursdays at 7:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Each episode will also be available on line at www.carecotv.com.

Whitetail Diaries has historically brought viewers some of the best whitetail deer hunting stories from across the nation. These stories have always highlighted North America’s most sought after game animal -- the whitetail deer. Every episode of the 22-week series includes a fast paced mix of product features, stories, hunts and valuable insight about hunting the whitetail deer. While this great series of shows is now going into its third season on Versus, this will be the first year that Yamaha has been involved in the show as the title sponsor.

“Yamaha is more involved in the hunting community than any other ATV manufacturer, and we are excited to build on our reputation in the outdoors as title sponsor of Whitetail Diaries,” says Yamaha ATV and Side-by-Side (SxS) Marketing Manager Steve Nessl. “We are honored to join Whitetail Diaries in their commitment to bringing the viewer the best hunting action possible, and we look forward to sharing appropriate and responsible use of Yamaha ATV and SxS products with their viewers.”

“Yamaha is a perfect fit for our Whitetail Diaries series of shows, and the safety message that Yamaha is wanting to portray within the series is of utmost importance to all users of ATVs and SxS vehicles. Not only will we be seeing the best all-terrain units in action on the hunts but we’ll be educating viewers on the importance of safety and being responsible riders,” says Wade Middleton of Careco Multimedia.

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.
###

SxS Vehicles are recommended for use only by licensed drivers age 16 years and older.
ATVs with engines 90cc or greater are recommended for use only by riders age 16 years and older.

Yamaha Contributes More Than $300,000 Towards Safe, Responsible OHV Riding and Access

Yamaha Contributes More Than $300,000 in First Half of 2009 Towards Safe, Responsible OHV Riding and Access

Yamaha OHV Access Initiative Grants $110,000 in Q2 2009 bringing Program Total to $985,000;Continues Grassroots Effort To Make Critical Resources Available to the OHV Community Nationwide

CYPRESS, Calif. – July 23, 2009 – The Yamaha OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) Access Initiative GRANTed more than $110,000 in cash and equipment to ATV riding clubs, national forests, local land managers, recreational conservancy advocates and other members of the greater OHV community in the second quarter of this year. These GRANTs bring Yamaha’s total contributions for 2009 to $300,000, and the total contributions to date to more than $985,000, in support of the Access Initiative’s mission to promote safe, responsible riding and open, sustainable riding areas.

In addition to the financial support provided, Yamaha corporate employees, field staff and dealer partners have been directly involved in projects in their own respective areas this year. Yamaha corporate employees cleaned trails and planted more than 1,200 seedlings in the San Bernardino National Forest as part of important OHV trail and reforestation projects, and Yamaha’s regional and district managers nationwide have stepped in to help potential GRANT applicants identify appropriate projects and funding opportunities.

In this second quarter funding cycle, 12 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 Q2 2009 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)
• 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.”

The Yamaha OHV Access Initiative funds OHV access-related projects that include, but are not limited to:

• Trail development, restoration and maintenance
• Trail signage, mapping and map production
• Staging area construction, renovation and maintenance
• Responsible OHV riding education and outreach
• Land stewardship and education
• Legislative lobbying efforts

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 third quarter of 2009 should be postmarked by August 31, 2009.

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@yamaha-motor.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 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 Launches www.TruthAboutRhino.com

New Site is Resource for Accurate Information; Encourages Enthusiast and Industry Support

CYPRESS, Calif. – June 24, 2009 – 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.

###

SxS Vehicles are recommended for use only by licensed drivers age 16 years and older.

Yamaha Announces Ag-Comm Scholarship Winners

University of Florida Chapter and Two Purdue Students Receive Inaugural Yamaha Awards

CYPRESS, Calif. – June 3, 2009 – Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., has named the recipients of its inaugural Yamaha-ACT Scholarship Program. The University of Florida Chapter of the National Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT) will receive the chapter award, and Whitney Siegfried and Katherine Kuykendall, both ACT members from Purdue University, earned the individual scholarships. As recipients of the individual scholarships, both Siegfried and Kuykendall will also have the opportunity to serve as interns for Yamaha during the 2009 Ag Media Summit.

Yamaha’s new scholarship program was launched this year to provide financial assistance to members of the ACT, a national college student association with 354 registered members located on 17 college and university campuses across the country. ACT’s mission of fostering professional development is at the core of the new Yamaha-ACT Scholarship Program.

As part of the application process, students were asked to incorporate important ATV and Side-by-Side (SxS) safety messages into practical communications pieces such as a feature story, brochure or press release. This part of the application was meant to show an example of the students’ quality of work, and also to seed safety messages that they can carry throughout their careers as professional communicators.

“Yamaha congratulates each of the recipients of our 2009 Yamaha-ACT Scholarship program, and we are proud to assist them in their pursuit of a career in agricultural communications,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s ATV and SxS group marketing manager. “We hope that our application process allowed these ACT students to learn new lessons about safe, responsible off-road vehicle use. This is valuable information they can use throughout the professional and personal lives.”

“ACT is about providing students with practical opportunities to grow as future professional communicators, and Yamaha’s scholarship program fits right in with that purpose. To win, the students have to apply their communications skills—writing, design, and public relations. This year’s winners really showed some skill and talent, ” said Jeff Miller, professor of agricultural communications at the University of Arkansas and national adviser of ACT.

The Yamaha-ACT Scholarship Program is broken out into two individual student scholarships and one chapter scholarship. All three scholarships are aimed at helping students attend the annual Agricultural Media Summit (AMS). As the largest gathering of crop and livestock media professionals in the country hosted by the Agricultural Editors’ Association (AAEA) and the Livestock Publications Council (LPC), the AMS is the ACT’s primary career development networking opportunity for these students each year.

Applicants were judged based on merit, need and quality of submission materials by a review committee consisting of Yamaha employees; ACT faculty adviser and Associate Professor for Agricultural Communications at the University of Arkansas, Dr. Jefferson D. Miller; AAEA President Elect and Director of Communications at Iowa Soybean Association, Karen Simon; and Livestock Publications Council President and Senior Director at The American Quarter Horse Journal, Jim Bret Campbell.

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 .
###

www.UTVGuide.net

Yamaha Teams with Phiten Racing to Offer Titanium-Based Products

Yamaha Teams with Phiten Racing to Offer Titanium-Based Products

Cypress, CA—Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS) is proud to introduce the new and innovative Phiten Racing Product Line consisting of a Necklace, Bracelet, and Tapes.

Phiten products, which are used by many top racers and athletes around the world, apply cutting-edge technology to draw forth the maximum potential of both mind and body.

Phiten utilizes a unique processing technology, the Phild Process, to bond titanium with water molecules. The Aqua-Titanium™ permeates each fiber of Phiten’s wearable products, helping to stabilize the flow of bioelectric current in the wearer’s body.

The line of Phiten Racing Products offers a number of potential benefits:
• Helps alleviate discomfort by relaxing the muscles
• Allows for more fluid movement by increasing flexibility
• Maximizes the body’s potential by achieving optimal balance

The sporty black Phiten Racing Necklace X30 (MSRP $110.00) is made of 100% titanium-infused, flame-retardant fabric and is secured with a hypoallergenic, pure titanium clasp. The stylish black elastomer rubber Phiten Racing Bracelet (MSRP $22.00) features Micro-Titanium Spheres. This enhanced material is created with charged titanium particles. The Phiten Racing Tapes X30
(MSRP $15.00) are available in a 30-pack of easy to apply self-adhesive tapes.

“Phiten products are already a phenomenon in Japan, where they were first developed, and they are quickly gaining popularity throughout the world,” noted YMUS’s General Manager of Parts and Accessories, Mo Murray. “Phiten is endorsed by hundreds of the world’s top athletes. It has been featured in many magazines and newspaper articles, as well as on TV and radio.” Murray continued, “Phiten Racing Necklace X30, for example, is permeated with a form of Aqua-Titanium™ that is 30 times more concentrated than standard Phiten products, and was designed especially for Formula 1 racecar drivers and extreme athletes to provide them the best of both function and fashion. Yamaha is pleased to be able to offer this cutting-edge technology to our customers.”

Phiten Racing Products are available exclusively at authorized Yamaha Dealers; for a dealer near you call 1-800-88-YAMAHA. To view Yamaha Genuine Parts & Accessories’ full line-up of gear, casual apparel and accessories visit www.yamaha-motor.com.

www.UTVGuide.net

Yamaha Contributes More Than $700,000 to OHV Access in 2008

OHV Access Initiative Takes Lead in Promoting Safe, Responsible Riding and Sustainable, Open Access

CYPRESS, Calif. – January 7, 2009 – Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., via the company’s new OHV Access Initiative, injected more than $700,000 in cash and equipment in 2008 directly into projects across the country supporting safe, responsible riding and sustainable, open riding areas.

In the program’s first year, Yamaha took a leadership role in the ongoing issue of OHV access by providing GRANTs (Guaranteeing Responsible Access to our Nation’s Trails) to more than 65 local, regional and national organizations representing the greater OHV community. Awardees from the OHV Access Initiative’s fourth quarter funding cycle include:

· The California Trail Users Coalition
· Cheaha Trailriders, Alabama
· Aitkin County, Minnesota
· Arrowhead ATV Club, Minnesota
· Dixie National Forest, Cedar City Ranger District, Utah
· Florida Trail Riders
· Lewis County Department of Forestry, Parks & Recreation, New York
· Paul Bunyan Forest Riders, Minnesota
· Rose City – Lupton Area Chamber of Commerce, Michigan
· Embarrass River ATV Park and Campground, Wisconsin
· Town of Rome, Dyracuse Recreational Park, Wisconsin

“By directly funding public and private land management and enthusiast-initiated projects, the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative is leading the grassroots effort in creating and sustaining safe and responsible riding opportunities,” said Mike Martinez, Yamaha’s general manager of ATV and Side-by-Side (SxS) Operations. “These GRANTs have become an important asset to the OHV community and we are pleased to continue this support into 2009.”

The primary purpose of the OHV Access Initiative is to provide funding of OHV access-related projects that include, but are not limited to:

· Trail development, restoration and maintenance
· Trail signage and map production
· Staging area construction, renovation and maintenance
· Land stewardship and education
· Responsible OHV riding education and outreach
· Legislative lobbying efforts

“This year, the OHV Access Initiative has demonstrated the ability to make a significant impact where it counts the most – on the ground,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s ATV/SxS marketing manager. “Riders, land managers and OHV groups are working together to submit quality applications in support of long-term access goals. Yamaha plans to expand this program and build on its success in supporting the OHV community well into 2009 and beyond.”

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 first quarter of 2009 will be accepted through February 28, 2009.

Updated guidelines, an application form and information on the OHV Access Initiative are available at:
www.yamaha-motor.com/ohvaccess. For questions regarding the OHV Access Initiative, groups can call Yamaha’s dedicated OHV Access Initiative Hotline at 1-877-OHV-TRAIL (877-648-8724), email OHVAccess@yamaha-motor.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 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 http://www.yamaha-motor.com.

www.utvguide.net