Statement on Mathis vs Yamaha

FOURTH JURY VERDICT FOR YAMAHA MOTOR CORPORATION, U.S.A.,
JURY IN ALABAMA REJECTS PLAINTIFF’S CLAIMS REGARDING YAMAHA RHINO

Yamaha Statement on Mathis vs Yamaha Decision in Alexander City (Tallapoosa County), AL

CYPRESS, CA – AUGUST 12, 2010 – A jury in Tallapoosa County, Alabama today rejected the plaintiff’s claims and returned a unanimous defense verdict for Yamaha in Mathis vs Yamaha, a case involving an accident on a Yamaha Rhino in Alexander City, Alabama. This verdict in favor of Yamaha is the second in 24 hours and marks the fourth time a jury has rejected plaintiff’s claims regarding the Rhino’s design, finding no defect in the Rhino.

Yamaha is saddened whenever anyone is injured in an accident involving a Yamaha product and the accident in this case underscores the importance of following the safety guidelines posted on the Rhino and in the owner’s manual, and to always operate the products in a safe and responsible manner. Drivers and passengers should wear helmets, protective gear including over-the-ankle foot wear, and the vehicle’s three-point seat belts at all times.

The Rhino is a safe and useful off-road vehicle that has won virtually every “first in class” award and top safety ratings in independent reviews since its introduction.

Yamaha stands firmly behind the Rhino and will continue to vigorously defend the product. To learn more about the Yamaha Rhino, visit our website www.truthaboutrhino.com.

This statement can be attributed to Van Holmes, Public Relations Manager, ATV & SxS Department, Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.