Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. Announces ATV Production Transfer Strategy

CYPRESS, Calif., Feb. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (YMC) today announced plans to transfer its all-terrain vehicle (ATV) production currently in Japan to the United States.  With this transfer, the production capacity of YMC's Japanese subsidiary – Yamaha Motor Powered Products Co., Ltd. (YMPC) – will be integrated into YMC's U.S. subsidiary based in Newnan, Georgia – Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America (YMMC).

The move, currently in the planning stages, is scheduled to begin in early 2011 and is intended to optimize manufacturing capacity and improve productivity.  The transfer will facilitate the consolidation of both production management and manufacturing technologies, as well as afford an increased level of responsiveness to market needs by maximizing production in the United States, the country with the largest demand for ATVs.  The production transfer to Newnan, Georgia, is expected to be complete by 2013.

"We are pleased to have this additional ATV production transitioning to YMMC in Newnan, Georgia," said Mike Martinez, General Manager of ATV & SxS Operations, Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.  "We expect this transition to have a positive impact on the local economic community and provide worldwide recognition for our state-of-the-art facility and its ability to produce durable and reliable off-road vehicles."

YMMC currently manufactures ATVs ranging in engine displacement from 250cc to 421cc.  The production transfer will increase the facility's production lineup to include a wide range of Yamaha ATVs up to models with large 700cc engines.  This transfer allows YMPC to concentrate on manufacturing generators, multi-purpose engines and golf cars, while YMMC will also continue to manufacture golf cars, personal watercraft and Side-by-Side vehicles.

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 Motor also has facilities in Wisconsin and Georgia, as well as factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. For more information on Yamaha Motor, visit www.yamaha-motor.com.

SOURCE Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.