Yamaha Unveils the World's Most Affordable Four-Stroke Personal Watercraft

Aug. 2004 /PRNewswire/ -- Building on more than 40 years of marine engine development experience, Yamaha Motor Corporation U.S.A. announced today a new series of four-stroke personal watercraft, specifically designed to broaden the accessibility of on-water family recreation.

The new 2005 VX Series WaveRunners represent Yamaha's next generation of family watercraft utilizing the latest in low noise, low emission four-stroke technology, and delivering class-leading performance, comfort, reliability, and most importantly, fun -- all at an attractive price.

Yamaha was able to achieve the lower price point through advances in concurrent engineering and a streamlined design process. Although Yamaha has been manufacturing WaveRunners in the U.S. since the '80s, the VX series is the first set of Yamaha WaveRunners primarily conceived and designed in the U.S.

Named after the aeronautical formula VX that represents the best rate of climb to overcome obstacles, Yamaha's new WaveRunners eliminate all obstacles that stand in the way of PWC ownership.

"The VX series is designed for the millions of Americans who enjoy watercraft riding on a regular basis but don't own one because of price," said Mark Speaks, president of Yamaha WaterCraft. "Similar to the Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3-Series automobiles, these watercraft allow consumers to experience the full versatility and performance of a Yamaha WaveRunner, while giving them the freedom to 'rise above' price barriers."

The VX series features two models, the VX(TM)110 Sport and the VX(TM)110 Deluxe. Priced at $6,999, the VX110 Sport is 30 percent less expensive than the industry average of $10,000 for four-stroke watercraft. The VX110 Sport is a three-person WaveRunner designed for every way PWCs are enjoyed. Highly-versatile, powerful, and capable of towing a skier or wakeboarder, the VX110 Sport is the ideal craft for family recreation and multi-passenger adventure touring.

At $7,699, the VX110 Deluxe is the world's first full-featured, three person, four-stroke PWC under $8,000, and is considered the most important and influential watercraft to come along since Yamaha's introduction of the world's first four-stroke watercraft in 2001. With bold, stylish designs, the VX110 Deluxe offers all of the features of the VX110 Sport, plus amenities such as the industry's only remotely-controlled security system and Low-RPM Mode, which lowers the craft's top speed.

With more than 90% Americans living within an hour's drive of a major body of water, the VX series represents a major breakthrough in redefining the on-water family recreational experience. Specifically:

• New lower price point encourages first-time buyers and families looking to re-enter the sport
• New four-stroke PWC are 75% cleaner, 80% quieter, and 20% more fuel efficient then older 2-stroke models, thus benefiting both users and non-users alike
• For rental agencies, customers will be able to experience the newest technology for PWCs, and operators will be able to benefit from the significantly reduced operating expense
• Multi-passenger watercraft utilizing the newest technology create a family recreational experience like no other

The VX series has an aggressive, enhanced style with a shorter bow and a longer body. Equipped with an all new, 4-cylinder engine that boasts 110 horsepower, the VX delivers all the power and efficiency of a 4-stroke watercraft at an affordable price. Most importantly, the operator of a VX model enjoys one of the best, ergonomically designed riding positions ever integrated into a watercraft, giving the VX a striking profile and head-turning good looks.

Advanced order requests for both models are available through Yamaha dealerships immediately, with delivery of the new VX series WaveRunners starting December 2004.

For more information, please visit wwww.yamaha-motor.com .

Source: Yamaha WaterCraft Group Company