asean has a hot new race! - yamaha motor company news,eng,no.2,2005,3月,3月,asean has a hot new...

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YAMAHA MOTOR CO., LTD.MARCH 1, 2005 ENGLISH

No.2BIMONTHLY

ASEAN has a hot new race!The 2nd Yamaha ASEAN Cup shows that

friendly regional rivalry is the way to build racing skills and

motor-sport culture

2 YAMAHA NEWS MARCH 1, 2005

UP FRONT

The dream of world-class riderscoming from the ASEAN regionSoutheast Asia is one of the largest motor-cycle markets in the world today with anestimated annual demand of about sevenmillion units. Yamaha enjoys the image ofa sporty motorcycle brand in this regionthat is closely tied to the race activities

Yamaha has promoted in the ASEANcountries continuously since the latter halfof the 1980s. Those activities reached anew level with the holding of the firstYAMAHA ASEAN CUP event inDecember of 2003. This new program developed out of aseries of strategy meetings that were heldin the ASEAN countries in February of2003 to come up with ideas for effectivelylaunching the new ASEAN market model4-stroke sporty moped “T110” (Indone-sian market name “Jupiter Z”). One of theideas that came up in all the meetings wasfor an ASEAN region race program usingthe new model. The final concept for aYAMAHA ASEAN CUP competitioncame from Mr. Tsuyoshi Yano (presentlyof the Marketing Group of the CV Busi-ness Marketing Center of YMC). Yano recalls: “We were confident that aninternational race program would be agreat stimulant for the T110 launch,because the local Yamaha race programshad all become well established in each

country and the quality of the competitionwas steadily increasing. Many riders wereready for a higher level of competition.But, even more so, I felt that the ‘seeds’Yamaha had planted with these race pro-grams had taken root as a new type ofsport culture in each country and peoplewere anxious to work to help this newrace culture grow and develop. That iswhy we wanted to start a new race pro-gram that would be more than just anotherproduct launch promotion. We felt that wehad to make this a program where the rid-ers from the different countries couldcompete against each other in a way thatwould be stimulating and raise the level ofrace culture in the entire region.” This is how the 1st YAMAHA ASEANCUP event came to be held in Jakarta,Indonesia on December 7, 2003. On thatday, 20,000 fans turned out to watch theclose-fought races at the circuit, and thesensation this event caused in the regionwas considerable. The staff involved inthat first successful event immediately

Building motorcycle culture in the ASEAN regionwith race events

The YAMAHA ASEAN CUP waslaunched in 2003 as a program to pro-mote motorcycle sports in the ASEANregion and build the Yamaha brandimage. The second holding of thisannual race event took place over thethree days of December 3~5, 2004 atthe Shah Alam Go-Kart Circuit inMalaysia. Participating were ridersfrom the five countries of Malaysia,Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore andthe Philippines. In this issue of YamahaNews we spotlight this new internation-al race event and the Yamaha spirit itembodies.

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began to dream out loud about the daywhen world-class competitors wouldemerge from the ranks of YAMAHAASEAN CUP competitors.

Motorcycle culture for the entireASEAN regionThat dream was carried on by everyoneinvolved at the 2nd YAMAHA ASEANCUP held in Malaysia in December 2004.This time competitors from the originalthree countries that participated in the 1stYAMAHA ASEAN CUP, Indonesia,Malaysia and Thailand, were joined byriders from Singapore and the Philippinesto bring the total number of competitors to50—all of whom were hoping to grab thetitle of No. 1 in the ASEAN region. Say YAMAHA ASEAN CUP Orga-nizer Mr. Nakata:“With its Sepang cir-cuit that hosts a round of the MotoGP,Malaysia is one of the ASEAN countrieswhere racing is especially big and also amarket where race activities can con-tribute directly to motorcycle sales. Thismade it an ideal place to hold the 2ndYAMAHA ASEAN CUP. For this eventthe organizers not only prepared the racecourse with special care but also orga-nized a fine schedule of additional attrac-tions for race week. All this made theevent one where riders, staff and specta-tors alike could thoroughly enjoy theASEAN CUP and the joys of motorcy-cling itself. We want to build on this expe-rience to help make motorcycles even bet-ter accepted and appreciated in theASEAN region.”And now plans are already under way forthe 3rd YAMAHA ASEAN CUP to beheld this December in Thailand.

YAMAHA ASEAN CUP and the“Touching Your Heart” spiritFor the 2004 YAMAHA ASEAN CUP

the Yamaha distributor for Malaysia,Hong Leong Yamaha Distributors(HLYD) took most of the organizationalresponsibility as the host country. HLYD’sCOO, Mr. C. H. Ng commented, “Wetried to prepare the event environment sothat the entrants from each country couldrace under the best possible conditions,and we also focused on making the eventmore enjoyable for the spectators through-out race week. We will be very happy ifthis event has helped more people feelcloser to the Yamaha brand.”True to Mr. Ng’s words, the race coursewas very well prepared, and the extent towhich measures were taken to make surethat everyone could compete under equalconditions was truly worthy of an interna-tional competition. Also, the various par-ties and attractions staged over the threedays of the event, like a mini motor show,booth displays of historical Yamaha facto-ry machines and a Kids Riding School, allset a good example for the organizing offuture YAMAHA ASEAN CUP raceevents. The Cup’s Organizing Committee Chair-man, Mr. Toshimitsu Iio (President ofYMAC) had this to say about the event:“The YAMAHA ASEAN CUP is notonly a motorcycle sports event but also awonderful opportunity for many Yamahafans and dealers in the ASEAN region tocome together and strengthen their rela-tionships. That is why we have a verystrong desire to see this event grow andprosper. This year’s event has shown thatthe riders from each team are competingon an increasingly high level while retain-ing their own national character.” Mr. Iiowent on to conclude: “The sight of the rid-ers competing so passionately has thrilledthe spectators here today. This is exactlythe kind of excitement that we at Yamahaexpress in our corporate slogan TouchingYour Heart.”

YAMAHA NEWS MARCH 1, 2005 3

Team Manager:

KUAN MENG HENG(Malaysia)

The ASEAN CUP is afantastic race event thatgives the teams from the

participating countries a chance to compete all-out against each other. Next year I want to doeven more so that we can race better.

Comments by the Team Managers

Team Manager:

THEERAPONGSANGTHONG

(Thailand)

In this ASEAN CUP wewere able to learn aboutthe racing styles of theother countries. We want to use this experience tobuild our skills so that next we can win the Thainational championships.

Team Manager:

SAEFUL ANWAR (Indonesia)

For the riders here whoare working hard withthe dream of becomingMotoGP riders some-

day, we hope this ASEAN CUP will continue. And,I also hope that we will see a lot of racing schoolsbeing held.

Team Manager:

NG MUN CHIN(Singapore)

Racing with the T110was very difficult for ourriders. But we learned alot this time about what ittakes to run fast with a small displacement bike.We hope to turn this year’s disappointment intosome podium performances next year.

Team Manager:

GREGORIO A. BUNCIO(Philippines)

We want to take thisexperience back to thePhilippines and use it to

help build the skills of our riders back home. I alsowant to say that the race was organized and runvery well and I want to use it as an example forrunning races in the Philippines. I hope this willcontribute to the growth of motorcycle racing inour country.

UP FRONT


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The YAMAHA ASEAN CUP is a one-make race using the Yamaha 4-stroke sporty mopedT110 (Malaysian market name “Lagenda 110”) that is now popular in the markets of par-ticipating countries like Indonesia and Thailand. Furthermore, to make the competitioneven fairer, the machines that the riders compete on are chosen by lottery, after which eachcountry’s team applies their own distinctive race colors. The final race day was blessed with good weather and some20,000 spectators crowded around the course to watch theaction in an excited and jubilant mood. Both the Novice andExpert class races were competed in a 2-heat format. In theNovice Class, last year’s winner, 13-year-old Doni Tata Pradityaof Indonesia, returned this year to win both heats and claim thetitle again. In the Expert Class, Thailand’s Preecha Yongsawan-garun won the title by finishing 1st in heat one and 2nd in heattwo. Also, Thailand won the overall team championship basedon total points gained by all team members.

Malaysia entered 10 riders in boththe Novice and Expert classes andshowed that it is one of the threeASEAN race powerhouses alongwith Thailand and Indonesia

The riders from Singapore competing in the YAMA-HA ASEAN CUP for the first time had some difficul-ty adjusting to racing on the underbone type T110moped, but they improved with each trial run. Thisexperience will surely pay off next time out

The sole entrant from the Philippines,Maico, also competed for the first timeand won cheers from the crowd for fin-ishing both heats. Many were moved tosee the way he worked alone withoutteammates to learn the ropes

Thailand’s Yongsawangarun won the title of “No. 1 ASEAN Rider” by racing with fervor while also showing maturity in his race plan

Last year’s Novice Class winner, Doni (Indonesia), returnedto make it two in a row. On his victory lap he gave his No.1sign in front of the Indonesian spectators

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Race Machine Drawing: A drawing was held to decide which machines each team woulduse. The 55 T110s had all been prepared in the same way and to make sure that no teamcould be given an advantage, the bikes were then distributed by a drawing of cards. Everyoneagreed this system was both fair and fun

Kids Riding Coach: In Japan, Norick regularly teaches a “Kids Bike School” and he didthe same at the ASEAN CUP as a special event. One of the participants, six-year-old Md Aliefbin Nizam said, “I’m so proud that I was able to ride the bike!”

Welcome Party: A Welcome Party was held for the arriving teams under the night sky withtables of delicious Malaysian cuisine.

Nouvo Caravan: Arriving at the event venue after a 490 kilometer tour from Thailand was afleet of 33 Nouvo bikes. The Nouvos, which had been customized with inventive designs, drewthe attention of the local spectators. Mr. Wanlop Kanjanda of Thai Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.said, “We wanted to prove that this is a machine that can handle long-distance cruising, too.”

Norick Advice for Riders: The race week schedule included an Advisory Session for theriders by MotoGP star Norick. The riders from the different countries listened intently as Norickoffered advice in race technique

Stunt Shows: The stunt shows really excited the crowd of 20,000 spectators. First Mr. RyoNarita demonstrated a variety of trick-riding stunts on a Yamaha scooter. Many of the fanswere amazed to see how easily Narita performed wheelies and big jumps

Norick Meets the Fans: Norick Abe also made an appearance in an autograph signingevent for the fans. Besides signing the posters that had been prepared for the event, Norickanswered requests of the happy fans by signing helmets and other accessories they brought

Yamaha Racing Heritage: A special “Yamaha Racing Heritage” display booth was set upnear the race course, where many spectators visited each day to see world championship-win-ning Yamaha machines like today’s YZR-M1 and YZ450FM as well as historical factory racerslike the YZR500 and racer gear


INTERNATIONAL FOCUSAddress: 64 Moo 1, Bangna-Trad Rd., Km. 21,

Tambol Srisa Jorrake Yai, Bangsaothong Sub-District, Samutprakarn 10540, Thailand

Chief Executive Officer: Mr. Tomotaka IshikawaDate of company founding: 12 March 1964Employees: 2,600 approx.

Corporate historyYamaha motorcycle business was estab-lished in Thailand on March 12, 1964,under the name Siam Yamaha Co., Ltd.The company has enjoyed continuousgrowth and popularity, which is partiallyattributable to the support and cooperationof both local authorities and YamahaMotor Co., Ltd. (YMC) in Japan. In June2000, YMC acquired a majority stake inYamaha’s Thai operation to reinforce itscorporate structure and world-class stan-dards. At that time, the company wasrenamed Thai Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.(TYM).TYM is regarded as one of Thailand’sleading motorcycle manufacturers and dis-

tributors. The compa-ny currently employsabout 2,600 people,enabling an annualproduction capacity of400,000 motorcycles.Today, Thai Yamaha’smanufacturing facili-ties are among thegroup’s largest outsideJapan, and we are nowexporting motorcycleparts, engines and fully-assembled units tocountries with stringent quality require-ments in Asia and the EU.

A high-potential marketThai Yamaha has achieved a 14% share ofthe Thai motorcycle market in 2004, whentotal demand reached two million units,representing a strong 50 percent year-on-year growth. Yamaha is successful in dif-ferentiating itself here in Thailand by cre-ating a premium brand image backed byunrivalled service, support, promotion andbranding activities.In 2002, TYM was the pioneer in intro-ducing an automatic transmission motor-cycle on the Thai market with the launchof the “Nouvo” model. Following up onNouvo’s success, we launched anotherautomatic model, the “Mio.” Unsurpris-ingly, this model has achieved the highestsales in the company’s history. This mile-stone firmly establishes Yamaha’s brandposition as Thailand’s leader in automaticmotorcycles. Meanwhile, other models inour lineup include the Spark R/Z, which isrecognized as the best handling mopedwith a racing performance image that tar-gets the stylish young adult market, andthe X-1, a new concept model developed

from the Spark that is sure to start a newmotorcycle design trend with its cool,exciting and original image.

A revamped sales network andcutting-edge marketingThai Yamaha is implementing an exten-sive redesigning of all the leading dealer-ships in its sales network using the“Yamaha Square” shop name. The entireexterior and interior design of these dealer-ships are being renovated in a futuristicand fashionable style that emphasizesquality of presentation–not only for themotorcycles but also for customer lifestylepresentations, activities, spare parts, appar-el and accessories. To spearhead ourworld-class marketing efforts in the motor-cycle industry, TYM has recently estab-lished a merchandising division in its com-mercial operations organization.

SERIAL 48

Thai Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. Building brand in market

Thai Yamaha Motor headquarters in Samutprakarn

The Nouvo was Thailand’s first automatic model Thai Yamaha advertising uses celebrity endorsements

To kick-start thisstrategic initiative,Yamaha launchedthe “SWiTCH”campaign with theaim of re-shapingthe company’simage among fash-ion-conscious con-sumers. Following thelaunch of“SWiTCH,” TYMsecured celebrity

endorsements for its various motorcyclemodels based on customers’ preference.The Mio model is advertised by the Thaipop group “Clash;” the X-1 model utilizes“Silly Fools,” another popular Thai band;and the original automatic motorcycleNouvo is promoted by “Sek Loso,” thesuper star of Thailand’s pop music scene. TYM is also an active promoter of andparticipant in motor sports. And, our suc-cessful racing team won every major 4-stroke racing competition in Thailand in2003. In the area of promotions, innova-tive initiatives include the creation of acontemporary “amusement park” conceptfor target customer participation, such asoutdoor activities and games, fashionshows, riding technique competitions, andmini-concerts. In addition, the launch ofthe Yamaha Club Card has made exclu-sive privileges available to cardholdersthat enable them to attend special pro-motional events such as movie pre-mieres. Thanks to these activities, ourretail sales jumped from an average of15,700 units per month in 2003 to23,700 units per month in 2004.

Brand valuesTo realize our ambitious plans for creat-ing the highest brand equity in the Thaimotorcycle industry, Thai Yamahastrives to differentiate itself with a clear

marketing strategy and the creation of atrend-setting brand image that appeals tothe young generation, rather than pursu-ing a strategy of price competition.To make the Yamaha “KANDO” philos-ophy a reality, TYM has adopted a poli-cy of continual improvement. And, wededicate ourselves tooffering products andservices that empowercustomers to pursuetheir desired lifestyles,while reinforcing theYamaha brand imagethrough product innova-tion and upbeat promo-tional and brandingactivities. Thanks tothese efforts, Yamahawas recognized as one


a high-potential

of the strongest brands in Thailand whenit was selected for the Superbrandsaward as the Winner of Automotive Cat-egory of year 2004.This report is from PhongstornErmongkonchai, Corporate Planning,Thai Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.

Travel attractions:: Bangkok, Thailand's capital city,is the center of everything, from traditional culture tothe country’s material prosperity. The most interest-ing tourist places in Bangkok are grand and splendidtemples and palaces. The Grand Palace containsseveral buildings with highly detailed architecturalfeatures, and it adjoins the Temple of Emerald Bud-dha. As the most respected temple in Thailand, itserves as the center for all religious rites for the stateand monarchy, such as ordinations under royalpatronage. Bangkok is also known as one of themost developed cities in the Far East. Visitors areamazed with the blend of traditional elegance andmodern aspects in the city.

Kingdom of Thailand■ Capital City: Bangkok■ Area: 514,000 sq km ■ Population: 6.5 million■ Currency: Thai baht

(40 baht/US dollar)

Interesting festival: The Songkran Festival (April13-15) is the traditional Thai New Year. It is an occa-sion for merrymaking in Bangkok as well as in otherparts of the country, accompanying religious cere-monies and public festivities. April is considered thehottest month of the year in Thailand, but Thais cooloff by splashing water at each other during this festi-val.

Thai food: Thai food is unique and has become oneof the most popular symbols of Thailand. Thai foodtastes spicy, sour, and simply delicious. One of theworld famous soups is Tom Yum Kung, a hot andspicy prawn soup with a tongue-tingling tasteachieved by mixing the flavors of chili, lemon grass,fresh lime juice and spices.

In vogue in Thailand: As Thai people are more andmore health-conscious, Thai spas have becomepopular among health enthusiasts. In recent years,new spas have sprung up in the cities and become

famous attractions. Many of themhave developed advanced tech-niques such as hydrotherapy andaromatherapy.Spas of Thailand are second tonone because of the distinctive tra-ditional Thai massage and the out-standing Thai hospitality of thewell-trained therapists. Most clientsare impressed by their smiles, theexpertise and tender attention.

Temple of Emerald Buddha The Grand Palace

Yamaha Square showrooms feature stylishexteriors and interiors

Promotional activities attract customer participation

Local racing activities are another successful form of promotion

EXPRESSRA

CIN

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In 2004, Yamaha won a “triple crown” in motorcycle racing asValentino Rossi and the YZR-M1 claimed the MotoGP title, StefanEverts and the YZ450FM captured the world motocross MX1 titleand Chad Reed and the YZ250 soared to victory in the AMASupercross series. And the winning didn’t stop there. A Yamahateam won the road race World Endurance Championship for thefirst time and many other regional titles went to teams on Yamahamachines. All around the racing world, 2004 was a Yamaha year. Now the Yamaha race program for 2005 has been announced, andit is one that shows Yamaha is setting its sights even higher, both inmachine development and in the roster of talented young riders ithas signed on.

2005 Yamaha2005 Yamaha

Valentino Rossi Colin Edwards

MotoGPGauloises Yamaha Team

Ruben Xaus Toni Elias

Fortuna Yamaha Team

Stefan Everts Brian Jorgensen

Yamaha Factory Team

Cedric Melotte

MX2 “YZ250FM”

WMX

Chad Reed Tim Ferry David Vuillemin

AMAMX1 “YZ450FM”

Yamaha Factory Motocross Team

SX “YZ250” & MX “YZ450F”

Noriyuki Haga Andrew Pitt

WSBYamaha Motor Italia

Norick Abe Sebastien Gimbert

Yamaha Motor France

* Run with support of European Yamaha group companies

Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov.

10 Apr. 6 Nov.MotoGP 17 rounds

3 Apr. 17 Sep.WMX 17 rounds

AMA SX16 rounds 7 May 22 May 11 Sep.AMA MX

12 rounds

26 Feb. 9 Oct.WSB 12 rounds

The 2005 Race Schedule (planned)

Valentino Rossi and the Gauloises team at the test session at Sepang, Malaysia (23/01/2005)

“YZR-M1” “YZR-M1”

“YZF-R1” “YZF-R1”

Dec.

8 Jan.

2005 Yamaha Race Program

Fretigne and the WR450F 2-Trac win Dakar Rally class!This year’s race season began inBarcelona on the last day of 2004 withthe start of the 27th Dakar Rally. Whenthe race finished in the Senegal capital,Dakar, on January 16, David Fretigne(34) (France, Yamaha MF GauloisesIpone) had finished 5th overall in themotorcycle division on the WR450F 2-Trac to win the 450cc class. Racing inhis second Dakar, Fretigne was the onlyrider to win three Special Stages. Fretigne won his second straight class

victory

EXPRESSRA

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Valentino Rossi sets sights on title with YZR-M1Four riders will race in the MotoGP from two Yamaha teams. Riding for thefactory Gauloises Yamaha Team will be last season’s champion, ValentinoRossi and Colin Edwards, who returns to the Yamaha camp for the first timein eight years. The satellite Fortuna Yamaha Team will enter Ruben Xausand Toni Elias. These teams and riders have already completed this year’sfirst round of tests at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia at the end of January.Several more test sessions are scheduled before the opener of this year’s 17round series takes place at Jerez in Spain on April 10. Expectations are highfor the performances of these riders and the YZR-M1, which now enters itsfourth year.

MotoGP

race teams ready to win titlesrace teams ready to win titles

Everts goes for his ninth world title!This year will be the second season since the world motocross championships (WMX)returned to a 2-heat per round format, and Yamaha teams will be competing in the pinnacleMX1 and MX2 classes. Riding for the Yamaha Factory Team will be Stefan Everts, who wonhis eighth world championship title last season, with a new teammate, Brian Jorgensen. Theywill compete on the YZ450FM. Aiming at a title shot in the MX2 class on the YZ250FM willbe last season’s 7th place finisher in the MX1 class, Cedric Melotte. The season opener takesplace on April 3 at the Zolder track in Everts’ home country, Belgium.

WMX

Reed starts strong in quest for second straight SX titleThe 2005 AMA Supercross (SX) series got under way in the U.S. on January 8 at the Anaheimstadium in California. Competing for the Yamaha Factory Motocross Team are last year’s cham-pion Chad Reed, David Vuillemin and Tim Ferry. Reed is naturally looking to win his secondconsecutive title. These same three riders will also compete in the AMA Nationals motocross(MX) series that starts in May. In bad weather and course conditions at the season opener, most of the leading riders took falls ina hectic race. Reed was among those who crashed and ended up in 16th place. But, since roundtwo he has been on the winners’ podium every time. The remainder of the season promises to be ahot battle with rival Ricky Carmichael (Suzuki).

AMA

Yamaha re-launches WSB race program with sights on the titleIn order to concentrate on the development of the YZR-M1 MotoGP machine and other 4-stroke technolo-gies, Yamaha suspended its World Superbike Championship (WSB) race program after the 2000 season.This year Yamaha returns to the WSB arena. Yamaha will be represented this season by the Yamaha MotorItalia team supported by the group company Yamaha Motor Italia. The riders will be Noriyuki Haga andAndrew Pitt. Also, the Yamaha Motor France team will enter the experienced MotoGP rider Norick Abeand Sebastien Gimbert. All will use the YZF-R1.

WSB

Rossi riding at the Sepang test (24/01/2005)


Pakistan

On November 23, 2004, Dawood Yamaha Limit-ed (DYL) held an opening ceremony for its new“Yamaha Town Lahore” showroom. As the firstmultipurpose showroom in Pakistan, the facilitywill not only provide a product display functionbut also serve as a business office and a hub forthe dissemination of information. The buildingincludes meeting rooms and education spaces,and expectations are high from the dealer sidethat the facility will be used for CCS-basedSales/Service training and as a place for closercommunication with the customers. The opening ceremony and press conferencewas attended by representatives from YMC, thearea’s motorcycle dealerships and journalists. In his speech, DYL’s presi-dent, Mr. Yunus Dawood, promised to build Yamaha’s brand image andcreate a strong base of market demand through CCS-oriented businesspractices. From Akito Matsuo, Advertising and CRM Dept., YMC

Yamaha Town Lahoremodel showroom opens

We always welcome your contributions.

Write to Chief Editor Rika Niwa of the Public Relations Dept.,Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.

2500 Shingai, Iwata, Shizuoka 438-8501 Japan, <[email protected]>

The tape cutting was followed by prayers in the Muslim tradition

Press tour the Yamaha Town facility

The new Yamaha Town Lahore showroom

Japan

YMC becomes official Asian Football Confederation sponsorIn a move to help promote the development of football throughout Asia, YMC has signed a sponsorshipagreement with the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) beginning in 2005. This year’s AFC match sched-ule will include the Asian qualifying matches for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. These importantmatches are sure to draw a large viewing audience across Asia and big exposure for Yamaha. AFC official website: http://www.the-afc.com/english/intro.asp


Southeast Asia

In 2004, Yamaha distributors across Southeast Asia proved that they are intenton contributing to society through CCS programs. For example, to help getchildren involved in the healthy sport of soccer, Thai Yamaha Motor held soc-cer clinics at schools, and donated scholarships and balls. In Indonesia, distrib-utor Angkasa Mesin organized a beach clean-up effort on the Island of Balithat drew 1,000 volunteers and a beach volleyball event in thetown of Pacitan on Java, while another distributor, PT HasjratAbadi Manado, organized a beach clean-up effort at the Kepu-lauan Bunaken Sea Park in Manado. In the Philippines, distributor

Distributors get serious about CCS programs

Australia

Yamaha dominatesSupermoto downunder

Yamaha’s YZ450F has blitzed Australia’sblue ribbon S2 Supermoto class competition.The combination of a Cisco tuned 4-strokeYZ450F and Shannon Johnson have provedunstoppable recently by dominating the 2004Australian Supermoto Championship with ascore of 197 out of a possible 200 points. After taking the national title, Johnson flew toPerth to snatch the WA Supermoto Cupunder the noses of the KTM/Husaberg spon-sors. Then he traveled down to Melbourne towin the Yamaha Supermoto Masters. The 24-year-old Victorian is also signed torace a YZF-R1 for the Yamaha RacingDevelopments 2005 Superbike Team andwill try to improve on his second overallplace from last season.From Sean Hawker, YMA, Australia

Shannon Johnson and the YZ450F were unbeatable in the2004 Australian Supermoto Championship

Scholarships and soccer balls were also donatedas a means of making the children’s interest inthe sport an ongoing one that contributes tohealthy lifestyles for tomorrow’s citizens (Thai-land)

Divers, volunteers, Miss Earth Interna-tional candidates and local govern-ment officials gathered to clean thegiant clam preserve and collect, cleanand replant the clams (Philippines)

The Managing Director of Emas Marine himself gives users adviceabout parts and maintenance (eastern Malaysia)

Spain

First-time PWC racesstimulate market

The WaveRunner division of YamahaMotor España S. A. (YMES) had a fullschedule of promotions in 2004 aimed atbuilding the Yamaha brand image andboosting its personal watercraft (PWC)sales in the competitive Spanish market.Among these was a first Rally for ClassicCars at Palma de Mallorca and two impor-tant new PWC race programs, the firstYamaha-Jet World Superjet Cup and thefirst Two-seater-Jet Spit Cup, both of whichgathered many entries and large audi-ences. These competitions are part of acomprehensive program of competitor sup-port and race promotion that YMES willmake an ongoing commitment to with theirbelief in racing’s ability to benefit sales.From Juan Carlos Montesinos, YMES,Spain

At the start of the Jet World Cup

The poster of Rally forClassic Cars

ALS Marine Center organized a Coastal Clean-up and Giant Clam HatcheryGround Breaking Event in Bauan, Batangas. In Singapore, distributor Suprate-chnic Pte. Ltd. sponsored a soccer tournament and participated in an environ-mental nature walk program. And, in eastern Malaysia, Yamaha distributorEmas Marine held an “Engine Clinic” offering free engine inspections and

much appreciated advice to users of some 160outboard motors. From Takashi Shimamoto, ME Company, YMC

Japan

Sales of Yamaha powered Volvo SUV begin In 2004, Yamaha Motor signed an agreement to beginsupplying automobile engines to the Ford group’sVolvo Car Corporation. Yamaha’s AM Operationsdeveloped a new 4.4-liter V8 engine jointly with VolvoCars that is now being used in the flagship model ofVolvo’s first full-scale SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle),“XC90.” The model mounting the Yamaha engine isscheduled to go on sale in the U.S. in February and inEurope in March of this year. From Kenichi Ishibuchi, AM Operations, YMC

The Volvo “XC90” mounting a Yamaha engine


Australia

Yamaha man recognised in Australian honours list

Singapore

Indonesia

At the opening ceremony, a tape cutting was fol-lowed by a speech by HLCH president Kwek LenPek and congratulatory words by YMC’s Region-al Promotion Center Chief Omura

YIMM’s president Takahashi adds a shovel of sand at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new factory in Indonesia

New showroom is country’slargest, most advanced

Groundbreaking for new factory in IndonesiaOn November 26, 2004, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for anew motorcycle factory to be built at Karawan west of Indonesia’scapital, Jakarta. The new factory, to be incorporated as P.T. Yama-ha Motor Manufacturing West Java (YMMWJ), will be Indonesia’ssecond manufacturing base for Yamaha motorcycles, joining P.T.Yamaha Indonesia Motor Manufacturing (YIMM). It will employ 700 with production beginning in January 2006 at afirst-year rate of 300,000 units and eventually expand that capacityto 600,000 units annual. Attending the ceremony were YMC’s presi-dent Kajikawa, and other chief executives from related companiesin Indonesia. That evening, some 40 journalists representing 29 media compa-nies attended the press conference, showing the Indonesianmedia’s expectations for this new factory. From Eiji Tada, Marketing Div., CV Business Operations, YMC

Yamaha’s Singapore partner HongLeong Corporation Holdings (HLCH)held a grand opening ceremony onNovember 26, 2004 for its new show-room in Singapore. Complete withService and Parts centers, the facility

gives HLCH the largest and most up-to-date business center inSingapore’s highly competitive motorcycle industry. The opening also doubled as a 25th anniversary celebration ofHLCH’s business relationship with YMC and some 200 guestsgathered from industry associates and other Yamaha compa-nies in the region including Singapore-based Yamaha MotorAsia Pte. Ltd. and Yamaha Motor Distribution Singapore Pte.Ltd., Malaysia’s Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Sdn., Bhd., whichsupplies its Yamaha brand motorcycles to HLCH on a CBUbasis, and Taiwan’s Yamaha Motor Taiwan Trading Co., Ltd.Singapore is an important trade hub for the ASEAN region, andYamaha is determined to make it a model market offering high-quality service and commanding a large market share.

The ceremony began with a Chi-nese Dragon Dance

Off-road motorcycle racing stalwart Geoff Ballard (45) is now a Member of theOrder of Australia (AM).This honour is bestowed for service in a certain field of activity and wasannounced in the annual Australia Day Honours list on January 26. Ballard

becomes the third Aussie motorcycle racer afterGP500 world champions Wayne Gardner andMichael Doohan to receive this award. Ballard is a Yamaha man well known in the indus-try, not only for his many past international titles inenduro racing but also as the present manager ofthe successful Australian Yamaha Enduro team.Ballard is also reigning Australian Enduro Champi-on in the Veterans’ class. His strong engineeringbackground has been instrumental in helping todevelop Yamaha’s successful WR enduro models.Congratulations to Geoff on this prestigious honour!From Sean Hawker, YMA, Australia

Geoff Ballard has been honouredby Australia for his contribution tooff-road motorcycle competition

Palau

V-MAX outboards shine in Independence Day racesAnnual boat races are part of the October 1 Inde-pendence Day celebrations in the Republic of Palau,a small Pacific island nation that is world-famous asa diving paradise. Because 2004 marked the coun-try’s 10th anniversary, races were held on an espe-cially large scale, drawing 30 competing boats and agallery of about 5,000 spectators. NECO Yamaha,distributor in Palau, made Yamaha a big presenceat the races by serving as one of the sponsors andalso entering boats powered by Yamaha V-Max out-boards that won the 200 hp class and 225 hp classraces and finished 2nd against a 300 hp F1 motor inthe Open class. The Yamaha boat was piloted byMr. Baret Ridep of NECO group. Next year they aimto win all three classes. From Tomoko Kakehi, OMDO, YMC

The winning pilot, Baret Ridep and theYamaha V-Max powered boat ofNECO group

NECO Yamaha staff pose in front ofthe V-Max

Japan

Indonesia

Yamaha Water Purifier dealersdetermined to expand sales


To have your topic included in Yamaha News World Topics:

1) Send us your text or an outline of the contents, making sure to specify who, what, when, where, why and how details.

2) Also send 1 or 2 high-resolution photos with explanations.

3) Submissions received in Japan by the 20th of odd-numbered months will be considered for the next issue.

Notice of when your article will appear in YN will be made after the editingprocess. Send your articles to me by the e-mail, (Ms.) Rika Niwa, at theaddress below. E-mail: [email protected]

YMC, regional companies rallywith earthquake, tsunami aid

Australia

Team Moto Yamaha wins #1plate!

In response to the devastation causedby the earthquake off the coast of theIndonesian island of Sumatra and theresulting tsunami (tidal wave), YMC inJapan and its group companies inIndonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Indiarallied to provide aid for the area’s vic-tims. Taking the form of monetary aid,Yamaha products, including 100 gener-ators, and programs such as free repairservice for motorcycles in the tsunamistruck areas, the initial Yamaha aid and relief effort has reached a total value ofabout 100 million yen (as of January 2005). We wish to take this opportunity to express our sincere condolences to the victims and ourhopes for as fast a recovery as possible for the communities affected.

Free repair service was offered formotorcycles in the area of southernThailand affected by the tsunami

Phil Catton won the #1 plate in the Veteran class and #2 plate in the Expert class inthe Yamaha ATV MX Nationals with his Team Moto Yamaha YFZ450

Phil’s winning Team Moto Yamaha YFZ450 machine and his two plates

The sport of ATV racing is big in Australia and Yamaha MotorAustralia Pty. Ltd. (YMA) keeps the Yamaha brand the major pres-ence in the sport as title sponsor of the national 2004 YAMAHAATV MX title competition. The 2004 “Yamaha ATV MX Nationals”were held in Outtrim over the weekend of November 13th-14thdrawing riders, spectators and support crews from all over Aus-tralia. In the veteran (over 35) division, Team Moto Yamaha’s PhilCatton rode the YFZ450 to victory in his first ATV Nationals titles.Phil also entered the prestigious Expert division, where he finisheda surprising 2nd to claim a National #2 plate as well! In doing so,Phil and the rugged YFZ450 completed a total of 10 individualraces that weekend. From Moto Yamaha, Australia

On January 26, Yamaha Motor Nuansa Indonesia (YMNI) held a meeting for itsYamaha Water Purifier dealers in the capital city, Jakarta. Eighty representativesfrom 13 dealerships around the country gathered to hear and discuss plans tomake the water purifier business even more efficient and successful in this high-growth market.In January 2005, Yamaha set up an Aqua Environment Business Division, thejob of which will be to streamline and strengthen our water operations under thekeywords of “safety and security,” “sanitation control,” and “environmentalimprovement” for future water resources. The twenty-first century is the centuryof water and many people around the world will be confronting problems of watershortages and poor quality water.If you have questions about water problems, please contact us at at <[email protected]>From Satoshi Hoshino, Aqua Environmental Business Div., YMC

At the meeting PT. Bahana Cipta MarketingManager Jane Wela accepts the award forOutstanding Dearlership from YMC’s SeniorManaging Director Miyao

With assistance from YMC’s OMDO and Pool Opera-tions, 1,539 used garments were sent to tsunami vic-tims in Sri Lanka

Many representatives from dealerships across Indonesiagathered for the Yamaha Water Purifier dealer meeting inJakarta

from Feb. 10 to13. Some 43,000

people visited theshow over its 4-day

run, bringing large crowdsto the Yamaha booth each day. 2005 is the year that Yamaha Motor cele-brates its 50th anniversary, and this year’sYamaha booth featured displays of our out-board motors (19 models), pleasure-useboats (8) and personal watercraft (5) withspecial focus on the new models. There wasalso a technology display featuring Yama-ha’s exclusive new “Super Float”FOAMAP technology, a revolutionary con-struction method that will be at the core ofour boat building from now on. Throughthese exhibits, Yamaha sought to communi-cate the joys of marine life and our efforts topromote the spread of marine leisure, aswell as Yamaha’s dedication to quality ineverything we build. The theme of the Yamaha booth was “TheSea – One-of-a-kind Weekends,” and it wasdesigned as an enjoyable space where all theshow visitors could share in the discovery ofthe joys of marine leisure.

Ever since Yamaha Motor entered theJapanese marine industry as a manufacturerof boats in 1960, the company has workedto promote marine leisure through a varietyof business and promotional activities. Theannual Tokyo International Boat Show pro-vides us with an opportunity to present to alarge audience not only our marine productsand boat-building technologies but also ourstance as a company deeply involved in themarine market. The 2005 holding of this show, the “44thTokyo International Boat Show” took place


The 44th Tokyo International Boat ShowYamaha presents “Wonderful World of Marine Leisure”The 44th Tokyo International Boat ShowYamaha presents “Wonderful World of Marine Leisure”


Pleasure-use Boats

Yamaha Motor first began manufacturing motor-boats in 1960 and ever since, we have continuedto use the most advanced technologies to devel-op and introduce new boat models. Today, wemanufacture and sell a lineup of boats rangingfrom 16 ft. to 53 ft. in length and designed tomeet a variety of customer needs. And now,Yamaha introduces its exclusive new “SuperFloat” FOAMAP as a new core technology onwhich we will base our next generation of boats.

Pleasure-use boats displayed:YAMAHA 38 CONVERTIBLE, CR-28 Twin EX, UF-27 I/B,YF-27EX, LUXAIR, YF-23 EX, AEROSPORTS 21,BAYSPORTS 21

FOAMAP is an entirely newboat-building technology inwhich urethane foam isinjected at high pressurebetween FRP structural pan-els to create a 3-layer com-posite material with out-standing floatability. It hasthree important advantages.(1) It has great floatability aswell as a high level of rigidityand creates a hull that is noteasily scratched or dam-aged. Also, should an acci-dent occur that opens a holein the hull and water is takenin, the FOAMAP constructed

boat has enough floatability to continue to cruiseupright under its own power. (2) The urethanefoam in the FOAMAP hull serves an insulatingrole that greatly reduces the noise of wavesstriking the hull while also providing heat insula-tion that helps maintain a more comfortable tem-perature inside the boat. (3) It eliminates theneed for structural elements like bulkheads, thusproviding more space for things like storagecompartments or fish tanks and a more spacious

living area. All these features will surely giveboaters a greater sense of security, comfort andconvenience.At this year’s Yamaha booth there was a specialtechnology display introducing the FOAMAPconstruction method and two of the eight Yama-ha boats exhibited are built with this method, likethe new “BAYSPORTS 21” which boasts roughlytwice the floatability of a single-layer FRP con-struction Yamaha boat of the same scale. Need-less to say, this attracted the attention of manyboat fans visiting the Yamaha booth.

Outboard Motors

The history of Yamaha outboard motors goesback to the development of our first 7 hp model,the “P-7” back in 1960. Ever since, we have

Outboard motors displayed: F250A, F225A, F200A, F150A, F115A, F90B, F80A,F60C, F50F, F40B, F30A, F25A, F15A, F9.9C, F8C, F6A,F4A, F2 (special exhibition model), VZ240B (VMA)

used our unique small engine technology todevelop, manufacture and sell a growing rangeof outboards, while at the same time building a

worldwide service network. Thanksto these efforts Yamaha outboardsare used and loved in over 180countries around the globe. Today Yamaha offers a full rangeof models from 3 hp to 300 hp,including a full lineup of 4-strokemodels (4 hp ~ 250 hp), all of whichwin high acclaim for their high per-formance, durability and fuel econ-omy as well as environmentalfriendliness. This reputation hasbeen proven in North America, themarket that accounts for 40% of the

world demand in outboards, as Yamaha out-boards were ranked No. 1 in customer satisfac-tion (CS) for two years in a row in a prestigiousU. S. marine engine competitiveness survey. On display in this show were 18 models fromYamaha’s lineup of 4-stroke models, includinga special exhibition model, a 2 hp “F2.” Particu-lar attention focused on the new model“F250A,” which is now Yamaha’s highesthorsepower 4-stroke but manages to achievespecs on par with a 2-stroke of the same hp interms of weight and compactness.

Personal Watercraft

Yamaha Motor began manufacturing personal watercraft (Marine Jets) in 1986. Sincethen, use of our WaveRunner PWCs has spread around the world, for leisure useand also as high-mobility craft for jobs like surf rescue and shore patrol. In 2001 Yamaha developed the world’s first production PWC powered by a 4-strokeengine. Today’s Yamaha PWC lineup includes eight models, six of which are 4-strokemodels. For the Tokyo Boat Show Yamaha’s PWC display includes five models, cen-tering on the new MJ-VX110DX and MJ-VX110SP 4-stroke models featuring elec-tronic fuel injection for even higher levels of fuel economy, cleaner exhaust and qui-eter performance. These models were the focusof a lot of visitor attention.

Personal watercraft displayed:MJ-FX160 CRUISER, MJ-GP1300R, MJ-VX110DX, MJ-VX110SP, MJ Rescue (special exhibition model)

A cut model of the “BAYSPORTS 21” boat built with the FOAMAP construction methodto achieve the very highest level of floatability

Boating fans are fascinated by the cut model of the state-of-the-art 4-strokemodel F250 in the outboard motor corner

The 4-stroke WaveRunner PWCs are popular in Japan too. Many visitors of all agesstop for a close look at the newest models

The “AEROSPORTS 21” is a multipurpose model for enjoyingeverything from wakeboard towing to fishing. It is also builtwith the FOAMAP method

Printed in Japanhttp://www.yamaha-motor.co.jp

YAMAHA MOTOR CO., LTD. Public Relations Dept.2500 Shingai, Iwata, Shizuoka, 438-8501 Japan Tel: 81-538-32-1115, Fax: 81-538-37-4250

Z O O M I NZ O O M I N

It was in February of 2002 that Yamahacreated a sensation in the snowmobileindustry with the launch of its first 4-

stroke models, the RX-1 and RX-1 Moun-tain. These were models that completelyredefined excitement and quality on thesnow for snowmobile users. The 4-strokepower unit it mounted was nothing lessthan a direct development of the state-of-the-art engine from Yamaha’s flagshipsupersport motorcycle, the YZF-R1! But,Yamaha’s engineers were not contentsimply to install this awesome engine intoa snowmobile chassis. “Yamaha had beenthrough four development projects overthe past two decades aimed at creating a4-stroke snowmobile. We were deter-mined to use all the development data wehad gained in those projects and the won-derful piece of engineering we had in theR1 engine to create a completely new type

of snowmobile. That wasthe RX-1 models,” saidthe RX-1 ProjectLeader at the time. Now Yamaha is proudto introduce a majormodel change of theRX-1 Mountain. Thenew model now featuresfuel injection as well as redesigned induc-tion valves with improved action. Theseimprovements have given this model evensharper response and better starting per-formance. Optimization of the relative positions andshapes of the handlebars, seat and steps(footrests) have also contributed to greateroperability and freedom of movementwhen riding in the standing position.The look of the new RX-1 Mountain hasalso been completely redesigned with

dynamic new lines that give an evenstronger impression of a wild animal setloose on the snowfields. It is a look thatvisually expresses the model’s excitingnew performance potential. Here is amachine that is truly worthy of beingcalled “the extreme hill-climber.” It is 38years now since Yamaha first started turn-ing out production snowmobiles. 2005will be remembered as the year a newchapter opened in that history of progressand evolution.

Meet the 2006 model “RX-1 Mountain”

The extreme hill-climber with a fantastic new look!

asean has a hot new race! - yamaha motor company news,eng,no.2,2005,3月,3月,asean has a hot new...

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