Annual Sales of Electric Motorcycles and Scooters in North America Will Multiply Nearly Ten-Fold by 2018, Forecasts Navigant Research

BOULDER, CO – May 17, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – The vast majority of electric motorcycles and scooters sold worldwide are sold in China. To date, little demand for these vehicles has existed outside Asia Pacific, with the exception of a few Western European countries such as Germany and Spain. According to a recent report from Navigant Research, that will begin to change in the next several years: sales of e-motorcycles and e-scooters in North America will grow from a little more than 4,000 in 2012 to more than 36,000 in 2018, a nearly ten-fold expansion, the study concludes.

“The market for e-motorcycles and e-scooters will grow as manufacturers provide more robust features, including longer range capability, better performance, and in the case of e-motorcycles, higher speeds,” says Dave Hurst, principal research analyst with Navigant Research. “The North American market is still very much in its infancy, but the United States will see strong growth, with a compound annual growth rate of greater than 50 percent through 2018.”

In Asia Pacific, scooters and low-powered motorcycles are widely used as everyday transportation. In North America, by contrast, motorcycles and scooters (including e-motorcycles and e-scooters) are more likely to be used for recreation than as a primary form of transportation. The interest in higher-powered and touring motorcycles is higher in North America than other regions, and so e-motorcycles and e-scooters are often purchased as complements to other forms of transportation.

The report, “Electric Motorcycles and Scooters”, provides a comprehensive examination of the market drivers and barriers, technology issues, governmental incentives and regulations, and key drivers of growth in the e-motorcycles and e-scooters industry. The report includes e-motorcycle and e-scooter sales forecasts through 2018, as well as detailed profiles of key industry players. The report also provides forecasts for lithium ion and lead-acid battery technologies used in e-scooters and e-motorcycles. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Navigant Research website.

About Navigant Research

Navigant Research, the dedicated research arm of Navigant, provides market research and benchmarking services for rapidly changing and often highly regulated industries. In the energy sector, Navigant Research focuses on in-depth analysis and reporting about global clean technology markets. The team’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Smart Utilities, Smart Transportation, Smart Industry, and Smart Buildings sectors. Additional information about Navigant Research can be found at www.navigantresearch.com.

About Navigant

Navigant (NYSE: NCI) is a specialized, global expert services firm dedicated to assisting clients in creating and protecting value in the face of critical business risks and opportunities. Through senior level engagement with clients, Navigant professionals combine technical expertise in Disputes and Investigations, Economics, Financial Advisory and Management Consulting, with business pragmatism in the highly regulated Construction, Energy, Financial Services and Healthcare industries to support clients in addressing their most critical business needs. More information about Navigant can be found at www.navigant.com.

* The information contained in this press release concerning the report, “Electric Motorcycles and Scooters,” is a summary and reflects Navigant Research’s current expectations based on market data and trend analysis. Market predictions and expectations are inherently uncertain and actual results may differ materially from those contained in this press release or the report. Please refer to the full report for a complete understanding of the assumptions underlying the report’s conclusions and the methodologies used to create the report. Neither Navigant Research nor Navigant undertakes any obligation to update any of the information contained in this press release or the report.

Contacts

Navigant Research
Richard Martin, +1-303-493-5483
richard.martin@navigant.com
or
Laverne Murach, +1-202-481-7336
laverne.murach@navigant.com

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Steve Johnson Takes Over as Motorcycle Industry Council Aftermarket Committee Chair

Former Chair Frank Esposito to Remain Active on MIC Aftermarket Committee

IRVINE, CA – May 15, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Motorcycle Industry Council board member Steve Johnson assumes the position of MIC Aftermarket Chair. In his new role, Johnson takes over for former Chair Frank Esposito, who is stepping down after serving in this position since 2004. Esposito, who also sits on the MIC board, will continue to be an active member of the Aftermarket Committee.

“I am pleased to have the opportunity to lead the Aftermarket Committee for the MIC,” said Johnson, president and COO of Tucker Rocky Distributing. “Our industry has survived the greatest recession in our lifetime. We are seeing signs of an economic turnaround and it is critical that all constituents in the powersports industry find ways to capitalize on this recovery. There are many pressures on our industry ­– from land closure to unfavorable laws from both the state and federal level – that will have negative consequences. MIC has recently created the opportunity for powersports dealers to become MIC members. It is important that all interested parties come together with a stronger, united voice to make sure the powersports industry is represented. The Aftermarket Committee will continue to play a key role in initiating and supporting these efforts.

“I want to thank Frank Esposito for his leadership of the Aftermarket Committee,” continued Johnson. “Frank has always been a passionate, creative and articulate voice in the Aftermarket Committee. I also want to thank MIC President Tim Buche for his outstanding leadership of the MIC.”

Added Esposito, president of Kendon Industries, Inc.: “I am very grateful to everyone who supported me during my time as chair of the MIC’s Aftermarket Committee. I’m pleased with and proud of the accomplishments and diligence shown by the committee and the membership task force over the last 10 years. But change is healthy; it keeps us fresh and challenges the status quo. Now is the right time for change and so the time has come to rotate from the chair. I believe that Steve is the ideal next candidate. His industry experience and commitment to the aftermarket will prove invaluable as he takes over as chair. I look forward to working with him in this new capacity and also to continuing to serve as an active member of the committee.”

The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. As a not-for-profit, national industry association, the MIC seeks to support motorcyclists by representing manufacturers, distributors, dealers and retailers of motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, ROVs, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts, accessories and related goods and services, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies and consultants.

The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org.

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Yamaha Wins a Second Consecutive Indian Design Mark (I Mark)

The CYGNUS RAY scooter bestowed India’s prestigious design award for 2013

April 16, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. is proud to announce that the stylishly designed “CYGNUS RAY” scooter manufactured and marketed by group company India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd. (IYM) is the recipient of the prestigious India Design Mark (I Mark)* awarded by the India Design Council. Following last year’s award for the YZF-R15, this is Yamaha Motor’s second consecutive I Mark award.

The India Design Council is affiliated with India’s Ministry of Commerce & Industry and is made up of eminent people in academia, design and industry organizations. Its India Design Mark (I Mark) awards program was initiated in cooperation with the Japan Institute of Design Promotion, and in line with the same standards set by Japan’s Good Design Award (G Mark). Open application and judging for the first I Mark awards was in 2012, and in the award’s second year, 2013, the Yamaha CYGNUS RAY was one of 39 I Mark recipients.

As the Indian economy grows and more young women play an increasingly large role in society, there has been a growing demand for compact, easy-to-use, stylishly designed women-oriented scooters. Launched in September 2012, the CYGNUS RAY was developed to meet these needs and is the Yamaha brand’s first scooter model for the Indian market.

Its innovative styling is based on a design concept of being “Sophisticated & Dynamic,” and the model is full of fine touches that women appreciate, such as a seat designed with easy leg reach to the ground and good comfort in tandem riding in mind, convenient and practical storage space and easy-to-operate center and side stands.

“CYGNUS RAY” Indian market model

Comment from Seiji Higashihara, Design Manager for the CYGNUS RAY
I feel deeply honored that Yamaha’s first scooter model for the Indian market, the CYGNUS RAY has won the I Mark. And all of the people who worked to help get this model to the customers certainly feel the same way.

The CYGNUS RAY is the product of great efforts and much trial and error to grasp a full understanding of the desires and aspirations of young Indian women who are entering society in increasing numbers as students and workers, and to reflect those feelings in its design. I believe that the I Mark award is Indian society’s recognition of these efforts by Yamaha people. Encouraged by this award, we will continue to work to bring to the Indian market more products with attractive designs like the CYGNUS RAY.

*India Design Mark (I Mark): First held in 2012, this design award is intended to increase design awareness and promote value of design in the industry and society in India and improve the quality of life overall by encouraging and giving recognition to good design. Of the 39 recipients of the India Design Mark in the second awards (2013) were five products from three Japanese companies. Applicants for the I Mark award must satisfy any two of the three requirements: (1) “Made in India” (2) “Designed in India” or (3) “Sold in India.” Furthermore, the product must pass other requirements, including that it is a complete and mass-produced product. (Translated from a report from the Japan Institute of Design Promotion)

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Revive Your Ride! Spring Giveaway Starts April 15

Free Promotion Offers More Than $30,000 in Prizes

IRVINE, CA – April 16, 2013 – Motor Sports Newswire) -  The Revive Your Ride! Win Big Spring Giveaway starts today. Designed specifically to build excitement for two-wheeling and to bring the riding community back to the many retailers of motorcycles and ATVs, the promotion is free to powersports retailers and free to consumers.

The program allows powersports retailers to offer customers a chance to win one of 50 great prizes:

• Grand Prize:             $5,000+ Gift Certificate
• First Place Prize:      $3,000+ Gift Certificate
• Second Place Prize: $1,500+ Gift Certificate

Lucky winners will ride away with a prize package of gear, parts, accessories, or gift certificates. Gift certificates can be redeemed at the participating dealer’s store for gear, parts, accessories, or service – whatever the customer wants. That’s right. If one of your customers wins a gift certificate, the MIC buys the winner a gift certificate for your store.

The product package giveaways range from a Schuberth S2 helmet, a Tour Master jacket, a Brand 34 sweatshirt signed by Kevin Schwantz, Tucker Rocky gift certificates, a Klim Overland pants and jacket set, a Shoei helmet, a Kendon stand-up lift and much more.

This year, three participating powersports retailers also have a chance to win a great prize. The dealer of the Grand Prize winner, another dealer picked at random from all dealers, and the dealer who has the most consumer entries will win a $2,000 Revive Your Ride Party which includes: catering up to $1,000, an additional $200 for DJ and/or decorations and 8 ea. one hundred dollar gift certificates as door prizes for your guests courtesy of the MIC Aftermarket Members. But that’s not all. They will also win two VIP passes to the American International Motorcycle Expo, October 16-17, 2013 in Orlando Florida, including VIP access to AIMExpo and featured events, two nights lodging at a Rosen property hotel in Orlando, $300 airfare voucher for flight to and from Orlando, $100 gift/meal card and more.

“For no money at all, retailers can give their customers a shot at winning one of 50 great prizes. And what could be better than a $5,000, $3,000 or $1,500 gift certificate to their favorite dealership?” said Cam Arnold, vice president aftermarket at the Motorcycle Industry Council. “It’s a great way to get riders into your store and a great way to get them thinking about bikes, gear, service and the open road. The giveaway can bump up customer traffic, support new product introductions, help move older product, encourage customers to come in for end-of-season service, holiday shopping and much, much more. We’re also excited about the Revive Your Ride! Party-Package for participating retailers. Someone’s going to win each prize, and three retailers will have a lot to celebrate.”

The promotion is free. Retailers sign up at www.mic.org/reviveyourride. Then receive two promotion posters and have unlimited access to online downloadable flyers, postcards, web content and other digital assets. In addition, each retailer is issued a unique dealer code and is listed on the dealer locator on the public Revive your Ride! website at www.reviveyourride.org.

It’s easy and free for retail customers, too. They enter the Revive Your Ride! Fall Promotion by getting the entry code from their dealer. Then, they go to www.reviveyourride.org, enter the entry code and complete the online entry form. That’s it. Winners will be notified on or after July 25, 2013. For a complete set of rules, click here.

Revive Your Ride! was created and is funded by the aftermarket members of the Motorcycle Industry Council specifically to build excitement for two-wheeling and to bring the riding community back to the many retailers of motorcycles, ATVs, ROVs, service and aftermarket parts and accessories.

The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. It is a not-for-profit, national industry association representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts and accessories, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment firms, media companies and consultants.

The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office near Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org. Visit Revive your Ride! website at www.mic.org/reviveyourride.

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First Full Model Change of the “FINO” Thai Market AT Commuter

Even more stylish design plus greater cost performance with the new fuel-injected engine.

March 25, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. announces the release of the new “FINO,” an automatic transmission (AT) commuter model with a stylishly designed body that mounts a new 115cc engine equipped with Yamaha’s exclusive “YMJET-FI”* fuel injection system. The model will be released on the Thai market in late March 2013 and is manufactured and marketed by group company Thai Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (TYM).

The Thai motorcycle market has held an annual demand of about two million units, but in 2012 it reached a new record high of 2.13 million units (Yamaha Motor survey) bolstered by a strong economy, and gradual growth is expected to continue.

Originally launched in 2006, the FINO has been popular as a highly fashionable AT commuter model, especially among young people, and in the seven years since, it has reached cumulative sales of approximately 1.5 million units in the Thai market. With the increasing demand in recent years for models with better fuel economy however, a growing number of customers have been hoping for a new FINO equipped with fuel injection.

For this first full model change of the FINO, a development concept of a “Stylish & Smart FINO FI” was adopted to answer the preference in the Thai market for models that offer both good functionality and stylish design. In addition to the lower fuel consumption thanks to the fuel injection system, major evolutions of the FINO’s design and functionality are sure to please existing FINO fans while also aiming to attract new customers.

While clearly inheriting the previous FINO model’s DNA, the design of the new model has evolved to a new level of stylishness with flowing and active body lines and a headlight and taillight with an attractive, jewelry-like look. Furthermore, the new engine with Yamaha’s YMJET-FI fuel injection system, along with other improvements, achieves better fuel economy and more comfortable performance (less vibration, improved engine start-ups). Other features like an “answer-back” function on the first multi-function remote control key ever on a Yamaha model for the ASEAN market boost the new FINO’s product value.

This is another model that will contribute to the aim of “expanding business scale and increasing profitability” laid down in Yamaha Motor’s new medium-term management plan announced in December 2012 and its high level of product quality and competitiveness will surely contribute to expanding Yamaha sales in this market.

*YMJET-FI (Yamaha Mixture Jet-Fuel Injection): A fuel injection system employing an auxiliary air intake passage besides the main passage to provide an “air assist” for more efficient mixing of the air and fuel that helps improve fuel economy in the practical use range.

“FINO” (2013 Thai market model)

Model name:	FINO
Release date:	Late March 2013
Sales target:	240,000 units (first full year after release, in Thailand)

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Honda Announces the New LEAD125 Scooter in Vietnam

HANOI, VIETNAM – March 27, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Honda Vietnam Co., Ltd. (President: Masayuki Igarashi), a Honda joint venture in Vietnam for production and sales of motorcycles and automobiles, today announced the release of the LEAD125, a liquid-cooled 125cc single-cylinder scooter.

LEAD 125

The LEAD125 is equipped with a liquid-cooled 125cc single-cylinder engine “eSP^*1” with high fuel efficiency incorporating low-friction technology, that have boosted the popularity of the PCX. The idling stop system was also adopted to further improve fuel economy. The model adopts Programmed Fuel Injection system (PGM-FI^*2) delivering stable engine performance while also contributing to the high fuel efficiency. Underneath the seat lies a large 37L space able to store two full-face helmets^*3. Meanwhile, LEDs adopted for the tail and position lights make the vehicle highly visible. The fuel lid and seat are opened through use of a rocker switch added to an easy-to-reach combination switch operated by the main key. A wide variety of enhancements improve usability, including the addition of a clock and use of highly visible illuminated pointers in the LCD meters. As a scooter that brings together running performance and utility at a high level, the LEAD125 is suited for a wide variety of uses.

Honda Vietnam will produce 200,000 units of the LEAD125 annually. The vehicles will be sold in Vietnam, and expected to start exporting to Japan in early summer. These activities will make Vietnam the fourth Asian country to provide global production and export, following China, Thailand and India, as it takes on a vital role in Honda’s global business.

1. * Stands for “enhanced Smart Power,” a collective term for engines intended for scooters and having enhanced environmental and dynamic performance as a result of adopting advanced technologies such as fuel efficient technology and the ACG starter.
2. * PGM-FI is a Honda registered trademark.
3. * It may not be able to store depending on the size or shapes.

Overview of Honda Vietnam Co., Ltd.

Establishment	March 1996
Location	Head office (plants): Vinh Phuc Province Sales offices: Hanoi City, Ho Chi Minh City
Capital	US$ 62.90 million
Capitalization ratio	Honda Motor Co., Ltd.: 42% Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd.: 28% VEAM (Vietnam Engine and Agricultural Machinery Corporation): 30%
Representative	President: Masayuki Igarashi
Business	Production, sales, and service of motorcycles and automobiles
Production start	Motorcycles: December 1997 Automobiles: July 2006
Annual production capacity	Motorcycles: 2 million units Automobiles: 10 thousand units
Number of motorcycle dealers	634 (as of December 2012)

Dealer Expo 2013 Attracts Exhibitors and Attendees from 47 States plus the District of Columbia and 48 Countries

2013 Attendance Figures Released

SANTA MONICA, CA – March 27, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – The Dealernews International Powersports Dealer Expo wrapped up its 48^th annual event Feb. 15-17 in Indianapolis, Ind.  Final figures have total attendance at 10,904, down approximately 27% from last year which accurately reflects the 36% decrease in US dealers across the country. Dealer Expo, though smaller in numbers this year – was a successful showcase for Powersports enthusiasm and connection amongst peers and colleagues in 2013.

According to show management at parent company Advanstar Communications, Inc., Dealer Expo 2013 attracted 10,904 exhibitor, buyer and allied industry trade professionals. Verified attendees totaled 5,452, with approximately 3,700 verified as traditional franchised and independent retailer buyers, a decrease of about 27% from the 2011 Dealer Expo and approximately 30% from the 2012 Expo. The United States franchised and independent retailer base in the powersports industry has declined 36% since 2009.

“In light of the economy and its effects over the year, we approached this show with conservative expectations,” said senior vice president Tracy Harris. “In this economic downturn, we’ve observed many trade shows are down in attendance.”

The Motorcycle Industry Council estimates that sales of motorcycles, scooters and ATVs in the U.S. market decreased by 54 percent in 2012 compared to the market’s peak five years ago. “It seems logical to assume that if you have 54% fewer unit sales and 36%  fewer dealers, you’re also going to have fewer vendors as well,” noted industry veteran and Dealernews contributing editor Mike Vaughan, whose commentary on the 2013 Dealer Expo appears in the April issue of Dealernews.

“We were pleased to see a large number of exhibitors and attendees at this year’s Dealer Expo had a renewed spirit and momentum,” said Harris. “We spent a great deal of time listening to our clients. We want to know how we can make next year’s show a better reflection of them…and an integral part of their buying cycle. Simply put: Dealer Expo is their show.”

The Center for Exhibition Industry Research has recently stated that, even though attendance and exhibit space may decrease during economic downturns, key buyers continue to attend trade events and the percentage of trade show attendees that plan to make purchases at these events remains high.

Plans are underway for the 49^th Annual Dealer Expo. “Expect announcements in the next several weeks,” Harris said.

About Dealer Expo

The 2013 Dealernews International Powersports Dealer Expo is the largest powersports business event in the world, bringing together dealers, distributors, aftermarket parts and accessory companies and original equipment manufacturers in one place at one time each year for a “buying, learning and networking” experience. The event provides a valuable and efficient show experience for its customers, including nine segmented marketplaces on the show floor, in one trade show hall, and learning, networking and entertainment opportunities centered on distinct product and lifestyle categories.

About Dealernews

Dealernews Is The Voice of Powersports Retailers, helping them combine their passion for the sport with their pursuit of profit. Dealernews is an integrated information service, encompassing the flagship 49-year-old monthly magazine, the industry’s largest B2B media website (www.dealernews.com), and the industry’s largest family of business-to-business e-newsletters, the DealerNEWS ALERTS. Dealernews is a member of the Advanstar Powersports Group, which includes the Progressive International Motorcycle Shows and the Dealernews International Powersports Dealer Expo. www.dealernews.com

About Advanstar Communications

Advanstar Communications Inc. (www.advanstar.com) is a leading worldwide media company providing integrated marketing solutions for the Fashion, Life Sciences and Powersports Industries. Advanstar serves business professionals and consumers in these industries with its portfolio of 147 events, 68 publications and directories, 267 electronic products and Web sites, as well as educational and direct marketing products and services. Market leading brands and a commitment to delivering innovative, quality products and services enables Advanstar to “Connect Our Customers with Theirs.”

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Dealer-to-Dealer Sales Website Positioned as ‘Auction Alternative’

By Holly J. Wagner

VERONA, Wis. – Dealers looking for a way to bulk up on pre-owned vehicles have a new option.

Simms Motorsports Marketing owner Jon Simms in January launched WholesaleVehicleMarket.com, a dealer-to-dealer marketplace for used vehicles.

Dealers can register on the site for free. They must provide documentation that they are dealerships and the registration is tied to the store, not an individual. So far, 47 have signed up, according to the company.

Simms is positioning the site, a licensed Wisconsin wholesale dealer, as an “auction alternative,” and many of the benefits are the same – extended reach, improved liquidity, keeping inventory to meet local or seasonal demands.

“There’s a fair number of dealers out there that don’t go to auctions. They don’t like auctions and don’t want to …

Click here to read the rest of the story

 

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Yamaha Unveiling the new brand slogan “Revs your Heart”

JAPAN – February 14, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. will adopt a new brand slogan “Revs your Heart” to coincide with the start of the new medium-term management plan. The slogan will be used worldwide from March 2013 to communicate the shared ideals of the global Yamaha Motor group both internally and externally.

Our new brand statement “Empowered by a passion for innovation, we create exceptional value and experiences that enrich the lives of our customers.” defines the commitment behind this new slogan.

With this new brand slogan and brand statement as a guide, the entire Yamaha Motor group will work together to make advancements in craftsmanship and marketing that are uniquely Yamaha, and provide Kando* that exceeds the expectations of our customers across the globe.

New Brand Slogan

“Revs your Heart”

Example when combined with the company logo

Scheduled start: From March 2013

Application: Global marketing tools e.g. catalogs, posters, TV commercials, event tools, and websites

*Kando is a Japanese word for the simultaneous feelings of deep satisfaction and intense excitement that we experience when we encounter something of exceptional value.

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Yamaha is Recalling 8,700 2009 YW125 (Zuma 125) Scooters

WASHINGTON, D.C. – February 12, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) -

Vehicle Make – Model – Model Year(s)

• YAMAHA  YW125  2009

Report Receipt Date: FEB 04, 2013

NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V035000

Component(s): FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Potential Number of Units Affected: 8,700

Manufacturer: YAMAHA MOTOR CORPORATION, USA

SUMMARY: Yamaha is recalling certain model year 2009 YW125 (Zuma 125) scooters manufactured between July 2008 and April 2009 due to possible improper clearances in the internal fuel pump components. These improper clearances may cause an inadequate supply of fuel.

CONSEQUENCE: The limited fuel supply could cause engine stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY: Yamaha will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump with a newly designed fuel pump. The recall is expected to begin February 19, 2013. Owners contact Yamaha at 1-800-962-7926.

NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

 

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