Kawasaki Celebrates 30th Anniversary of JET SKI Watercraft; After Pioneering the Personal Watercraft Industry, Kawasaki Continues to Innovate with Two All-New Models for 2003

Asset Caption: A nearly-completed 2003 Kawasaki JET SKI® STX-12F watercraft - the cleanest personal watercraft in the industry - rolls down the assembly line at Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp., U.S.A., in Lincoln, Nebraska. Kawasaki, the company that started the personal watercraft craze, is celebrating the 30th anniversary of JET SKI watercraft this year.

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    Sports Editors/Business Editors
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    IRVINE, Calif.--March 11, 2003--The company that started the personal watercraft craze is celebrating the 30th anniversary of JET SKI(R) watercraft. Beyond creating a new form of recreation, Kawasaki changed the boating world forever when it introduced the very first JET SKI model.
    An early spy report in 1972, published in the San Diego Union(a), described people riding JET SKI watercraft as "...skimming the water behind a pair of motorcycle-type handlebars testing a new type of water scooter." The article went on to say that the "stand-up scooters" appeared to offer the "...thrills of water skiing without the need of a towboat."
    One year later in 1973, Kawasaki launched production of the stand-up JET SKI watercraft, pioneering the personal watercraft industry and setting the standard for a new mode of recreation. JET SKI was an instant hit and quickly became the recreational choice for water sports lovers around the globe.
    In 1975, to protect the name from becoming the generic description for personal watercraft, JET SKI became a registered trademark of Kawasaki. Therefore, if it isn't a Kawasaki, it isn't a JET SKI.
    Kawasaki marked another milestone in 1975 when it launched the JET SKI 400 watercraft -- the first model to be mass-produced in the United States at Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp., U.S.A., in Lincoln, Nebraska. With that, Kawasaki became the first Japanese vehicle company -- car or motorcycle -- to build products in the United States. JET SKI watercraft and other Kawasaki products are still assembled in Lincoln today.
    Kawasaki broadened its JET SKI product line in 1986 with the development of the X2, a hybrid two-passenger personal watercraft with stand-up and sit-down capabilities. Three years later, Kawasaki introduced the two-passenger JET SKI Tandem Sport(TM), the first true sit-down JET SKI watercraft.
    In 1994, Kawasaki unveiled its first three-passenger watercraft, the 750 Sport Tourer(TM). And, in 2001, Kawasaki introduced its revolutionary Smart Steering(TM) technology on two JET SKI models. This groundbreaking steering system detects the rider's steering input as well as the speed of operation to help ensure that essential thrust is available when needed.
    Commemorating its 30th anniversary, Kawasaki has introduced two all-new JET SKI watercraft. The 2003 800 SX-R is the first all-new stand-up JET SKI watercraft in more than a decade. The 800 boasts an advanced hull design for increased stability and the greatest power to date in a stand-up JET SKI watercraft.
    Kawasaki has also introduced the four-stroke JET SKI STX-12F -- the cleanest(b) personal watercraft in the industry. The three-passenger high-performance STX-12F also comes loaded with ample storage, excellent towing capabilities and Kawasaki Smart Steering -- all at a price tag lower than any other four-stroke personal watercraft.
    Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., (KMC) markets and sells at wholesale Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, JET SKI(R) watercraft, MULE(TM) utility vehicles, portable generators and power products. Kawasaki's tagline, Let the good times roll(TM), is recognized worldwide for the spirit of fun, adventure and high performance that characterizes the Kawasaki recreational vehicle line. Kawasaki product lines are sold through a network of more than 1,500 independent retailers. The company and its affiliates employ nearly 2,400 people in the United States, with approximately 550 of them located at the Irvine, California headquarters.

    (a) San Diego Union October 18, 1972
    (b) The STX-12F earned a three-star rating for ultra low emissions for meeting the California Air Resources Board 2008 emissions guidelines which are the most stringent emissions regulations in the U.S. boating industry.

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