New Personal Watercraft From Yamaha Wins Popular Science 'Best of What's New' Award

KENNESAW, Ga., Nov. 15, 2007 -- Popular Science(R), the largest circulation magazine in current science and technology, announced today that it has chosen the Yamaha FX Cruiser(R) SHO(TM) for its "Best of What's New" award in the recreation category. The FX Cruiser SHO is the first personal watercraft to incorporate nanotechnology into its manufacturing and also features the largest displacement engine ever in a personal watercraft.

The FX Cruiser SHO features Yamaha's exclusive, nanotechnology formula, called NanoXcel(TM), in its hull, deck and liner manufacturing. NanoXcel hulls, decks and liners are 25 percent lighter than comparable components, significantly increasing performance and handling.

The FX Cruiser SHO also features Yamaha's brand new Super High Output engine; a 1.8 liter, 1812cc, supercharged, intercooled, four-stroke high performance engine -- the largest displacement motor ever in a personal watercraft.

In addition, Yamaha's exclusive electronic throttle enables the FX Cruiser SHO to offer new features never before seen on personal watercraft. These include the industry's first Cruise Assist(TM) feature that allows the operator to set and maintain a desired speed for effortless cruising and No Wake Mode(TM) that sets the engine at an optimal speed for no wake speed zones. In addition the FX Cruiser SHO features reverse with traction control technology for unmatched maneuverability while in reverse.

"We set out to break new ground for our industry with our new SHO WaveRunner(R) and receiving this prestigious award confirms we were successful in achieving just that," says Yamaha Watercraft President Mark Speaks. "NanoXcel, our super compact and lightweight engines, and our new engine control electronics represent significant advancements in boat manufacturing that will improve our customers' experience through products that are lighter, quicker and more fun to ride. We are honored to have Popular Science acknowledge the engineering innovations that went into this accomplishment."

Each year, Popular Science reviews thousands of new products and innovations for consideration to be "Best of What's New." The winners are awarded inclusion in the much-anticipated December issue of Popular Science, the most widely read issue of the year.

About Yamaha WaterCraft

Yamaha Boats and WaveRunner personal watercraft are products of the Yamaha Watercraft Group, a division of Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA. Headquartered in Kennesaw, GA, the Yamaha Watercraft Group is responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of Yamaha watercraft in the United States. For more information, please visit http://www.yamaha-motor.com/.

This document contains many of Yamaha's valuable trademarks. It may also contain trademarks belonging to other companies. Any references to other companies or their products are for identification purposes only, and are not intended to be an endorsement.

   Media Contact:
   Bob Gonsalves, R. Allen Group for Yamaha, 770-850-8254,
   bob.gonsalves@rallengroup.com