WASHINGTON, DC – August 18, 2008 – Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA today introduced its 2009 line of WaveRunner® personal watercraft at the company’s annual dealer meeting held this week in Washington, DC.

More than 1000 dealers and international distributors were on hand for the launch of Yamaha’s new FZ™ series WaveRunners, which are the first sit-down personal watercraft designed for stand-up riding.  This is made possible through Yamaha’s industry-first telescopic steering column and a hull, deck and seat all designed to enable this new style of riding. The FZ Series features an all new performance inspired, nano-engineered hull, a 1.8 liter supercharged engine, and the bold looks and styling reminiscent of the Company’s popular GP racing series.

Fuel Efficiency Through Smart Design
Every model in Yamaha’s 2009 lineup is the most fuel efficient in its class, in many cases using up to 2 gallons of fuel less per hour than competitive models.  Based on average annual use, this can save consumers hundreds to even thousands of dollars in fuel costs. Customers can also reduce their fuel consumption up to 26% by using Yamaha’s Low RPM Mode™, a wireless remote-activated feature exclusive to Yamaha.  Further savings are gained through the fact that Yamaha offers the industry’s only entire line of personal watercraft optimized to run on regular 87 octane fuel.

New FZ Series Redefines Performance
The FZ series includes two models, the FZR™ and the FZS™. The FZR is a two-person WaveRunner that features a muscular, coupe-like profile. The three-person FZS offers the ability to tow or ride with multiple passengers. Both of these models feature hulls and decks comprised of Yamaha’s proprietary NanoXcel™, which was engineered through nanotechnology to create hulls, decks and liners that have been shown to be 25% lighter, yet incredibly stronger, than previous manufacturing methods. The telescoping steering column is a key component to the overall design of the FZ Series which was made from the ground up to be the first of its kind – a sit-down watercraft made for stand-up riding.

The FX Series Expands with the Industry’s Largest Displacement Engine
Yamaha also introduced two new models into its successful FX series, the FX Cruiser® HO and the FX® HO.  Both the FX Cruiser HO and the FX HO are powered by Yamaha’s unprecedented 1812 cc, normally aspirated marine engine. The FX Cruiser HO and the FX HO also include Yamaha’s revolutionary NanoXcel hulls.

“Our story in 2009 is about offering a best in class product at every segment of the market,” said Mark Speaks, president of Yamaha Watercraft.  “We are doing this through a continued focus on fuel efficiency, performance, technology and value across the entire line.  These key attributes have lead our SHO series to become the most award winning personal watercraft ever, and our VX line to lead the industry in sales.”

The 2009 line-up also includes the FX Cruiser SHO® and the FX SHO®, which were recently named Watercraft of the Year by Watercraft World® magazine; as well as the industry’s top selling and most fuel efficient 3-person VX line consisting of the VX Cruiser®, VX® Deluxe, VX® Sport, VX® models.  Yamaha’s legendary SuperJet™, the best selling stand up ever, returns as well.

See the entire 2009 line up of Yamaha WaveRunners.