Cypress, CA (4/16/2011)
- A jury in Los Angeles County, Calif., today
unanimously rejected the plaintiff’s claims
and returned a defense verdict in McAnelly vs
Yamaha, a case involving an accident on a Yamaha
Rhino. This verdict in favor of Yamaha marks the
fourth time in California and seventh time in
a row that a jury has rejected plaintiffs’
claims regarding the Rhino’s design, finding
no defect in the Rhino. In July 2010, a jury found
for Yamaha in a Rhino trial in Santa Ana County,
Calif., as did a jury in San Bernardino County
in August 2010 and a jury in Orange County in
April 2011.
The testimony and evidence presented during
the trial showed that this unfortunate incident
had nothing to do with the design of the product.
The incident underscores the importance of following
the safety recommendations on Yamaha’s
products and in the owner’s manual, and
to always operate the products in a safe and
responsible manner. Rhinos are recommended for
drivers age 16 or older with a valid driver’s
license. Drivers and passengers should at all
times wear helmets, protective gear including
over-the-ankle footwear, and the vehicle’s
three-point seat belts. The vehicle is designed
for a maximum of two riders, sitting side-by-side
in the vehicle’s front seats, and passengers
should never ride in the vehicle’s cargo
bed.
The Rhino is a safe and useful off-road vehicle
when driven responsibly, and has won virtually
every “first in class” award and
top safety ratings in independent reviews since
its introduction.
Yamaha stands firmly behind the Rhino and will
continue to vigorously defend the product.
To learn more about the Yamaha Rhino, visit
our website www.truthaboutrhino.com.
About Yamaha Motor
Corp., U.S.A.
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., (YMUS), a
leader in the motorsports market, makes the
toughest, most capable and versatile ATV and
Side-by-Side vehicles. The company’s ever-expanding
product offerings also include motorcycles,
outboard motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles,
boats, outdoor power equipment, race kart engines,
accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products
are sold through a nationwide network of dealers
in the United States.
Headquartered in Cypress,
Calif., since its incorporation in 1976, Yamaha
also has facilities in Wisconsin and Georgia,
as well as factory operations in Tennessee and
Georgia. For more information on Yamaha, visit
www.yamaha-motor.com.