New Delhi, 15th March 2017: India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd announced the receipt of the prestigious India Design Mark (I Mark) certification by the India Design Council which is given to Yamaha's stylishly designed Sports Model bike YZF-R3 and the popular next generation real boy's scooter Cygnus Ray-ZR. This is the 6th consecutive year that Yamaha has received this esteemed certification. Since 2012, Yamaha has received the I Mark certification for products like YZF-R15 version 2.0 (2012), Cygnus Ray (2013), Cygnus Ray Z (2014), Cygnus Alpha (2015), FZ-S FI version 2.0 (2015), Yamaha Fascino scooter and Saluto 125 bike (2016). With the YZF-R3 and Cygnus Ray-ZR winning the certification in 2017, Yamaha's DNA of design philosophy receives the true testimony for its entire range of products which are offered in India.

India Design Council is an autonomous body of Government of India established under the aegis of Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, Ministry of Commerce & Industry comprising of eminent people in academia, design and industry organizations. The India Design Council has initiated India Design Mark in cooperation with Japan Institute of Design Promotion (JDP). India Design Mark symbol is a trustworthy indicator of excellence. The symbol can be used in a wide range of ways, such as advertisements, catalogues, product packaging, and other promotional mediums.

Receiving the India Design Mark is an achievement for Yamaha as India Design Mark is the highest design recognition from the Indian Government through India Design Council. India Design Mark symbolizes excellence in form, function, quality, safety, sustainability and innovation and communicates that the product is usable, durable and aesthetically appealing. It is also known to be an excellent launch pad for new products launched in the market.

The YZF-R3 is powered by 321 cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, in-line 2-cylinder, fuel-injected engine. With all-new engine and chassis designs, the YZF-R3 sports a solid combination of class-leading power and a lightweight body that achieves high levels of riding performance and styling worthy of the "superbike" moniker. At the same time, it offers the nimbleness and easy-to-use character for daily use as well as riding excitement in a variety of usage scenes. The YZF-R3 Sports Model boasts increased displacement and a lighter yet higher-performance chassis, a winning combination that immediately establishes the model as one of the most competitive entries in its class. The YZF-R3 offers agile handling from the lightweight body, mass centralization measures, etc. It aims to achieve an excellent balance of both high performance and fuel efficiency and a riding position that is good for sporty riding and results in reducing rider fatigue.

Cygnus Ray-ZR was developed around the concept of a "Next-Generation Real Boy's Scooter." It takes on a new exterior design characterized by a sense of dynamism and layered forms that gives a fresh look like no other scooter before and expresses the strength of a well-trained physique. The design realizes the 'Real Boy's Scooter' concept by balancing the deeply-sculpted and powerful front mask, effortlessly-layered straight lines, and tail surround accentuated with a sense of speed. The Cygnus Ray-ZR is powered by an air-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 2-valve, 113cc "BLUE CORE" engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) unit. It features a lightweight body (103 kg) with glamorous design and offers user-friendliness.

Saluto (2015 Model)

Commenting on this achievement, Mr. Masaki Asano, Managing Director, Yamaha Motor India Sales Pvt. Ltd said, "Yamaha is committed towards youngsters and design plays a critical role in attracting them. Yamaha is delighted to have win it for sixth consecutive year since 2012, also that Yamaha has been recognized for excellence in design, especially coming from India Design Mark makes it all the more special. This India Design Mark certification is dedicated to everyone at Yamaha who constantly innovates and creates products which are in sync with the dynamic auto market."

Mr. Roy Kurian, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Yamaha Motor India Sales Pvt. Ltd. said, "Yamaha is postulated to come up with exciting products with excellence in design, style and comfort that revs heart. The certification will induce trust among its customers and will also generate the desired brand worth in terms of winning new customers. Customers accepted YZF-R3 and Cygnus Ray ZR with incredible gusto and the certification by India Design Mark will further manifest its overall impression."

About India Design Mark (I Mark):

India Design Mark is a design standard, a symbol, which recognizes good design. India Design Council grants India Design Mark after evaluating good design through a systemized process. India Design Mark is initiated in cooperation with Good Design Award, Japan. Through India Design Mark, the India Design Council seeks to inspire Indian manufacturers to bring to the market well designed products that enrich the lives of people.